Broad Spectrum Antimicrobial Biocides Target the FabI Component of Fatty Acid Synthesis

The broad spectrum antibacterial properties of 2-hydroxydiphenyl ethers have been appreciated for decades, and their use in consumer products is rapidly increasing. We identify the enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (fabI) component of the type II fatty acid synthase system as the specific cellular target for these antibacterials. Biologically active 2-hydroxydiphenyl ethers effectively inhibit fatty acid synthesis in vivo and FabI activity in...