Abstract: This invention relates to methods of inhibiting growth and/or proliferation of a neoplastic cell, and methods of treating neoplasms using the farnesylated dibenzodiazepinone compound of Formula I.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for identifying a secondary metabolite synthesized by a target gene cluster within a microorganism. A putative or confirmed function is attributed to a gene within the gene cluster, and an extract from the microorganism is obtained which is suspected to contain the secondary metabolite synthesized by the gene cluster. The extract is then assessed for chemical, physical or biological properties, and the metabolite is identified and optionally isolated. Further, the invention provides a knowledge repository in which gene cluster information is linked to secondary metabolite production data. The invention further relates to a graphical user interface for accessing the knowledge repository, and a memory for storing data, having a data structure that is stored in the memory.

Abstract: Polyene oxazoles of the following formula wherein R3 is selected from H and methyl, are disclosed. Such compounds, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, may be used in the inhibition of tumor cell growth. The polyene oxazoles and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts may be formulated as pharmaceutical compositions with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers for use in the inhibition of tumor cells. The polyene oxazoles may be obtained from strains of Streptomyces sparsogenes, such as strain 022 having deposit number IDAC 270504-04.

Abstract: The invention relates to biologically active dibenzodiazepinone analogs represented by Formula I, to methods of producing them, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them and to methods of treating neoplastic conditions.

Abstract: A method for identifying gene cluster is disclosed. The method may be used for identifying gene clusters involved in the biosynthesis of natural products. A small insert library of DNA fragments of genomic DNA and a large insert library of DNA fragments of genomic DNA are prepared. Fragments in the small insert library are sequenced and compared by homology comparison under computer control to a database containing genes, gene fragments or proteins known to be involved in the biosynthesis of microbial natural products. Fragments having similar structure to genes, gene fragments or proteins known to be involved in the biosynthesis of naturally occurring metabolites are used as probes to screen the large insert library of genomic DNA to detect gene clusters involved in the biosynthesis of microbial natural products.