Abstract: This invention relates to the diagnosis of disease conditions, such as cancer and autoimmune disease, by the analysis of cell-free nucleosomes in samples from individuals. Methods of the invention may include contacting cell-free nucleosomes from a biological fluid sample obtained from the individual with an antibody that binds specifically with a modified histone protein. Binding of the antibody to the nucleosomes is indicative that the individual has the disease condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of antibodies directed against specific histone amino terminus modifications as diagnostic indicators of disease or congenital defects. In one embodiment, nucleosomes are isolated from a blood or serum sample of a patient using histone specific antibodies and the accompanying DNA is purified and analyzed for diagnostic and screening purposes.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I are disclosed wherein R4 is an ester or thioester group, and R, R1, R2, and R3 are as defined in the specification are inhibitors of rapidly dividing tumor cells.

Abstract: The present invention provide compounds exemplified by 2(R or S)-[2R-(S-Hydroxy-hydroxycarbamoyl-methyl)-4-methyl-pentanoylamine]-2-phenyl-ethanoic acid cyclopentyl ester; 2(R or S)-(3S-Hydroxycarbamoyl-2R-isobutyl-hex-5-enoylamino)-2-phenylethanoic acid isopropyl ester; 2(R or S)-[2R-(S-Hydroxycarbamoyi-methoxy-methyl)-4-methyl-pentanoylamino]-3-phenylethanoic acid cyclopentyl ester; 2(R or S)-(3S-Hydroxycarbamoyl-2R-isobutyl-hex-5-enoylamino)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethanoic acid cyclopentyl ester; 2(R or S)-(3S-Hydroxycarbamoyl-2R-isobutyl-hex-5-enoylamino)-2-(thien-2-yl)ethanoic acid cyclopentyl ester; and 2(R or S)-(3S-Hydroxycarbamoyl-2R-isobutyl-hex-5-enoylamino)-2-(thien-3-yl)ethanoic acid cyclopentyl ester are cytostatic agents. Methods of treating proliferative cell growth disorders as well a methods of inhibiting hyper-proliferative cells are also disclosed.