Antitumor compounds from actinomycetes: from gene clusters to new derivatives by combinatorial biosynthesis

Abstract

Covering: up to October 2008

Antitumor compounds produced by actinomycetes and novel derivatives generated by combinatorial biosynthesis are reviewed (with 318 references cited). The different structural groups for which the relevant gene clusters have been isolated and characterized are reviewed, with a description of the strategies used for the generation of the novel derivatives and the activities of these compounds against tumor cell lines.