Historical material genetics

In this chapter, we shall describe the historical context of anthracycline discovery, the clinical use of anthracyclines, and molecular aspects of anthracycline activity. We also propose a comprehensive pathway for daunorubkin and doxorubkin biosynthesis, based on published material and our recent experiments with Srrepcomyces sp. strain C5. Support for this pathway is drawn from both classical and molecular genetics and in vivo and in vitro bioconversion of pathway intermediates. It is also clear from the data pre-seated herein and by a variety of laboratories that the daunorubkin, baumycin, and doxo-rubkin biosynthesis pathways are virtually identical in all producing organisms, with perhaps, at most, minor variations based on growth conditions used. 

---