This book describes biosynthetic methods to synthesize heterocyclic compounds, offering a guide for the development of new drugs based on natural products. The authors explain the role of natural products in chemistry and their formation along with important analytical methods and techniques for working with heterocycles.

• Covers methods and techniques: isotopic labelling, enzymes and mutants, and pathway identification
• Provides a thorough resource of information specifically on heterocyclic natural products and their practical biosynthetic relevance
• Explains the role of natural products in chemistry and their formation
• Discusses gene cluster identification and the use of biogenetic engineering in pharmaceutical application

Patrizia Diana is full Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Palermo. She is currently coordinator of the Medicinal and Biological Section of the Department of Science and Technology: Chemical, Biological, and Pharmaceutical (STEBICEF); and is a member of the Italian Chemical Society and International Society of Heterocyclic Chemistry.

Girolamo Cirrincione is full Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Palermo. He is a member of the Drug Discovery Committee of the Pharmacology and Molecular Mechanisms (PAMM)Group of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer; the Italian Chemical Society, where he is currently serving as President of the Medicinal Chemistry Division; and the International Society of Heterocyclic Chemistry, where he served  as vice president for 2004–05