Finefield, Jennifer M., authorWilliams, Robert Michael, advisorRovis, Tomislav, 1968-, committee memberKennan, Alan J., committee memberElliott, C. Michael, committee memberThamm, Douglas H., committee member2007-01-032007-01-032011http://hdl.handle.net/10217/46212Herein are documented our efforts in two projects, beginning with studies toward elucidating the biosynthesis of prenylated indole alkaloids from two different Aspergillus species. Marine-derived Aspergillus sp. and terrestrial-derived Aspergillus versicolor were found to produce antipodal metabolites, in which we have developed several putative biosynthetic pathways to determine the enantio-diverging point of these fungal cultures. Through the synthesis of several potential intermediates, both with and without isotopic labeling, as well as through bioinformatics analysis of both the (-)- and (+)-notoamide biosynthetic gene clusters, significant progress has been made toward identifying a single biosynthetic precursor that serves as an intermediate to the postulated enantio-diverging event, the intramolecular hetero Diels-Alder cycloaddition. In the second project discussed, through collaboration with Dr. James Berenson at the University of California, Los Angeles, we have developed a novel tumor specific drug delivery system. Two naphthyridine-drug derivatives were synthesized and conjugated to a modified DNA oligonucleotide specifically targeted for multiple myeloma cells. The oligonucleotide-drug conjugate was successfully delivered and activated specifically within RMI8226 multiple myeloma cells.born digitaldoctoral dissertationsengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.naphthyridineAspergillusText