Genes for the biosynthesis of epothilones

The present invention relates generally to polyketides and genes for their synthesis. In particular, the present invention relates to the isolation and characterization of novel polyketide synthase and nonribosomal peptide synthetase genes from that are necessary for the biosynthesis of epothilones A and B. Nucleic acid molecules are isolated from that encode polypeptides necessary for the biosynthesis of epothilone. Disclosed are methods for the production of epothilone in recombinant hosts transformed with the genes of the invention. In this manner, epothilone can be produced in quantities large enough to enable their purification and use in pharmaceutical formulations such as those for the treatment of cancer.