Scientists have identified a compound called largazole, produced by cyanobacteria that grow on coral reefs off the coast of key largo, that may have potentials as an anti-cancer drug.

Largazole, discovered and named by Luesch for its Florida location and structural features, seeks out a family of enzymes called histone deacetylase, or HDAC. Overactivity of certain HDACs has been associated with several cancers such as prostate and colon tumors, and inhibiting HDACs can activate tumor-suppressor genes that have been silenced in these cancers.

Following promising results in initial laboratory tests, animal tests are currently being planned.