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AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY NOVEMBER 2005, Volume 4, Issue 8 features

4 Katrina Makes Cuts in Research Likely 6 Science Committee Chair to Receive Schachman Award 8 ASBMB-Amgen Award to Ali Shilatifard 10 Special Events at Centennial Celebration 12 Protein Synthesis, Post-translational Modification and Degradation 18 Signaling in Aging and Disease 8 20 William Smith to Receive Rose Award ON THE COVER: 22 New Understanding of DNA Repair 14 ASBMB Staffer 23 ‘Dimmer Switch’ for Genes Involved in Katrina Relief 24 DNA Structure and Genomics Rearrangements 25 SACNAS Honors Phillip Ortiz 26 New Technique for Creating Human Stem Cells 28 Consortium to Focus on Tissue Research 29 Life Science Salaries Report

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE: MOST IMPROVED MAGAZINE departments COLUMNS & EDITORIALS DESIGN & LAYOUT 4 News From the Hill 20 9 ASNBMB Reminiscences 30 Biotech Business 32 Calendar

BRONZE AWARD WINNER 2003 LETTERS

ASBMB Council

Officers Judith S. Bond President Heidi E. Hamm President-elect Peggy J. Farnham Secretary Kenneth E. Neet Treasurer Merle Olson Treasurer-elect Council Members Writer Sees Need for William R. Brinkley Councilor Joan W. Conaway Councilor Robert A. Copeland Councilor Lila M. Gierasch Councilor Serious Dialogue About Frederick P. Guengerich Councilor William J. Lennarz Councilor Peter J. Parker Councilor William S. Sly Councilor Intelligent Design William L. Smith Councilor Suzanne Pfeffer Councilor Linda Pike Councilor Dear Editor, It seems to me that the time has Ex-Officio Members I found the article in your Septem- arrived for the scientific community to George M. Carman ber issue, Intelligent Design Does Not drink a healthy draft of humility. Chair, Meetings Committee Belong In the Science Classroom, Remember the recent “one gene, one George M. Carman Laurie S. Kaguni very interesting. While agreeing with protein” dogma? How many of us can Co-chairs, 2006 Program Committee much of it, I feel compelled to pres- encompass current transcription and J. Ellis Bell Chair, Education and Professional ent a somewhat different perspective. translation theory, or the onslaught of Development Committee First, I think that Creationism and proteomics? It does seem that it’s time Juliette Bell Chair, Minority Affairs Committee Intelligent Design should not be even for the science community to develop William R. Brinkley remotely connected; they are drasti- some kind of forum for serious dia- Chair, Public Affairs Advisory Committee Anthony E. Pegg cally different and any confusion logue about Intelligent Design. I do Chair, Publications Committee between them should be avoided. not believe that philosophy courses, Herbert Tabor Editor, JBC Second, I do not agree that Intelli- on the educational side, are appropri- Ralph A. Bradshaw gent Design seeks the “why” of natural ate for teaching ID, because they are Editor, MCP phenomena. I see Intelligent Design as not scientific enough. Edward A. Dennis Editor, JLR a perfectly normal scientific hypothesis Thanks for the opportunity for dis- aimed at explaining “how” (your defi- cussion. ASBMB Today is a monthly publication nition) the astoundingly complex uni- Sincerely, of The American Society for verse being revealed by current Thomas R. Blohm, Ph.D. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology research has produced things that 6468 Old Barn Ct. Editorial Advisory Board actually work (like us). Cincinnati, OH 45243 Irwin Fridovich Richard W. Hanson Bettie Sue Masters J. Evan Sadler Tell Us What You Think Robert D. Wells Comments ASBMB welcomes letters regarding matters that are of concern to the Please direct any comments or questions concerning ASBMB Today to: scientific community and to the nation at large, as well as comments John D. Thompson concerning articles that have appeared in ASBMB Today. Letters must Editor, ASBMB Today 9650 Rockville Pike be suitable for publication and the editor reserves the right to edit all Bethesda, MD 20814-3996 Phone: 301-634-7145; Fax: 301-634-7126 letters. Letters should be sent to John D. Thompson, Editor, ASBMB E-mail: [email protected] Today, 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814-3996 or by email to For information on advertising contact FASEB AdNet at 800-433-2732 [email protected]. Letters must be signed and must contain ext. 7157 or 301-634-7157, or email [email protected]. the writer’s address and telephone number. The editor reserves the right to edit all letters.

2 ASBMBToday NOVEMBER 2005

From the Desk of the President:

Strong Interdisciplinary Science

Requires Strong Disciplinary Training Dr. Judith Bond

t a recent meeting of the These projects required the best efforts understanding taking precedence over Association of American Med- of computational scientists, bio- pride and ego. The key element of A ical Colleges (AAMC) for chemists and molecular biologists. strong interdisciplinary science is to Chairs of Basic Science Departments in Industry has long recognized the value bring together teams committed to Medical Schools, several issues were of teams of specialists to discover, eval- addressing important problems, the addressed relating to “The Changing uate, develop and introduce members of which have complemen- Organization and Missions of Basic Sci- chemotherapeutic agents into clinical tary skills based upon strong training ence Departments” and “Dealing with use. In my own experience, I have and achievement in their respective the Hard Landing” (referring to the called upon experts in electron disciplines. Although scientists from end of the period of the doubling of microscopy to visualize the meprin different disciplines may rely on simi- NIH funding for biomedical research). metalloproteases, upon immunologists lar methods and technology, the prob- There was an underlying theme sug- to probe the interactions between lems addressed are framed from gesting (a) “the future is not what it these enzymes in inflammation, upon different perspectives, and call upon used to be” (Yogi Berra quote), and (b) human geneticists to map the meprin different bodies of literature/knowl- Basic Science Departments need to loci and to discover potential candi- edge. The proposition that discipline- engage in ‘interdisciplinary research’, date genes for inherited disease. based departments can be merged into ‘big science’, ‘translation research’, or The collaborators I have sought umbrella administrative units fails to become obsolete. Some suggest Basic have been strong independent scien- recognize the substantial differences Science Departments are ‘silos’ and tists, well versed in their disciplines. and uniqueness of the disciplines. It barriers to interdisciplinary research. They also have a passion to solve takes a village of disciplines to solve Yet most will admit that in order to problems, a willingness to exchange complex scientific problems! have strong interdisciplinary research views with confidence, the mutual we need strong disciplines and training trust and respect of colleagues, and a Judith Bond in depth in disciplines. desire to advance knowledge and ASBMB President Is there a conflict here? It seems to me that our organizations need to sup- port strong disciplinary departments Renew Your 2006 Membership Online that are training our future scientists, and lower the barriers between depart- ASBMB 2006 dues renewal notices have been ments to engage in interdisciplinary mailed to all members. You can now make research. Science has increasingly payment online at the ASBMB website: applied its methodology and expertise www.asbmb.org, by clicking on “member- to solve more complex and sophisti- ship” and then “renew your dues now.” cated problems, and has evolved from Your membership includes a free subscription to our monthly solitary scholarship to collaborations ASBMB Today, JBC Online magazine, plus free subscriptions to and in which individuals with complemen- MCP Online Biochemistry and . You also receive special member rates for tary expertise come together to address Molecular Biology Education, The Journal of Lipid Research Trends in Biochemical Sciences, JBC andMCP . a particular problem. as well as the print versions of and There are many examples of success- ful team research, such as the global ASBMB members may also register for the Annual Meeting at coordination of multidiscipline teams discountedAnnual Reviewrates. In of addition, Biochemistry you can order your 2006 edition of the through ASBMB. to determine the entire genomes of If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. selected bacteria, plants and animals.

NOVEMBER 2005 ASBMBToday 3 NEWS FROM THE HILL

by Peter Farnham, CAE, ASBMB Public Affairs Officer

Katrina’s Storm Surge Makes Cuts Likely In Research Spending ives and property were not the this was only a down payment on ous; the Senate appropriations com- only valuable commodities repairing the damage the storm mittee approved a 3.7% increase for L destroyed or damaged as a wrought; as much as $200 billion NIH, which (if the Senate number ulti- result of Hurricane Katrina’s catastrophic might ultimately be spent. The House mately prevails) would give NIH a total visit to the gulf coast on August 30. Fed- leadership at first intended simply to of $29.4 billion for 2006. However, no eral funding for scientific research may spend the additional money on hurri- one now seriously expects even the also have been dealt a body blow as a cane relief and not revisit earlier spend- House-approved figure to be signed result of the storm’s ripple effects. In ing decisions (the House had passed all into law. Instead, several options are some ways, these are as damaging as the of its appropriations bills before the on the table, none of them good for actual storm surge itself; the effects are August recess). But rank and file House biomedical research. simply more long-term. members balked after receiving an ear- First, the current CR is set to expire ful of criticism about out-of-control on November 18. However, some Government by “CR” spending during visits home. Thus, House members are touting the possi- In what has become an annual fall they began to agitate for offsetting bility of a year-long CR, which would ritual, Congress (specifically, the Senate) spending cuts to help alleviate the neg- keep discretionary spending at 2005 once again failed to complete work on ative effects on the deficit the Katrina levels. This would result in the federal all appropriations bills by October 1, the spending entailed. The House leader- government spending $29 billion less beginning of the new fiscal year. In ship quickly backed off their initial than the budget resolution. While a order to keep the government funded intent not to offset Katrina spending, bill proposing a year-long CR has not until all spending bills are signed into and now have adopted in principle the been introduced yet, the fact that law, Congress approved a continuing idea of spending cuts that they had House members are seriously consider- resolution, known colloquially as a derided mere weeks earlier. ing it makes it a viable possibility. “CR,” to fund the government until Not that the House-passed spending November 18. The CR freezes federal bills are generous. The 2006 budget A ‘haircut’ spending at 2005 levels, even though resolution—the annual spending blue- The second option is to give the both the House and Senate Labor/HHS print that sets the maximum level of budget a “haircut,” to use Rep. Jim Nus- bills (which fund the National Institutes discretionary spending for the coming sle’s (R-IA) colorful term describing what of Health) propose modest increases in year—limited the appropriations com- he has in mind. Nussle is chairman of spending for NIH this coming year. mittees to a total of $843 billion to the House Budget Committee, which is However, the level of spending needed fund all federal programs except for responsible for setting the level of each to alleviate the effects of Hurricane Kat- interest on the national debt, social year’s budget resolution. The 2006 rina now makes it likely that a spending security, and a few other programs, the budget resolution of $843 billion is 2.1% freeze at the 2005 level may be the best spending levels for which are man- larger than 2005, in line with the Presi- we can expect for scientific research in dated by law. Thus, in the House ver- dent’s request (most of the House-passed 2006. And, as explained below, it sion of the Labor/HHS bill, NIH (like 2006 appropriations bills reflect the Pres- increasingly looks like even the modest all biomedical research, NIH spending ident’s spending requests). goal of remaining at 2005 spending lev- is considered discretionary) received a However, Nussle said on October 4, els may be a pipedream. 0.5% increase, for a total of $28.5 bil- “In consultation with House Speaker In the weeks following the hurri- lion, slightly above the President’s Hastert, I will propose an amendment cane, Congress approved two Katrina request level of $28.45 billion. The to the budget for fiscal year 2006 call- spending bills totaling $62 billion, but Senate was comparatively more gener- Continued on page 7

4 ASBMBToday NOVEMBER 2005 Each bi-monthly issue provides college, university, and medical school educators with:

• Methods of assessing the effectiveness of new educational approaches

• The latest teaching techniques and practices

• Short reviews of biochemical knowledge

• Simple, proven lab experiments

www.bambed.org Science Committee Chairman Sherwood Boehlert By Peter Farnham, CAE, ASBMB Public Affairs Officer

herwood Boehlert (R-NY), Chairman of the House Com- “We once were so far S mittee on Science, is the 2006 ahead in the science recipient of the Howard K. Schachman and technology race Public Service Award. In announcing the award, ASBMB President Judith that we’d look behind Bond noted that Boehlert has been “an us and couldn’t even see outstanding advocate and supporter of scientific research” for his entire career who was second. Now in Congress. we look behind us and Boehlert has been in the House of they’re breathing down Representatives since January 1983 and according to his official biography, our necks. We’ve got to “has earned a reputation for independ- invest more in science ence, moderation and thoughtful lead- ership.” This is evident in many ways, and technology.” Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY), Chairman of the including through what he has chosen House Committee on Science. to display on the walls of his personal office. Instead of the usual display of science and technology.” When asked more than $30 billion a year. In his plaques, awards, and “grip ‘n’ grin” to comment on the view that biomed- first speech as chairman, Boehlert photos showing the member standing ical research is over-funded at the pledged to “build the Science Commit- next to a famous—or not-so-famous— expense of adequate funding for tee into a significant force within the public personality, Boehlert’s office research in the physical, scientific and Congress,” and “to ensure that we walls are covered with framed copies of geological sciences, Boehlert said that have a healthy, sustainable, and pro- the title pages of legislation he has “It’s not that the NIH is over-funded; ductive R&D establishment, one that authored or championed, along with it’s that the physical sciences are educates students, increases human the pens used to sign them into law. under-funded. These disciplines are all knowledge, strengthens U.S. competi- There are at least two dozen such dis- needed; science is of a piece. Even [for- tiveness and contributes to the well- plays on Boehlert’s office wall, cer- mer NIH Director] Harold Varmus being of the nation and the world.” tainly the most this writer has seen in once said that more money ought to One of Boehlert’s top priorities is sci- any congressional office. be spent on the physical sciences. We ence and math education, and several Boehlert is well known as a cham- have to make sure that Congress pro- of the Science Committee’s major ini- pion of the federal investment in sci- vides the resources necessary to bring tiatives in both K-12 and undergradu- ence and technology. As he told this about.” ate education were signed into law as ASBMB Today, “We need to convince Boehlert has served on the Science part of the Investing in America’s the American people that we need a Committee since taking office in 1983, Future Act, which put the National Sci- greater investment in science and tech- and was elected chairman in January ence Foundation on track toward dou- nology. We once were so far ahead in 2001. The committee has jurisdiction bling its budget over five years. the science and technology race that over all federal non-military scientific Following the tragic events of Sep- we’d look behind us and couldn’t even and technology research and develop- tember 11, 2001, the Science Commit- see who was second. Now we look ment (R&D) programs, including the tee played a key role in the behind us and they’re breathing down National Science Foundation, and fed- development of legislation establishing our necks. We’ve got to invest more in eral spending on these programs totals the Department of Homeland Security,

6 ASBMBToday NOVEMBER 2005 Selected as 2006 Schachman Award Recipient

ensuring the creation of an undersecre- to public service in support of bio- Advisory Committee as effective and tary for science and technology at the medical science, as exemplified by influential. new department. the award’s namesake. Howard The Schachman Award is given Recognizing that innovation is the Schachman served as chairman of annually, and consists of a permanent key to U.S. economic success, Boehlert ASBMB’s Public Affairs Advisory keepsake, an honorarium of $5,000, an has also focused his efforts on Committee from 1989 to 2000, and opportunity to deliver a talk or lecture strengthening the U.S. research enter- made numerous contributions to at the Society’s annual meeting, and prise and American industry. In biomedical research policy in both travel expenses to the meeting. December 2003, President Bush signed governmental and non-governmen- ASBMB offers its heartiest congratu- into law Boehlert’s 21st Century Nan- tal capacities as well as firmly estab- lations to Mr. Boehlert, its 2006 otechnology Research and Develop- lishing the ASBMB Public Affairs Schachman Award recipient. ment Act, which authorized a better funded and coordinated interagency program in nanotechnology, an Research Spending continued … emerging field of science that the National Science Foundation estimates Continued from page 4 meting, according to recent participants will be a $1 trillion industry within the ing for additional savings—in both in study section deliberations at NIH; next decade. Science Committee legis- mandatory and discretionary spend- in some study sections, pay lines lation was also signed into law last year ing—to make a down payment on dis- are approaching the levels prevalent in to strengthen U.S. supercomputing aster relief.” While he does not the late 1990s, before the doubling capabilities. On September 21, 2005, mention a specific figure here, Nussle took place. the House passed committee legisla- has been talking up the possibility of But more broadly, across-the-board tion to help domestic manufacturers eliminating almost all of the increase cuts are almost always bad public pol- remain globally competitive. in discretionary spending in the 2006 icy. The essence of politics is making Concerned that unnecessary visa budget resolution; he is proposing a choices, and across-the-board cuts by delays would discourage the world’s 2% cut in all discretionary spending— definition do not make choices; rather, top students and researchers from hence the term, “haircut.” they treat all programs alike without becoming part of the U.S. research any effort to discriminate based on the enterprise, Boehlert also led a success- A haircut—or a clip value of spending programs. Biomed- ful effort to reduce the waiting time for job? ical research has long been considered visas through a series of hearings and a Unfortunately, such a proposal plays one of the best ways to spend public Government Accountability Office out very adversely at NIH. Biomedical money. To cut spending at what has study. Boehlert is also known as a inflation is usually in the range of 3-4 % been called one of the “crown jewels” staunch environmentalist, and one of each year (it is always higher than gen- of the Federal government strikes many his legislative initiatives of which he is eral inflation), so any increase less than observers as short-sighted at best. most proud is the Clean Air Act this amounts to a cut in NIH funding, Unfortunately, the ripple effects of Amendments of 1990, which attacked since NIH needs at least an inflationary Hurricane Katrina have rendered unlikely the problem of acid rain, at the time increase to support the current level of even a modest increase in biomedical especially affecting the Adirondacks. effort. Thus, the House-approved figure research spending this year. One can only The Howard K. Schachman Public of less than a 1% increase would already hope that as 2007 spending plans begin Service Award, established by the put NIH behind inflation. A 2% cut on to develop, someone in Congress will see ASBMB in 2001, recognizes individu- top of that would be even more damag- the danger to the public health that Kat- als who best demonstrate dedication ing. Pay lines in the institutes are plum- rina’s ripples are causing.

NOVEMBER 2005 ASBMBToday 7 ASBMB Centennial Celebration: Chemistry of Life

ASBMB-Amgen Award Goes to Ali Shilatifard li Shilatifard, Professor, Depart- “By systematically fractionating and appeared in numer- ment of Chemistry, St. Louis assaying rat liver nuclear extracts, Shi- ous reviews and A University has been selected to latifard single-handedly identified and book chapters, in receive the ASBMB-Amgen Award. The quickly purified a novel RNA poly- addition to the Award is made to a new investigator merase II elongation factor. This pro- other 40 or so (defined as an individual with no more tein unexpectedly turned out to be a high-quality publi- than 15 years experience since receipt of rat homolog of the product of the cations he has gen- a doctorate) for significant achievements human ELL gene, which undergoes erated. He has also in the application of biochemistry and frequent translocations with the tritho- leveraged his scien- Dr. Ali Shilatifard molecular biology to the understanding rax-like MLL gene in acute myeloid tific skills in support of the broader of disease. However, the implications for leukemia. This work, which provided gene regulation community,” noted human disease should be evident. Nom- the first hints of possible biological Michael Carey, Director of the Jonsson inations must be originated by Society functions of the ELL gene product, was Cancer Center Gene Regulation Pro- members, but the nominees need not be published in 1996 in Science.” gram at UCLA. “It is a great honor to ASBMB members. The Award consists of Since starting his own laboratory in teach the Cold Spring Harbor Gene a silver and crystal commemorative 1997, Shilatifard has been extremely Expression Course and Dr. Shilatifard is sculpture, a stipend, an unrestricted productive. Much of his early inde- an instructor and soon to be chair of research grant, and transportation, and pendent work involved in depth bio- the course.” expenses to present a lecture at the 2006 chemical studies of ELL. He first purified Shilatifard is on the editorial board ASBMB Annual Meeting and Centennial and characterized a multi subunit ELL of the Journal of Biological Chemistry Celebration, April 1-5 in San Francisco. complex (Shilatifard, 1998). One inter- and is a member of the MGC2 study Recent recipients of this award were esting property of this complex was that section, where many transcriptional Barry Forman in 2005, Steven C. Almo it failed to repress transcription initia- regulation grants are reviewed. Most in 2004, Wesley Sundquist in 2003, tion by RNA polymerase II, unlike the importantly, in addition to his numer- Joseph Heitman in 2002, and Thomas isolated ELL protein. The purification of ous invited talks and seminars, Shilati- Ried in 2001. the complex paved the way for the fard recently organized the “We first became acquainted with cloning of ELL associated proteins. The ASBMB-sponsored 2005 Transcrip- Ali,” recalled Joan and Ronald cloning and characterization of the first tional Regulation by Chromatin and Conaway, Investigators at the Stowers associated protein was reported the fol- RNA Polymerase II meeting at Institute for Medical Research, in their lowing year (Schmidt et al., 1999). The Granlibakken. This meeting was of letter nominating Shilatifard for the protein that was cloned, EAP30, pro- note because it was the subject of two award, “when he came to our labora- vides significant insight into the func- journal reviews due to the timely tory approximately 10 years ago to do tions of the endogenous ELL complex nature of the material. postdoctoral research. As a postdoctoral because of its homology to a well-char- On the personal side, Shilatifard fellow, Ali initiated an ambitious bio- acterized yeast protein called SNF8. In presents entertaining yet scientifi- chemical search for novel RNA poly- addition, EAP30 appears to be responsi- cally rigorous seminars, and addition- merase II elongation factors. Although ble for derepression of the RNA poly- ally is an individual who goes to great he realized the potential rewards of merase-inhibitory activity of purified lengths to provide advice and inspira- such research, he also realized the risks, ELL. As part of his comprehensive tion to younger colleagues. In sum- because of the enormous amount of analysis of ELL proteins, Shilatifard iso- mary, Ali Shilatifard is an outstanding work required to identify and purify lated a novel member of the ELL family, scientist, scholar and teacher, who such transcription factors. Ali succeeded called ELL 3.other aspects of chromatin. has made seminal contributions to rapidly in this endeavor, however, mak- “Dr. Shilatifard is a clear and prolific understanding the molecular mecha- ing it clear that he was among the very writer, whose views on pol II elonga- nism of disease at a very early stage in best of the crop of young scientists. tion and histone modifications have his career.

8 ASBMBToday NOVEMBER 2005 Annual Reviews—The Ultimate Resource for Research in the Biomedical Sciences

ASBMB Reminiscences As part of our Centennial Celebration, we recently asked members to contribute reminiscences of their early thoughts about becoming a Annual Reviews synthesizes the vast amount of primary research and scientist, their experience as postdocs, their first paper published, their identifies the principal contributions in 20 specific disciplines within the Biomedical Sciences. Consistently ranked in the top 10 of publications first lecture at an ASBMB Meeting, the friendships and connections for their disciplines as indexed by the ISI® Journal Citation Reports they formed with other ASBMB members, their impressions of the first (JCR®), Annual Reviews publications are among the most highly cited in scientific literature. ASBMB meeting they attended, and anything else they thought perti- nent. Here is the first such contribution received. We believe you will Annual Reviews Biomedical Science Publications Include: find it interesting, and we look forward to receiving and publishing Annual Review of Biochemistry ® more reminiscences. Please send to them to [email protected]. Vol. 74, July 2005, Individual Price: $88 US/$93 Int’l Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering® When I was Vol. 7, August 2005, Individual Price: $76 US/$81 Int’l working for my Annual Review of Biophysics and Biomolecular Structure ® Ph. D. in biochem- Vol. 34, June 2005, Individual Price: $86 US/$91 Int’l istry at the Univer- Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology ® sity of Chicago, Vol. 21, November 2005, Individual Price: $85 US/$90 Int’l my supervisor Bir- Annual Review of Genetics® git Vennesland Vol. 39, December 2005, Individual Price: $79 US/$84 Int’l suggested I present ® Dr. Birgit Vennesland, at left, and Dr. Eric E. Conn Annual Review of Genomics and Human Genetics a paper on some of Vol. 6, September 2005, Individual Price: $79 US/$84 Int’l my research at a FASEB meeting in Detroit. (The year was either Annual Review of Immunology ® 1947 or 1948, as I recall.) When the abstracts came out, we Vol. 23, April 2005, Individual Price: $85 US/$90 Int’l learned that I would be speaking on the afternoon of the last day Annual Review of Nutrition® of the meetings, and was indeed the last paper in that session. Vol. 25, August 2005, Individual Price: $76 US/$81 Int’l One or more of the experienced graduate students in the Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology ® department—-Eugene Kennedy, Morris Friedkin, Irving Zabin Vol. 45, February 2005, Individual Price: $79 US/$84 Int’l as I recall—-warned me that being the last speaker on the last Annual Review of Physiology ® afternoon would probably mean that few if anyone would be Vol. 67, March 2005, Individual Price: $81 US/$86 Int’l there to hear my paper. I was pretty disheartened by their warnings and spoke to Dr. Vennesland about the matter. She Visit www.annualreviews.org/go/at1005 for tables of content, editorial committee information, and complimentary abstracts. replied to the effect that she was confident that I would have a reasonable audience and tried to make me feel more optimistic To Order: about giving my first paper at a FASEB meeting. Call toll free (US/Canada): 800.523.8635 When the fatal day came and I went up to the podium to Call worldwide: 650.493.4400 present my work, I saw that Dr. Vennesland was as good as her Fax: 650.424.0910 Email: [email protected] word. In the audience were Carl and Gerty Cori, Sarah Ratner, Online: www.annualreviews.org Albert Lehninger and Frank Putnam (both of whom were assis- ASBMB members receive a substantial discount on all tant profs at Chicago (and outranked by Vennesland at that Annual Reviews publications. Contact your membership office for more information. time). I think Konrad Bloch and Herbert Anker were also there.

As my years of association with Birgit Vennesland went on, A current individual print subscription includes online access to the full text content in the current volume as well as 4 years of back volumes as they are available. I realized what a supportive supervisor she was. I’ve tried to Contact Annual Reviews for institutional pricing and site license options. “pay her back” by providing such support to my students ANNUAL REVIEWS over the years. Intelligent Synthesis of the Scientific Literature

Eric E. Conn www.annualreviews.org Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry, University of California at Davis

NOVEMBER 2005 ASBMBToday 9 ASBMB Centennial Celebration: Chemistry of Life

Special Events Will Highlight ASBMB/JBC Centennial Celebration he American Society for Bio- bands and enjoying the many authen- An Evening with the chemistry and Molecular Biol- tic tastes of San Francisco. The Birth- San Francisco T ogy will include, as part of the day Bash is a ticketed event open to all Symphony 2006 Annual Meeting, a series of spe- EB registrants. The cost to ASBMB Monday, April 3 cial events to add to your experience members is $15. The cost to all other A unique opportunity to experi- and honor of the centennial anniver- EB registrants (including Biochemistry ence one of the nation’s premier sary of ASBMB and the Journal of Biolog- nonmembers) is $25. Costs will orchestras awaits you in San Fran- ical Chemistry (JBC). All ASBMB and EB increase after February 3, so make sure cisco. As a special highlight of the participants are invited to attend. As to register early for this event! Tickets ASBMB/JBC Centennial Celebration, tickets are limited, we urge you to regis- will be mailed with your registration we have arranged a private perform- ter and at the same time purchase your materials. ance for our members, EB meeting tickets for these special events. attendees, exhibitors, and guests. ASBMB 5K Fun Run Hear the classics or discover new Opening Centennial Monday, April 3 favorites and thrill to the excitement Celebration Rise and run with your fellow run- of listening to the music of the San Saturday, April 1 ning enthusiasts, while taking in the Francisco Symphony. Casual attire is The meeting will kick off with the scenic streets of San Francisco! The permitted. A limited number of tick- Opening Centennial Celebration hon- ASBMB 5K Fun Run will be held Mon- ets are available for an evening with oring the accomplishments, endeav- day, April 2 at 7:00 a.m. Runners will the San Francisco Symphony, so we ors, and contributions of our members. meet at the ASBMB Lounge in the urge you to purchase your tickets This reception will immediately follow Moscone Convention Center (West). before the Early Registration dead- the Herbert Tabor/Journal of Biological The Fun Run entry fee is $20 for all run- line, February 3, when ticket prices Chemistry Lecture which will open the ners. Costs will increase after February will increase. The cost to ASBMB 2006 Annual Meeting. This event is 3, and there will be no same-day regis- members is $15. The cost for all other free for ASBMB registrants. The cost to tration. T-shirts and refreshments will EB registrants, including Biochem- all others is $15. Tickets ordered and be available for registered participants. istry nonmembers, is $25. paid for in advance will be mailed with The Fun Run will be held rain or shine. your registration materials. Detailed information can be found at How to Publish in the www.faseb.org/meetings/eb2006. Journal of Biological ASBMB/JBC Birthday Chemistry (JBC) Bash, A Taste of San Thematic Receptions Monday, April 3 Francisco Monday, April 3 and Tuesday, April 4 JBC is setting up a lunchtime work- Sunday, April 2 Each of our 13 scientific theme shop for authors interested in submit- Come celebrate with us! ASBMB and meetings will host a reception immedi- ting their work to the JBC. This JBC will celebrate their hundredth ately following their afternoon sym- workshop will be led by JBC Associate anniversary with a huge “Birthday posia. All session attendees are Editors. Space is limited, however the Bash” on Sunday, April 2. Revelers will welcome to continue the scientific dis- workshop may repeat on subsequent be entertained by jugglers, mimes, for- cussion, meet the speakers, and net- days based on the level of interest. tune tellers, and other entertainment work with other attendees in their Workshop registrants will receive addi- while listening and dancing to one of field. Check the meeting program for tional information after the early regis- San Francisco’s favorite entertainment schedule information. tration deadline, February 3.

10 ASBMBToday NOVEMBER 2005

ASBMB Centennial Celebration: Chemistry of Life Protein Synthesis, Post-translational Organizer: William Merrick, Case Western Reserve University

he ideal goal of this theme is ribosome. A part of his presentation is to go from free amino acids the observation that while tRNAs vary T to proteins to protein process- with respect to their individual kinetic ing to protein turnover at the molecu- or thermodynamic properties in the lar level. Given the restriction of time, steps of protein synthesis, the overall this will not be accomplished in all balance is such that essentially all areas. Each symposium will have three tRNAs are equivalent (this in spite of additional talks selected from submit- ten-fold differences in some steps). To ted abstracts. achieve this, the aminoacyl-tRNAs play an active role in decoding where each Molecular Mechanisms tRNA sequence has evolved to meet of Protein the idiosyncratic needs of their cog- Dr. William Merrick Biosynthesis nate amino acid and anticodon. This symposium will provide what Finally, Dr. Jamie Cate (University of will cover basic pathway aspects of initi- most of us have looked for since the California, Berkeley) will report on ation as viewed by an enzymologist. His determination of the genetic code, the progress in obtaining a high resolution previous efforts allowed for the determi- how’s and whys of the predominate X-ray structure of the E. coli ribosome. nation of 2 GTP-dependent steps in this step in protein biosynthesis, the elon- This will be our first opportunity to pathway and his current studies exam- gation cycle. In this cycle, the ribo- view the whole ribosome at atomic res- ine the AUG codon-dependent hydroly- some bound mRNA is decoded by a olution. In addition, the structure is sis of the GTP in the ternary complex process that encompasses the steps of extremely important since although (eIF2•GTP•Met-tRNAi) on the 40S sub- protein synthesis involving binding of some structural information on ther- unit. Much to his amazement, it an aminoacyl-tRNA to its correct mophilic bacterial ribosomes has been appears that the key regulatory step is codon, the subsequent formation of a available for almost 5 years, virtually not the hydrolysis of GTP, but the “irre- peptide bond and translocation to get all biochemical and molecular genetic versible step” of Pi release. back to the starting point. experiments are performed using the The second talk by Dr. Christopher Using a variety of rapid kinetic in Escherichia coli system. This unique Hellen (SUNY Downstate Medical Cen- vitro methodologies, Dr. Marina Rod- coupling of the structure and function ter) examines the results obtained nina (University of Witten/Herdecke) of both tRNA and the ribosome with a using several standard biochemical and colleagues have been able to isolate detailed kinetic analysis of protein syn- techniques combined with “toe print- intermediates of the steps of elongation thesis is not be missed. ing”, the mapping of the location of and with structural data on various an mRNA on the 40S subunit using ribosome•aminoacyl-tRNA complexes, New Views on How to reverse transcriptase. Like Dr. Lorsch’s have constructed a mechanistic inter- Study Protein efforts, a key feature in this study is the pretation of the entire process of elon- Biosynthesis use of individually purified reagents gation. From this, it is now possible to The second symposium will focus on (translation initiation factors, mRNAs, logically interpret what happens when the “struggles” to understand the com- ribosomal subunits). This has allowed the decoding process is perturbed by an plex mechanisms in play in the initia- he and his wife, Tatyana Pestova, to antibiotic or mutation. tion of eukaryotic protein synthesis. define the elements necessary for the In a companion series of experi- The focus on initiation reflects the correct formation of the 40S pre-initia- ments, Dr. Olke Uhlenbeck (North- many biological intricacies that tion complex whereby the ternary western University) has taken the focal manipulate the expression of specific complex, start codon and 40S subunit point of the tRNA molecule to deter- proteins as a function of development, are correctly positioned in what is to mine its contribution to the specificity stress, or viral infection. become the P site of the ribosome. of aminoacylation, binding to EF1A The first talk by Dr. Jon Lorsch (Johns Key in their findings is that specific and interactions at the surface of the Hopkins University School of Medicine) translation factors are required for dif-

12 ASBMBToday NOVEMBER 2005 San Francisco, California, April 1-5, 2006 Modification and Degradation ferent mRNAs (they differ depending ties. Using several novel biochemical cally different sequences and physical on the mRNA) and the ability to deter- approaches that she has developed, Dr. properties of the polypeptides to be mine when in the assembly pathway Deutsch will define the stages of and degraded. A part of the quality control specific factors appear to function. The compartments in which secondary, system in eukaryotes is the determina- final talk by Dr. William Merrick will tertiary and quaternary structures of tion of how protein substrates are rec- serve as a reminder of how little is the channels are acquired. ognized and then targeted to the known about the initiation process. By The final presentation in this sym- proteasome for degradation. using rabbit reticulocyte lysates (which posium will focus on how polypep- Dr. Jeffrey Brodsky (University of function at or near the in vitro rate) and tides are correctly folded to yield Pittsburgh) will present his use of pro- by either the addition of translation ini- biologically active molecules. Dr. teomics and genomics to address the tiation factors or inhibitors of transla- Judith Frydman (Stanford Univer- mechanism of action of the ER associ- tion (Pdcd4, human P56, mouse P56), it sity) will present her work on eukary- ated degradation pathway (ERAD path- is becoming clear that some of the basic otic, cytosolic chaperones. Given way). Using yeast as a model system, tenets of the “80S Initiation Pathway” that unfolded polypeptide chains Dr. Brodsky has been able to show that may not be valid, especially as applies to have a strong tendency to either small heat shock proteins (originally IRES-mediated translation initiation. aggregate or misfold, the role of identified in yeast) also impact the cys- chaperones is critical to provide a tic fibrosis transmembrane conduc- Co- and Post- protected folding environment that tance regulator biogenesis in Translational Events sequesters folding intermediates mammalian cells. Current efforts are The third symposium is designed to from the bulk cytosol. The mecha- aimed at delineating how factors in provide a view of how proteins emerge nism of action of the Hsp70 family the different stages of the ERAD path- from the ribosome and become func- members as well as the ring-shaped way impact protein biogenesis in the tional proteins. Dr. Arthur Johnson chaperonin TRiC/CCT and the pre- secretory pathway. (Texas A & M University System Health foldin/GIMc complex will be dis- The final presentation by Dr. Marla Science Center) will introduce this cussed as well as their relative Berry (University of Hawaii at Manoa) topic from the early steps in peptide contribution to cellular folding. will examine how the unusual amino elongation to the secretion of the grow- acid, selenocysteine (the twenty first ing polypeptide chain into the endo- Protein Modification amino acid) is incorporated into pro- plasmic reticulum (ER). His unique use and Turnover teins. Uniquely, this amino acid is incor- of fluorescence methodologies has pro- The fourth symposium will begin to porated into the growing polypeptide vided insights into how early the grow- address the fate of proteins following chain in response to the normal termi- ing polypeptide chain begins folding, their initial synthesis. Bacterial systems nation codon UGA. Unlike several aspects of the structure and function of pose a problem when ribosomes enzymes that contain and use a single the protein trafficking machinery and become entangled with damaged or selenocysteine, the selenoprotein P gene how the permeability barrier of the ER truncated mRNAs. encodes as many as 18 UGA codons. membrane is maintained. Dr. Robert Sauer (MIT) will present Efforts to identify the factors involved in The subsequent presentation by Dr. his work on how the tmRNA/SmpB sys- selenocysteine incorporation into Carol Deutsch (University of Pennsyl- tem functions in bacteria. This selenoprotein P have identified a num- vania) will advance this type of study uniquely prokaryotic system represents ber of proteins, several of which contain one level higher with her report on a quality control system whereby ribo- putative NLS and NES sequences. The how voltage-gated potassium (Kv) somally bound, incomplete proteins coordinated effort of these proteins is channels are made and put together are tagged and degraded. Specialized required to not only accomplish seleno- and how they work. Kv channel pro- adaptor proteins that couple ATP bind- protein P synthesis, but also to circum- teins are oligomeric and their precise ing and hydrolysis to conformational vent possible nonsense-mediated decay subunit composition dictates their bio- changes allow these proteases to unfold due to the many potential stop codons physical and pharmacological proper- stable native proteins despite the radi- in the mRNA.

NOVEMBER 2005 ASBMBToday 13 By Peter Farnham, CAE, ASBMB Public Affairs Officer

’ve never heard a noise like Gulf Coast city to assist with recovery Turner and 18 friends and family that in all my life, when Kat- efforts. The Category 4 hurricane members took shelter in his attic dur- “I rina came ashore,” Biloxi, came ashore just west of Biloxi on ing Katrina’s landfall. “The water Mississippi, resident James Turner told August 30, and the resulting storm rose to about six inches from the ASBMB’s Peter Farnham during Farn- surge put almost 8 feet of water in entrance to the attic,” he said. “I was ham’s recent trip to the storm-battered Turner’s house. starting to think about cutting a hole in the roof, but I don’t think we’d have been able to hold on out there the way the wind was blowing.” For- tunately, the water stopped rising before this became necessary, and it receded a short time later as Katrina moved further inland.

B This was only one of the many sto- M B

S ries told to Farnham during his week A

,

m in Biloxi in late September. He went a h n there with a group of volunteer relief r a F

r workers from Good Shepherd e t e P

Lutheran Church, in Alexandria, Vir- y b s ginia. Farnham took down a van load o t o h of sorely needed bleach, laundry deter- p l l

A gent, and other cleaning supplies, all ASBMB’s Peter Farnham, at left, with volunteers Bruce Purdy, Denise Elfes, Otto Stahley, and donated by ASBMB and FASEB staffers. Corinne Berkseth, all members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Virginia. Continued on page 16

14 ASBMBToday NOVEMBER 2005 HIGHEST QUALITY LOWEST PRICES CERAMIDES AND SPHINGOLIPIDS 14C 3H Catalog Product Description Quantity ARC ART-453 N-Acetyl-D-erythro-dihydrosphingosine [4,5-3H] 250 µCi $999 ARC-1651 N-Acety-D-erythro-phytosphingosine, [acetyl-1-14C] 50 µCi $1099 ARC-1652 N-Acetyl-D-erythro-phytosphingosine-1-phosphate, [acetyl-1-14C] 10 µCi $1199 ARC-1024 N-Acetyl-D-erythro-spingosine [acetyl-1-14C] 50 µCi $999 ARC-1655 N-Acetyl-D-erythro-sphingosine-1-phosphate, [acetyl-1-14C] 10 µCi $1199 ART-829 Ceramide trihexosides [galactose-6-3H] 10 µCi $549 ART-460 Dihydrosphingosine D-erythro [4,5-3H] 250 µCi $1049 ART-618 Dihydrosphingosine-1-phosphate, D-erythro [4,5-3H] 10 µCi $549 ART-634 Dihydrosphingosine-D-erythro-phosphocholine [4,5-3H] 50 µCi $999 ART-1191 Dimethyl-D-erythro-sphingosine, [methyl-3H] 50 µCi $1199 ART-830 Galactosyl ceramide [galactose-6-3H] 10 µCi $699 ARC-13311 Glucocerebroside [glucosyl ceramide (stearoyl-1-14C)] 10 µCi $1349 ART-669 Sn-Glycero-3-phosphocholine, 2-palmitoyl-1-0-hexa/octadecyl [1,2-3H] 50 µCi $849 ART-668 Sn-Glycero-3-phosphoserine, 2-palmitoyl-1-0-hexa/octadecyl [1,2-3H] 250 µCi $1549 ART-600 N-Hexanoyl-D-erythro-dihydrosphingosine [4,5-3H] 50 µCi $999 ART-598 N-Hexanoyl-D-erythro-sphingosine [hexanoyl 6-3H] 50 µCi $849 ARC-1076 N-Hexanoyl-D-erythro-sphingosine [hexanoyl 1-14C] 50 µCi $999 ARC-555 Lyso-3-phosphatidylcholine, L-1- [methyl-14C] 10 µCi $849 ART-677 Lyso-3-phosphatidylcholine, L-1- [methyl-3H] 50 µCi $999 ART-1176 Lysosphingomyelin, [methyl-3H] 10 µCi $1149 ART-601 N-Octanoyl-D-erythro-dihydrosphingosine [4,5-3H] 50 µCi $1049 ART-792 N-Octanoyl-D-erythro-dihydrosphingosine [4,5-3H] 1-phosphate 10 µCi $949 ARC-10733 N-Octanoyl-D-erythro-sphingosine [octanoyl 1-14C] 50 µCi $1049 ART-599 N-Octanoyl-D-erythro-sphingosine [octanoyl 8-3H] 50 µCi $1049 ARC-1649 N-Octanoyl-D-erythro-phytosphingosine, [octanoyl-1-14C] 50 µCi $1099 ARC-1653 N-Octanoyl-D-erythro-phytosphingosine-1-phosphate, [octanoyl-1-14C] 10 µCi $1199 ARC-1656 N-Octanoyl-D-erythro-sphingosine-1-phosphate, [octanoyl-1-14C] 10 µCi $1199 ARC-1650 N-Oleoyl phytosphingosine, [oleoyl-1-14C] 50 µCi $1299 ARC-1654 N-Oleoyl phytosphingosine-1-phosphate, [oleoyl-1-14C] 10 µCi $1399 ARC-818 N-Oleoyl-D-erythro-sphingosine [oleoyl 1-14C] 50 µCi $1649 ARC-831 N-Palmitoyl-D-erytho-sphingosine [palmitoyl 1-14C] 50 µCi $1599 ART-899 N-Palmitoyl, [9,10-3H] D-erythrosphingosine 50 µCi $1199 ARC-772 Sphingomyelin (bovine) [choline methyl-14C] 10 µCi $519 ART-481 Sphingomyelin (bovine) [choline methyl-3H] 50 µCi $719 ART-490 Sphingosine D-erythro [3-3H] 50 µCi $679 ART-859 Sphingosine D-threo [3-3H] 50 µCi $849 ART-778 Sphingosine, D-erythro-[3-3H]-1-phosphate 10 µCi $1349 ART-1283 Sphingosine D-threo-[3-3H]-1-phosphate 10 µCi $1349 ARC-1612 Sphingosine D-erythro-1-phosphate, [14C] Inquire ARP-144 Sphingosine D-erythro-1-phosphate, [33P] 10 µCi $1049 ARC-1815 N-Stearoyl-D-erythro-sphingosine [stearoyl-1-14C] 50 µCi $$1599 ART-1408 N-Stearoyl-D-erythro-sphingosine [stearoyl-9,10-3H] 50 µCi $$999 ARC-1048 Sulphatide [stearoyl 1-14C] 50 µCi $1499 ARC-1492 N,N,N-Trimethyl-D-erythro-sphingosine, [N-methyl-14C] 10 µCi $699 ART-1138 N,N,N-Trimethyl-D-erythro-sphingosine, [N-methyl-3H] 10 µCi $699

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American Radiolabeled Chemicals, Inc. 101 ARC Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146-3502 Telephone: 314-991-4545 Toll Free: 800-331-6661 Web: http://www.arc-inc.com Fax: 314-991-4692 Toll Free Fax: 800-999-9925 E-mail: [email protected] Continued from page 14 “These were much needed and appre- ciated,” Farnham said. The volunteers spent most of their time trying to salvage houses that were damaged during the storm. “We had a pretty ruthless triage system going on,” Farnham said. “We’d only work on houses that were still on their founda- tions, structurally sound, and that were owned by the people living in them. We’d also select houses where the own- ous kinds of mold that had already clothing bank and a medical clinic. ers were low-income, elderly or dis- begun to grow. The weather was hot However, most religious denomina- abled, and thus needed the help.” and humid, and unless the house dried tions had major relief efforts going on, The help consisted of completely out, the mold would spread and as did both the Red Cross and Salva- emptying a house of its contents, and within a few weeks the house would be tion Army. then stripping out the ruined drywall rendered uninhabitable. The Federal Emergency Manage- and insulation and removing all the Bethel Lutheran Church was the ment Agency (FEMA) was also present, flooring. “We’d then power-wash the center for Lutheran disaster relief but according to Farnham, did little to studs and interior siding,” Farnham efforts in Biloxi. In addition to coordi- alleviate its poor reputation. “Fifty vol- said, “and spray fungicide all around.” nating efforts to clean out houses, the unteers were living at Bethel,” Farn- This was necessary because of the vari- church also maintained a food and ham noted, “with one shower.” FEMA

16 ASBMBToday NOVEMBER 2005 Farnham said the trip everyone was so grateful. One family was a very demanding even cooked us barbecue. Here’s some- experience, both physi- one who had just lost everything cally and emotionally, except the framework of his house, but one he hopes to do and he and his wife are cooking barbe- again. “Helping these cue for us. This was pretty typical; the people was something I people of Biloxi we met were just ter- had to do,” he told rific. I hope we helped them in some ASBMB Today. “And way, if only a little.”

had set up headquarters across the street in a local community center, with six showers in the locker rooms by the indoor pool there. FEMA had been allowing the volunteers to use the showers after working in the neighborhoods all day, but stopped doing so after one of the cleaning staff complained that the volunteers had made the showers dirty. Eventually, after lengthy negotiations between Bethel’s pastor and FEMA, the agency relented and as of this writing the vol- unteers are once again being allowed to shower at FEMA. “I’m glad someone over there at FEMA came to their senses,” Farnham said, “but it never should have been an issue in the first place. You get dirty, cleaning out these houses all day.”

NOVEMBER 2005 ASBMBToday 17 ASBMB Centennial Celebration: Chemistry of Life

Symposium on Signaling Organizer: Natalie Ahn, Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado at Boulder

his symposium will cover Culotta (Johns Hopkins) will discuss proliferation by themes related to signal trans- mechanisms of metal homeostasis and regulating riboso- T duction mechanisms and enzymes that confer protection against mal biogenesis and intracellular communication. Special oxidative stress. Dr. Ding Xue (Univer- protein translation, emphasis will be directed towards cel- sity of Colorado, Boulder) will present through mecha- lular pathways and molecular events functional genomic approaches to nisms that are that are relevant to diseases caused by identify new mechanisms involved in tightly regulated by cell stress and dysregulation of cell pro- apoptosis and cell stress in C. elegans tuberous sclerosis liferation or apoptosis, and how these that lead to cell killing, phagocytosis, complex (TSC)-1/2, Dr. Natalie Ahn mechanisms may be linked to cellular and DNA degradation. PTEN, and LKB1 processes controlling senescence, tumor suppressor proteins. Dr. Natalie aging, and immortalization. Each ses- Cell Proliferation Ahn will discuss functional pro- sion will feature three invited speakers Chair: Natalie Ahn, University of Col- teomics strategies for identifying and three short talks chosen from sub- orado at Boulder downstream targets of signaling path- mitted abstracts. The speakers will discuss signal ways, and how these yield novel transduction pathways that promote insight into the function of Rho Apoptosis and Cell cell transformation, which involves a GTPase signaling in cancer. Stress complex interplay between diverse Chair: Sue Goo Rhee, NHLBI, NIH mechanisms that control prolifera- Telomeres and The speakers will present signal tion, invasive behavior, and cell size. Senescence transduction mechanisms underlying Emerging evidence reveals new effec- Chair: Judith Campisi, Lawrence the cellular responses to environmen- tors and downstream targets that Berkeley Laboratories tal stress and programmed cell death. extend in new directions classic mech- The speakers will focus on the prob- Key to these are signaling pathways anisms linked to growth factor recep- lem of replication at chromosome that control intracellular redox bal- tor pathways. Dr. Adrienne Cox (U. ends, and how the control of telomere ance, through pathways involving pro- North Carolina) will discuss the length by telomerase reverse transcrip- tein covalent modification and importance of the R-Ras tase (TERT) modulates processes of cell proteolysis, protein-protein interac- family of small GTPases, which senescence, immortalization and tions, and enzyme regulation. These exhibits transforming properties as tumorigenesis. Shortened telomere are linked to mitochondrial function potent as oncogenic Ras proteins, and length has been shown to be causally and caspase pathway activation of pro- also plays unique roles in mediating linked to cell cycle arrest and senes- teasome activity. Dr. Sue Goo Rhee integrin-dependent migration and cence, whereas mechanisms that pre- (NIH) will discuss pathways responsive invasiveness in cancer cells. Dr. John vent shortening are associated with to oxidative stress, the intracellular Blenis (Harvard Medical School) will cell immortalization and transforma- messenger functions of hydrogen per- discuss cellular signal transduction tion. Thus, TERT and regulators of oxide, and regulatory mechanisms that through the mammalian target of telomere biology are exciting new tar- control signaling effectors via proteina- rapamycin (mTOR), a key pathway gets for cancer therapeutics through ceous cysteine oxidation. Dr. Valeria that coordinates cell growth with cell the development of small molecule

18 ASBMBToday NOVEMBER 2005 San Francisco, California, April 1-5, 2006 in Aging and Disease

inhibitors, vaccines, or genetic thera- organismal lifespan by several molecu- sensors of the insulin signaling path- pies. Signal transduction mechanisms lar regulators and events. These way and regulators of longevity. Dr. that enable cells to respond to telom- include insulin, NAD+-dependent John Denu will explore the enzymol- ere length are still poorly understood, deacetylases, and oxidative damage, ogy of NAD+-dependent histone/pro- but emerging evidence reveals diverse which are known to mediate other cel- tein deacetylases, explaining the connections with DNA damage and lular processes, but only recently have molecular basis for Sir2 activation by repair mechanisms, causing shortened been linked to aging. How these effec- resveratrol, a polyphenol in wine telomeres to trigger DNA damage tors control organismal longevity and shown to enhance lifespan. Dr. Dou- responses that mediate cell cycle how they may be linked mechanisti- glas Wallace (University of California, arrest, and enabling telomere binding cally are emerging areas of research. In Irvine) will discuss a free radical theory proteins to hide chromosome ends this session, Dr. Anne Brunet (Stanford of aging, which involves increased from DNA repair enzymes. In this ses- University) will discuss how mam- oxidative stress and the generation of sion, Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn (UCSF) malian Sir2 deacetylase controls the reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused will present work on mechanisms of cellular response to stress by regulating by mutations that lead to mitochondr- action of telomeres and telomerase the FOXO family of Forkhead tran- ial dysfunction in age-related degener- and the effects of altering their func- scription factors, which function as ative diseases. tions, Dr Jerry Shay (U. Texas South- western Medical School) will discuss the roles of telomeres and telomerase on cell senescence and immortaliza- tion, and Dr. Judith Campisi will dis- BiochemistBiochemist -- FattyFatty AcidsAcids cuss how signaling pathways involving tumor suppressor genes The Kennedy Krieger Institute has an exceptional opportunity available for a Biochemist for our Neurogenetics Department. control senescence phenotypes and Responsibilities will include generating, verifying and interpreting influence organismal aging. automated test result fatty acid reports from the GC and GC/MS requirements; ensuring prompt and accurate communication of diagnostic results; troubleshooting the performance of GC and Aging GC/MS; and fatty acid analysis for newborn screening. Chair: John Denu, University of Wis- The candidate we seek will have a Master’s degree in Biology, consin Chemistry, Human Genetics or related science (Ph.D. preferred), and at least 5 years experience in a CLIA-certified analytical diagnostic The speakers will highlight new laboratory (experience in a laboratory using GC/MS for the analysis molecular mechanisms that control of lipids highly desirable). At least 3 years supervisory/management experience required. the process of organismal aging. We offer a competitive salary & Although the aging phenotype is excellent benefits, including familiar to everyone, an understanding pension, tuition reimbursement, of how this process is controlled mech- and 401 (k). Please apply online at www.kennedykrieger.org. anistically is only in its nascent stages. EOE Genetic experiments in several species have now demonstrated control of

NOVEMBER 2005 ASBMBToday 19 ASBMB Centennial Celebration: Chemistry of Life William L. Smith to Receive William C. Rose Award illiam L. Smith, Professor and cDNA for the enzyme and the deduc- Chair of the Department of tion of its primary structure. W Biological Chemistry, Univer- This crucial accomplishment sity of Michigan Medical School, has launched structural studies of the been selected to receive the William C. enzyme that continue to be essential Rose Award in Biochemistry. The for mechanistic understanding of the Award recognizes outstanding contri- biochemistry and pharmacology of butions to biochemical and molecular the catalytic process. Mutagenesis of biological research and a demon- the cDNA and structure-function strated commitment to the training of analysis of the protein revealed critical younger scientists, as epitomized by residues essential for catalysis, and the late Dr. Rose. Nominators and provided important new insights into nominees need not be members of the the mechanisms of action of non- Society. The Award consists of a steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs plaque, stipend, and transportation to and aspirin. His work with the Dr. William L. Smith the 2006 Meeting to present a lecture. biochemistry and pharmacology Past recipients of the award include of prostaglandin synthase 1 was During the last eight years of his Frederick P. Guengerich in 2005, Sun- extended to prostaglandin synthase 2 career at Michigan State University, Dr. ney I. Chan in 2004, Jack E. Dixon in and provided critical insights into Smith served as Chair of the Depart- 2003, Gordon Hammes in 2002, and mechanisms of differential inactiva- ment of Biochemistry and Molecular Marc W. Kirschner in 2001. tion of catalytic activities. Dr. Smith’s Biology. In this role he was exception- As a graduate student Dr. Smith pro- most recent work has been strongly ally effective in guiding the direction of vided some of the earliest biochemical and clearly focused upon fundamental the department and maximizing the characterizations of the oxygenation structural questions concerning the resources available. He took the lead on of fatty acids, and identified one of the binding of fatty acid substrates to the persuading the biological science first examples of suicide inactivation enzyme and the mechanisms of multi- departments to do joint recruiting of of an enzyme. As his career pro- ple product generation. Each of the students, in a unique but effective gressed, antibodies to prostaglandin advances described above have been umbrella program which preserved the synthase were developed and used to major steps in the understanding of independence of departments and their localize the enzyme in specific organs the biochemistry of prostaglandins curriculum. He was also a leader in con- and tissues. This work was followed by that have extremely important impli- vincing the administration that sup- more detailed enzyme localization to cations for human medicine. port of cutting edge research facilities is the endoplasmic reticulum and crucial to the growth and success of the nuclear envelope at the subcellular Support of cutting edge biomedical research enterprise. On a level. In addition to his work with r esearch facilities is day-to-day basis, he dedicated time and prostaglandin synthase, he success- energy to the challenging job of Chair fully identified the association of crucial to the growth of a large department that served four prostanoid receptors with G-protein and success of the Deans, each with a different agenda. coupled receptors. Continued work biomedical research This was a hard job, but Dr. Smith did with the prostaglandin synthase ulti- it with good organization, good humor, mately led to the identification of the enterprise. and good sense.

20 ASBMBToday NOVEMBER 2005 Zach Hall Appointed Permanent President Of California Institute For Regenerative Medicine he Independent Citizens Over- Dean at the Keck School of Medicine of that we may contribute to the ongoing sight Committee (ICOC) for the University of Southern California. discoveries leading to therapies that are T the California Institute for During the six months that he has occurring world-wide.” Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) served as Interim President of CIRM, Dr. announced today that it has appointed Hall has led scientific and administrative About CIRM Zach Hall as permanent President of planning, has worked with the ICOC to Governed by the ICOC, CIRM was CIRM, following an extensive search. establish CIRM policies, and has begun established in 2004 with the passage of When Dr. Hall joined the CIRM in to build a scientific and administrative a statewide ballot measure, which pro- March 2005, he brought a distinguished team through hires of key personnel. vided $3 billion in funding for stem background in academic and scientific “Stem cell research is one of the fron- cell research at California universities leadership—including past positions as tiers of modern biomedical science and and research institutions, and called Director of the National Institute of the CIRM will help American science for the establishment of an entity to Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Exec- take the lead in this area. The opportu- make grants and provide loans for utive Vice Chancellor of University of nity for me to continue as President in stem cell research, research facilities, California, San Francisco, and, most this exciting program is simply too and other vital research opportunities. recently, Director of the Zilkha Neuroge- important to forego.” said Dr. Hall. “We For more information, please visit: netic Institute and Senior Associate must build our scientific enterprise so www.cirm.ca.gov.

NOVEMBER 2005 ASBMBToday 21

New Understanding of DNA Repair May Pave Way to Cancer Treatments Burnham Institute study has quently, his laboratory developed a logic situations, can activate both found that a protein known small peptide that interferes with functions of ATF2, which is expected A for its role in gene regulation ATF2 function, efficiently blocking to disturb the otherwise conserved has another important function, that melanoma growth in mouse models. balance between its role in gene regu- of initiating DNA repair. The study, Ongoing studies are devoted to screen- lation and the DNA damage published in the May 27, 2005 edition ing for compounds that mimic the response. We need to find out which of Molecular Cell, points to new targets peptide’s actions and to allow for fur- of the two functions is more domi- for the treatment of cancer. ther development of the peptide nant under these circumstances in Ze’ev Ronai,* Director of the Insti- toward clinical assessment. order to devise ways to regain the tute’s Signal Transduction Program, “Until our recent studies, we were proper balance,” he said. and his colleagues found that the pro- certain that the mechanism by which The Ronai lab’s work on ATF2 was tein ATF2 (Activating Transcription ATF2 affects melanoma growth was started at Mount Sinai School of Medi- Factor-2) is activated by a protein primarily through its established func- cine in New York City, from which Dr kinase called ATM (Ataxia-Telangiecta- tion in the regulation of proteins Ronai and his colleagues recently relo- sia Mutated), which stimulates DNA important in cell cycle and cell death cated to the Burnham Institute. This repair. ATF2’s role in regulating expres- control. We were therefore most sur- study was carried out in collaboration sion of proteins that control cell cycle prised to find an uncoupled function with Wolfgang Breitweiser and Nic and programmed cell death is well for the same protein,” said Ronai. Jones of the Paterson Institute for established. The current study is the The finding of ATF2’s novel func- Cancer Research, Manchester, Eng- first to demonstrate ATF2’s role in tion in DNA repair was serendipitous. land, and Yosef Shiloh, of Tel Aviv DNA repair, an intracellular process As Shoichi Takahashi, a postgraduate University, Israel. The study was sup- that prevents formation of genetic researcher, was testing for the ported by a grant from the National mutations, including those that changes in ATF2 in human cancers, Institutes of Health. lead to cancer. he “lost the signal” for ATF2. “Later,” *ASBMB Member “This is the first time we’ve seen a Dr. Ronai said, “we did experiments protein which has been implicated in that showed the signal was lost ASBMB Members Named gene regulation possess an independ- because a protein kinase, ATM, modi- CAMBRIDGE, MA - At an induc- ent function—in DNA repair—while fied ATF2 enough to interfere with tion ceremony here on Saturday, both functions are independent from detection of the ATF2 signal. Soon, October 8, the American Academy of one another,” said Ronai. Dr. Ronai’s work performed by Anindita Arts and Sciences officially welcomed laboratory has been studying ATF2 Bhoumik confirmed that ATF2 is reg- its 225th class of Fellows. with the goal of understanding its role ulated by ATM and that this regula- Among the new fellows are ASBMB in regulation of cell cycle and pro- tion is central to the cell’s ability to members Jack D. Griffith, Kenan Dis- grammed cell death. These studies initiate DNA repair processes follow- tinguished Professor of Microbiology evolved from the finding that ATF2 ing ionizing irradiation or other and Immunology at the University of has an important role in the develop- exposures that cause breaks in DNA. North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and ment and progression of melanoma A likely way in which ATF2 works is Rowena Green Matthews, Research tumors. Inhibition of ATF2 was found to halt the cell’s cycle to allow repair Professor and G. Robert Greenberg to sensitize melanoma to various treat- of damaged DNA before such damage Distinguished University Professor of ments, both in tissue culture and in results in mutation.” Biological Chemistry at the University animal models. Ronai and his colleagues are now of Michigan Medical School and Life “Melanoma is usually resistant to determining how molecules like ATF2 Sciences Institute; Norris Professor of chemotherapy, but we found that by can balance their dual roles. “High Biochemistry and Biophysics at the inhibiting ATF2, it became more sensi- doses of radiation, as well as changes University of Pennsylvania School of tive to treatment,” Ronai said. Conse- that take place in cancer and patho-

22 ASBMBToday NOVEMBER 2005 ‘Dimmer Switch’ For Genes protein that was thought to mation is, must be tightly controlled. the way a dimmer switch does to regu- simply turn genes on and off Without the right information, cells late lighting in a gradual manner.” A now looks to be more like a can’t behave properly, and may, as in In studying this fine-tuning, the team cellular “dimmer switch,” researchers the case of cancer, grow out of control. discovered that conventional wisdom from Huntsman Cancer Institute at the One way proteins are controlled occurs failed to fully describe how proteins University of Utah, reported in the July after a cell creates a protein. After the function. It was known that proteins 1, 2005, issue of the journal Science. protein is made, it can acquire post- have regions with parts that are fixed in The scientists showed for the first translational modifications, which are space with a definite structure, and other time that when certain parts of a pro- like decorations on a beaded necklace. parts that are randomly positioned. It tein molecule?flexible, randomly struc- These modifications give the protein was thought that the structured regions tured regions believed to be only different properties.” did most of the work, while the unstruc- minor players in the protein world?are The “decorations” that were studied tured regions served only minor roles, modified they become important in were phosphate molecules, which pre- such as tethering parts together. turning genes on and off. viously had been shown to build up on “Scientists understand how a mole- Huntsman Cancer Institute scientists, proteins until a certain number accu- cule works in part because we under- led by Barbara Graves,* Professor and mulated. The result, according to the stand the shape or structure,” Graves Chair of the Department of Oncological study, has been described in the past as explains. “But what we discovered Sciences at the University of Utah a sharp on-off switch of protein activity. takes us beyond knowing the structure. School of Medicine, and doctoral stu- “What we found was that each time Our data were about features that are dent Miles Pufall, studied Ets-1, a protein we added a phosphate to a particular not fixed in space, but that are flexible known as a transcription factor that unstructured region of Ets-1, there was and changing.” helps read genetic information. This fac- an effect on the protein’s ability to The team used a nuclear magnetic res- tor serves as a cell’s librarian, helping bind to a gene. Binding was weakened, onance, NMR, to observe how the find the right genetic instructions. but it was a gradual weakening. That atoms of a molecule behave inside a How much information the librarian isn’t typical,” Graves says. “Instead of magnetic field. They found that unstruc- provides, and how accurate that infor- acting like an on-off switch, it behaved tured regions of the Ets-1 protein were affecting the structured regions in the to American Academy’s 225th Class of Scholars work of controlling genes. “In fact,” Graves reports, “the region’s unstruc- Medicine; Stephen C. Kowal- able on the Academy’s website at: tured nature appears to be an essential czykowski, professor of microbiology www.amacad.org requirement.” NMR showed that phos- and molecular and cell biology at the Founded in 1780, the American phate addition to this unstructured University of California, Davis; and Academy of Arts and Sciences is an region caused a gradual decline in DNA Nancy Goldman Nossal, chief of the independent research center that binding, gradually turning a gene off. Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular conducts multidisciplinary studies According to Pufall, “Ets-1 provides a Biology at the National Institutes of of complex and emerging problems. remarkable illustration of how ele- Health. Current Academy research focuses gantly proteins are put together - form- The 196 Fellows and 17 Foreign on: science and global security; ing a distinct shape, but with the Honorary Members who make up social policy; the humanities and versatility to respond to the changing the American Academy’s 225th culture; and education. With head- needs of the cell, however subtle.” class are leaders in scholarship, quarters in Cambridge, Massachu- The findings have long-term impli- business, the arts and public affairs. setts, the Academy’s work is cations for the study of all proteins, They come from 26 states and 10 advanced by its 4,600 elected mem- because, according to Graves, any pro- countries and include Nobel and bers, who are leaders in the aca- tein has the potential to be organized Pulitzer Prize laureates, MacArthur demic disciplines, the arts, business this way, with structured and unstruc- and Guggenheim fellows. A com- and public affairs from around the tured regions that work together . plete list of new members is avail- world. (www.amacad.org) * ASBMB member

NOVEMBER 2005 ASBMBToday 23 Experts on DNA Structure and Genomic Rearrangements to Meet in Houston pproximately 125 to 150 researchers will gather at the A Institute of Biosciences and Technology in Houston, Texas for a three-day symposium on DNA struc- ture and how atypical DNA conforma- tions result in human genetic disease. The symposium, titled “DNA Struc- ture, Genomic Rearrangements, and Human Disease,” runs from March 12 to 14, 2006. In recent years, major advances have been made in our understand- ing of the types of conformations adopted by segments of DNA, their biological func- triplexes, cruciforms, tetraplexes, rium of the Insti- tions, and their sticky DNA, bent DNA, slipped tute of Biosciences medical conse- structures, and left-handed Z-DNA. and Technology, quences. These Second, these discoveries herald a which is a part of advances stem new era of potential therapeutics the Texas A&M from the dramatic which modulate the conformation University System progress in the of DNA. Prior to these discoveries, Health Science areas of human this concept could not have even Center. genomics, genet- Dr. Robert D. Wells been considered. The symposium Dr. James B. Lupski ics as related to hereditary diseases, Organized by James R. Lupski, Bay- is sponsored by the American Society medicine, biochemistry, and DNA lor College of Medicine, and Robert for Biochemistry and Molecular Biol- structural biology. As a result, it is D. Wells, Institute of Biosciences and ogy (ASBMB), Baylor College of Med- now possible to identify a role for Technology, the meeting in March icine (Department of Molecular and non-B DNA conformations in the eti- will cover genome structure and how Human Genetics), Texas A&M Sys- ology of at least 50 human genetic it relates to susceptibility to DNA tem Health Science Center, Institute diseases including neurofibromatosis, rearrangements causing genetic disor- of Biosciences and Technology, chronic myeloid leukemia and ders and will discuss a variety of non- Houston (TAMUHSC), March of Williams-Beuren syndrome. Further- B DNA structures and how they are Dimes, New England BioLabs, Inc., more, recent work has demonstrated involved in human genetic disease. Athena Diagnostics, Inc., and Center that non-B DNA conformations Dr. Evan Eichler of the University of for Genome Research-Institute of demarcate the breakpoints involved Washington, Seattle, will present Biosciences and Technology. in gross deletions in DNA and that a keynote lecture on the interrela- Registration forms and appropriate these gross deletions are responsible tionships between human genetics, fees are available on-line and for the above diseases. genomics, and non-B DNA structures abstracts may be submitted for the These discoveries are of extreme in disease etiologies. In addition there poster sessions before Friday, January importance for at least two reasons. will be talks by invited speakers as 13, 2006. More detailed information, First, they provide unequivocal evi- well as poster sessions featuring the including programs and registration dence for the biological roles of work of most of the participants. The materials, can be found at non-B DNA structures such as meeting will be held in the audito- www.asbmb.org/meetings.

24 ASBMBToday NOVEMBER 2005 SACNAS Honors Phillip Ortiz hillip Ortiz, of the Center for minority scientists. always regarded SACNAS as an organi- Distance Learning at Empire All must have a zation that highly values strong men- P State College, Saratoga demonstrated toring, and I feel humbled to be Springs, New York was presented with record of encour- included among those people who have the Distinguished Undergraduate Insti- aging minority been honored with this recognition.” tution Mentor Award for 2005 at the students to pursue Addressing the many students at the recent annual convention of SACNAS, advanced science meeting, Ortiz noted that in the near the Society for Advancement of Chi- degrees. future they will be invited to graduate Dr. Phillip Ortiz canos and Native Americans in Science. The majority of and offered the following advice: This award recognizes those who Dr. Ortiz’s work has been related to the “In our lives we all face situations have dedicated themselves to science, study of diabetes mellitus, applicable to that frustrate us, but good may arise education and mentoring. Awardees insulin secretion and insulin responsive- from them if we use these frustrations are those who have reached the top of ness in adipose tissues. During his previ- as motivators. In New York when stu- their field and continue to serve as ous faculty appointment at Skidmore dents are graduating, the college presi- role models for the next generation of College from 1993 to 2001, Ortiz served dent bestows their degrees and tells as chairperson of Skidmore’s Diversity them that they are now allowed ‘all and Affirmative Action Committee. As the rights and privileges associated ASBMB Welcomes chair of the Minority Affairs Committee with their degrees.’ From the very first of ASBMB he participated in the setting time I heard this phrase at a college New Ph.D.s of the society’s agenda and sessions for commencement, I felt it was incom- ASBMB extends its congratulations its annual meetings, organized educa- plete. A diploma is not an entry ticket, to these individuals who recently tional opportunities, and contributed to but rather it is an empowerment and received their Ph.D. degrees. In task forces organized by NIH. an obligation. Shouldn’t we be telling recognition of their achievement, In accepting the award, Ortiz said, the students that they now have ‘all ASBMB is presenting them with a “Words cannot express the great honor the rights, privileges, and responsibili- free one-year membership in the I feel in receiving this award. I have ties associated with their degrees.’” Society. The new Ph.D.s are listed below with the institution from which they received their degree. Jennifer Aurandt   University of Michigan Medical Center FORYOURTHOUGHTS Eddy Brace 30!2 ˆÃœvviÀˆ˜}Ì Àii‡Þi>À>Ü>À`à University of Michigan Medical œvÊÕ«Ê̜ÊfÇxä]äääÊvœÀʘiÜÊ>««Àœ>V iÃÊ Center ̜Êw˜`ˆ˜}Ê>ÊVÕÀiÊvœÀÊ>ÃÌ “>°Ê9œÕÊ`œ˜½ÌÊ Barry G. Garchow ˜ii`Ê«ÀˆœÀÊiÝ«iÀˆi˜Viʈ˜Ê>ÃÌ “>ÊÀiÃi>ÀV Ê Michigan Technological University œÀÊ«Àiˆ“ˆ˜>ÀÞÊÀiÃՏÌð Steven P. Wilkinson *i>ÃiÊ>««ÞÊLÞÊiLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ä]ÊÓääÈÊ University of California, San Diego >ÌÊWWWSANDLERRESEARCHORG°ÊÊ Xiaonan Zhu University of North Carolina, Chapel HIll * Candidates with an asterisk were previous Associ- ate members who met the requirements for a free one-year membership. 2EWARDINGBREAKTHROUGHIDEAS - 

NOVEMBER 2005 ASBMBToday 25 New Technique Developed for Creating esearchers have developed a strated that they had achieved fusion new technique for creating of the two cell types by searching the R human embryonic stem cells fused cells for two distinctive genetic by fusing adult somatic cells with markers present in the somatic embryonic stem cells. The fusion fibroblast and stem cells. The causes the adult cells to undergo researchers were also able to further genetic reprogramming, which results confirmed that fusion occurred by in cells that have the developmental studying the chromosomal makeup characteristics of human embryonic of the fused cells. Their analyses stem cells, and may permit scientists to showed that the hybrid cells were derive new human embryonic stem “tetraploid” - meaning they con- cell lines without the need to use tained the combined chromosomes human embryos. of both the somatic cells and the The researchers said that while the embryonic stem cells. Dr. Douglas A. Melton technique might one day be used One of their key findings was that along with SCNT, technical hurdles fusion cells have the characteristics of while those characteristic of embry- must be cleared before it sees wide- human embryonic stem cells. “Our onic cells had been switched on. “With spread use. It is considered more likely the exception of a few genes one way that it technique will see immediate “The long term goal for or the other — which is perhaps use in helping to accelerate under- this experiment was to because these cells are now tetraploid standing of how embryonic cells — the hybrid cells are indistinguish- do cell fusion in a way “reprogram” somatic cells to an able from human embryonic stem embryonic state. that would allow the cells,” he said. Senior author Kevin Eggan and elimination of the “The long term goal for this experi- Howard Hughes Medical Institute Inves- ment was to do cell fusion in a way tigator Douglas A. Melton,* both at Har- embryonic stem cell that would allow the elimination of vard University, led the research team. nucleus to create an the embryonic stem cell nucleus to cre- Their findings were published in the embryonic stem cell ate an embryonic stem cell from the August 26 issue of the journal Science. somatic cell,” said Melton. “This paper Eggan, Melton and their colleagues from the somatic cell.” reports only the first step toward that decided to pursue their alternative —Douglas A. Melton goal, because we end up with a route after other researchers had shown tetraploid cell. So, while this does not that genetic reprogramming can occur assays showed that the hybrid cells, obviate the need for human oocytes, it when mouse somatic cells are fused to unlike adult cells, showed the devel- demonstrates that this general mouse embryonic stem cells. The scien- opment potential of embryonic stem approach of cell fusion is an interest- tists knew that if their studies were suc- cells,” said Eggan. “We found they ing one that should be further cessful, it would provide the research could be induced to mature into explored.” community with a new option for pro- nerve cells, hair follicles, muscle cells The researchers also performed ducing reprogrammed cells using and gut endoderm cells. And, since fusion experiments using pelvic bone embryonic stem cells, which are more these cell types are derived from three cells as the somatic cells and a different plentiful and easier to obtain than different parts of the embryo, this human embryonic cell line, to demon- unfertilized human eggs. really demonstrated the ability of strate that their technique was not In the studies, the researchers com- these cells to give rise to a variety of restricted to one adult cell type or bined human fibroblast cells with different cell types.” embryonic cell line. human embryonic stem cells in the Furthermore, he noted that genetic In both cases, the researchers presence of a detergent-like sub- analyses of the fused cells revealed that observed extensive reprogramming stance that caused the two cell types the somatic cell genes characteristic of of the somatic cells. “We were sur- to fuse. The researchers demon- adult cells had all been switched off, prised at how complete the repro-

26 ASBMBToday NOVEMBER 2005 Human Stem Cells FEDERATION OF AMERICAN SOCIETIES FOR EXPERIMENTAL gramming was,” said Eggan. “I think embryonic stem cell from a somatic BIOLOGY we were expecting that there would cell is by nuclear transfer into oocytes. be more ‘memory’ of the adult state Taking advantage of this current capa- Executive Director/ than the embryonic in the hybrid bility — such as colleagues in South Chief Operating Officer cells. It was quite clear, when we Korea and other countries are doing — The Federation of American Societies for looked at these hybrid cells, that is critical if we are to maintain the Experimental Biology (FASEB) invites appli- they had completely reverted to an progress necessary to realize the cations for the position of Executive Director. Located in Bethesda, MD, FASEB is a extraordinary clinical potential of this embryonic state.” coalition of 23 independent Member Societies Melton said that the remaining technology.” representing the interests of biomedical and technical hurdle is figuring out a way Eggan added that the most realis- life scientists. The purposes of the Federation to eliminate the embryonic stem cell tic current promise of the fusion are to bring together investigators in biological nucleus in the hybrid cell, causing it technique is in studying the and medical sciences; to disseminate informa- tion on the results of biological research to have a normal number of chromo- machinery of genetic reprogram- through publications and scientific meetings; somes. One problem, said Melton, is ming of somatic cells by embryonic and to serve in other capacities in which the that the nucleus in stem cells is large, cells. “It is extremely difficult to Member Societies can function more effi- occupying nearly the entire cell. study the reprogramming process ciently as a group than as individual units. Thus, it is not practical to physically using eggs, because in the case of The Executive Director reports directly to extract the nucleus, as is currently humans it is very difficult to obtain the President/Board and is the chief operating officer of the corporation, responsible for eggs in any quantity and difficult or done with oocytes, which have a rel- implementing business, financial, publication, atively small nucleus. An alternative impossible to genetically manipulate advisory, public relations, educational, and approach of destroying the embry- them,” he said. “But embryonic other programs and policies approved by the onic stem cell nucleus with chemi- stem cells can be grown in large Board. He/she provides leadership and direc- cals or radiation would induce quantities. We can isolate the com- tion to approximately 90 professional, techni- cal and clerical support staff and manages an apoptosis, he said. ponents of the reprogramming annual operating budget of $15.5 million. Melton emphasized that “at this machinery, and we can genetically Qualified applicants should have execu- stage in our understanding, the hard manipulate the cells to analyze the tive/administrative experience with a record of fact is that the only way to create an reprogramming process.” achievement and leadership in academic, association or other non-profit organizations. Candidates will have a with proven adminis- ASBMB Journals Get RSS Feeds trative and leadership capabilities, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, In August, the Journal of Biological Chemistry, the Journal of Lipid knowledge and understanding of the legisla- Research, and Molecular and Cellular Proteomics all started offering RSS tive process, public policy, knowledge of cur- feeds. The feeds are a quick and easy way to get citation and abstract rent trends/issues facing the biological and life information for articles from all three journals in one place. This sciences, and a strong sense of diplomacy. An makes it easier for our journal readers to stay on top of the latest advanced degree (M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A.,) is developments in scientific research. highly desirable. Qualified candidates should send resume, cover letter and references (electronic attach- RSS, which stands for “Rich Site Summary,” “RDF Site Summary,” or ments preferred) to: [email protected] or mail “Really Simple Syndication” is a way to keep track of news and other materials to: updates from several different websites. Instead of having to go to the website, the website sends the user a message every time there is FASEB President something new. Messages from selected websites are gathered by a Attn: Human Resources piece of downloadable software known as an RSS Reader which then 9650 Rockville Pike displays feed from all of the websites in one place. Bethesda, MD 20814

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NOVEMBER 2005 ASBMBToday 27 European Consortium to Focus on Tissue Research

research consortium in the logjams that face commercial tissue is allowed in Europe, many European Europe plans to make tissue engineering. One partner, the National countries like Germany and Italy have A engineering that uses stem Center for Biomedical Engineering Sci- a Catholic base. Embryonic stem-cell cells both clinically and commercially ence in Galway, Ireland, will look at the research requires destroying a very viable in the next four years. rapid manufacture of biocompatible young embryo to obtain the cells, so The $32 million project, funded by scaffolds for large bones. the work is controversial to Catholics the European Union, gathers 23 of “Cells grow on the scaffold to pro- and other groups that believe life Europe’s leading companies and duce a femur, or whatever,” said Dr. begins at conception. research centers from 13 countries. It’s Peter McHugh, research director for Williams believes the United King- a who’s who of European biotech, with biomechanics at the NCBES. “We want dom is a leader in embryonic stem-cell partners like the UK Centre for Tissue to find the optimal scaffold and speed research. One U.K. team recently Engineering and the National Centre up the production process.” developed populations of neural stem for Biomedical Engineering Science in It’s a good example of what the proj- cells from a fetus. Meanwhile in the Galway, Ireland. ect involves. Researchers need to differ- U.S., President Bush forbids federal The project hopes to give biomedical entiate stem cells to grow bone, find funding for any research that destroys companies the jump start they need to the right growth factors, develop a 3-D embryos. turn a profit through tissue-engineering scaffold and then grow the cells on it. So, is the United States falling technologies— that is, producing skin, Each step needs to advance to create a behind the rest of the world? “No, I bone and cartilage for the treatment of viable product. A lot of the work will don’t think so,” said Williams, who diabetic wounds, shattered or diseased tweak existing techniques to make believes states like California are very bones and many other conditions. them commercially viable. “They are effective at funding this research. “Despite plenty of progress, tissue major tweaks,” Williams said. “Actually it’s quite interesting. I’d engineering has not achieved tremen- The research draws on a wide range say that America is probably scientifi- dous clinical success or commercial of expertise, from gene therapy and cally ahead, while we find that Singa- success,” said Dr. David Williams, molecular biology to engineering like pore and Shanghai and Seoul are director of the UKCTE and scientific rapid prototyping and materials sci- practically ahead, because they have lead in the program, called Systems ence, making it one of the largest proj- far less constraints. I think Europe Approach to Tissue Engineering Prod- ects in tissue engineering in the world, represents a very, very good, solid ucts and Processes and thankfully nick- McHugh said. middle ground—following normal named Steps. While the effort is extremely ambi- ethical paradigms but developing “At the moment we can successfully tious, Williams believes they will be practical applications.” produce a very small amount of tissue, testing new treatments in the clinic in Dr. William Wagner, deputy director but nothing good enough to replace four years. of the McGowan Institute for Regener- large areas of skin or cartilage,” he said. The researchers also want to under- ative Medicine at the University of “We want scale up the process.” stand how stems cells grow into other Pittsburgh, partly agrees, at least when A lot of the science is there, he said, types of cells. No one is sure how it it comes to the uncontroversial adult but gaps remain and some current works, Williams said. “We have stem-cell research. methods are inefficient. For example, empirically worked out how to do it “But in embryonic, I think there’s scientists can take stem cells from bone in many cases. But this project wants some truth that we’re falling behind marrow or blood and get them to pro- to turn that empirical knowledge into because there’s a lot that we can’t do,” duce tissue, but it takes weeks or a model.” Wagner said. “I think, particularly in months. That makes it not only slow The EU research will primarily use Asia, you see a lot of advances that are but expensive. “We want to produce adult stems cells for their work, which not happening in the U.S. If you tissue faster,” Williams said. avoids ethical problems, and Williams polled U.S. scientists, I think there The partners will work on a wide believes they’ll be more effective. would be a sense that the U.S. is falling range of problems in parallel, tackling Although embryonic stem-cell research behind.”

28 ASBMBToday NOVEMBER 2005 Life Scientist Salaries Reported he median annual income gender; age; years since highest degree; firms, health practitioners’ offices, and reported in a recent survey of level of supervisory/managerial respon- pharmaceutical manufacturing firms T the compensation of life sci- sibility; and numerous cross-tabs of the ($175,000, $130,000, and $95,000 entists was $69,000, according to Dr. variables. respectively); and lowest in primary Steven Langer, President of Abbott, The highest median incomes (all schools ($48,600), secondary schools Langer & Associates, Inc., a Crete, Illi- between $101,325 and $94,500) are ($49,500), and state governments nois-based management consultancy. found in the Mobile, Alabama; John- ($53,000). The composite highest-income practi- son City/Kingsport, Tennessee; Life scientists with under one year of tioner in this field (salary plus cash Wilmington Delaware; New Jersey professional experience have a median bonus and/or cash profit sharing), tak- suburbs of Philadelphia; and Kalama- income of $35,000, as opposed to the ing into account the size of 30-plus-year veteran with a the organization, is a college The middle-50% median total cash median income of or university department compensation of some of the jobs $106,764. head (11-12 month included in the survey report are: By primary area of special- appointment—tenured) Research Vice Presidents/Directors $108,300 - $203,950 ization, the highest median with a median income of “Distinguished” Researchers $108,337 - $160,510 incomes are found in noso- $153,450. Far toward the Professors $103,000 - $155,260 comial infections, pathol- other end of the income (11-12 month appointment, tenured) ogy/ infectious diseases, and spectrum, laboratory techni- Chief Operating Officers $ 95,000 - $230,000 radiation (all between cians have a median annual Research Section Heads $ 90,000 - $146,750 $135,000 and $98,375). The income of $35,000. Research Managers $ 89,750 - $147,375 lowest are found in bacterial E-mail invitations to par- Presidents/Managing Directors $ 80,000 - $185,000 virology, mycology, and ticipate in the survey were Laboratory Directors $ 75,000 - $130,000 wildlife biology (all between sent to subscribers of The Research Unit Supervisors $ 71,000 - $111,984 $45,000 and $49,602). Scientist magazine, to regis- Government Section Heads $ 70,000 - $133,500 Those life scientists with trants on The Scientist web Professors $ 68,237 - $105,000 no supervisory responsibil- site who identified them- (9-10 month appointment - tenured) ity have a median income of selves as U.S.-based profes- Senior Consultants $ 53,126 - $ 95,000 $52,000. For those supervis- sional life scientists, and to Laboratory Managers $ 51,000 - $ 75,500 ing 10 or more professional members of the American Assistant Professors $ 48,000 - $ 64,640 & sub-professional employ- (9-10 month appointment - on tenure track) Society for Microbiology ees, it is $126,000. Intermediate Researchers $ 40,000 - $ 65,950 and the American Society Compensation of Life Sci- Secondary School Teachers $ 40,000 - $ 60,000 for Biochemistry & Molecu- entists in the United States Post-Doctoral Researchers in Academia $ 35,000 - $ 43,500 lar Biology. An invitation to (11-12 month appointment) of America – 2005 is avail- participate was also printed Intermediate Research Technicians $ 29,017 - $ 42,875 able for $495 from Abbott, in The Scientist. Usable Langer & Associates, Inc., responses were received from over zoo, Michigan areas. The lowest are Dept. NR, 548 First Street, Crete, IL 12,000 individuals. The results are con- found in the Tallahassee, Florida; 60417 (www.abbott-langer.com). Also tained in a 983-page survey report. Greenville/Spartanburg, and Colum- available is a Findpay Program, which Income data are reported by region, bia, South Carolina; and Tampa/St. permits the user to determine pay state, and metropolitan area; type of Petersburg, Bradenton/Sarasota levels of each survey job on the basis employer; size of organization; level of Florida areas (all between $50,000 of two or more variables simultane- education; length of experience; pri- and $52,000). ously. The software alone may be pur- mary area of specialization; primary job Compensation varies considerably chased for $990; both the software activity; level of professional responsi- from one type of employer to another. and the printed report are available bility; industry or service of employer; Median incomes are highest in law for $1,245.

NOVEMBER 2005 ASBMBToday 29 BIOTECH BUSINESS NEWS

by John D. Thompson, Editor

Animal Rights Extremists Get Stock Exchange to Block Research Firm

In its September 26 issue, The Scien- was rung to begin that morning’s trad- James C. Greenwood, President and tist reported that pressure from an ani- ing, a Huntingdon spokesman says that CEO of the Biotechnology Industry mal rights group led the New York Cass was approached by Exchange Pres- Organization, said in a statement that Stock Exchange to postpone the listing ident Catherine Kinney, who told him he was “dismayed that biomedical of Life Sciences Research. the listing was going to be postponed. research has taken a backseat to the According to the article by Stephen She gave no explanation for the delay.” pressure tactics of animal rights Pincock, “on the morning of Septem- Huntingdon has been the target of extremists.” Senator James Inhofe (R- ber 7, Brian Cass, CEO of contract animal activists for well over a decade Okla.), Chairman of the Environment research firm Huntingdon Life Sci- and was delisted from the London and Public Works Committee, wrote in ences, was standing in an anteroom of Stock Exchange after a sustained cam- a letter to the exchange that “it seems the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) paign against its shareholders and bro- to me unimaginable that this country’s chatting to officials, waiting to go onto kers. The company then moved its worldwide symbol of the integrity of the floor of the exchange where Hunt- headquarters to New Jersey and the capital markets, the NYSE, would ingdon’s U.S. parent company, Life Sci- became the sole subsidiary of LSR, capitulate to threats, or even the mere ences Research (LSR) was due to be which is currently traded on NAS- threat of threats, from a single issue listed … But minutes before the bell DAQ’s over-the-counter market. extremist group.” Animal rights groups, meanwhile, have trumpeted the delay as a victory. Low Chinese Imports Hit India’s Drug Makers According to The Scientist, Camille Han- India’s bulk drug manufacturers Kiran Waghela, owner of Chamunda kins, of Animal Liberation and Win are facing shrinking volume in their Pharma, a leading Mumbai-based Animal Rights (WAR), said “Brian Cass trade with China, as imports of Chi- broker, which has figured in numer- may be on Wall Street for the day, but nese pharmaceuticals has shrunk ous bulk drug and pharmaceutical WAR will be there every day after that.” drastically as that country has trades and other related dealings decided to give more priority to its between Indian and Chinese traders. own domestic industry. “Chinese traders are currently not NCI Selects InforSense As a result paracetamol prices in interested in supplying to India, as Technology India, have shot up to 150 rupees per they now want to supply to the Integrative analytics specialist InforS- kg from Rs140 in just two months. country’s domestic industry first. The ense recently announced the selection Ciprofloxacin prices, too, have surged government, too, has put emphasis of its InforSense KDE platform by the abruptly, up to Rs1,300 per kg as on the domestic industry. Further, National Cancer Institute (NCI) for use against the normal market range of the traders there want to cash in on in high-throughput genetic data analy- Rs900-1,000 per kg. Also fueling the the emerging opportunity without sis. NCI researchers at the Gaithersburg, increase has been a rise in the price of any risks,” Waghela added. Maryland-based Core Genotyping crude oil and chemicals India’s pharmaceutical industry usu- Facility (CGF) will use KDE for rapid “The whole industry depends on ally faces a slack period in the winter application development. the supply from China. When prices season, from December to February, in According to Dr. Meredith Yeager, go up there, it has a cascading affect which demand is generally less from CGF Scientific Director, the InforSense on the Indian industry. With prices the urban as well as the rural India. platform will provide the functionality, rising there, it hardly takes a day to However, this year, the downturn is flexibility, and scalability the CGF see a similar rise in the Indian indus- expected to worsen, as diarrhea and needs to support its research and try. But when prices go down there, other diseases have spread in many develop compatible applications for its it takes months for prices to see a fall regions due to massive floods, thus cre- Cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid in the domestic markets,” explained ating a huge demand for medicines. (CABIG) initiative.

30 ASBMBToday NOVEMBER 2005 BIOTECH BUSINESS NEWS

UBI to Market Real Biotech’s HIT Competent Cells in Canada United Bioinformatica Inc. (UBI) has years. These cells save over two hours With RBC, UBI has a broad range of reached an agreement with Real compared to traditional transforma- molecular biology kits available includ- Biotech Corporation (RBC) to market tion methods, while exceeding effi- ing competent cells, DNA and RNA their molecular biology kits in Canada. ciency claims of established extraction, plasmid isolation, nucleic UBI’s kits are priced 25% or more competitors. It’s truly a revolution in a acid cleanup, cloning systems, poly- below competitors prices, reportedly basic molecular biology technique. merases, ladders, and proteomics. due to its use of post graduates and The customer simply thaws the cells, Established in 2001, UBI distributes post docs in Canadian academic labs adds DNA, mixes and plates immedi- Bioinformatic Software, Laboratory to provide marketing and support to ately. The cells have proved so effi- Information Management Systems the labs that use its products. cient, fast and economical many (LIMS), Molecular Biology Kits, and Pro- Fionn Quinlan, International Sales researchers don’t bother with the teomics (products and services). Real Manager at RBC, explained, “A combi- tedious and low efficiency preparation Biotech Corporation is an international nation of proprietary technologies and use of DIY competent cells any- life science company with headquarters involved in HIT cells have been devel- more and can focus on more impor- in Taipei, Taiwan and research partners oped in our labs over the last two tant details.” located in Taiwan, Korea and Japan. Novartis, Alnylam Alliance to Focus on RNAi Therapeutics Novartis and Alnylam Pharmaceuti- Novartis and Alnylam will form a Sci- tion is successful and multiple products cals, Inc. have announced a major entific Strategy and Advisory Group to are developed and commercialized, col- multi-year alliance focused on the dis- review the overall strategy for the rele- lective payments to Alnylam could covery of innovative therapeutics vant science and clinical applications of exceed $700 million, not including royal- based on RNA interference (RNAi). The the collaboration. Chairing the group ties. Alnylam retains the rights to develop alliance will combine the research will be Dr. Fishman and Alnylam founder its own proprietary pipeline of RNAi ther- expertise and understanding of disease and director Phillip A. Sharp, Institute apeutics, including its respiratory syncy- mechanism and pathway biology of Professor of MIT and 1993 Nobel Laure- tial virus (RSV) program and other Novartis with Alnylam’s leading posi- ate in Physiology or Medicine. unpartnered and partnered programs, tion in the field of RNAi. The agreement has an initial three-year while Novartis will have a right of first “This collaboration underscores term that may be extended for two addi- offer, subject to prior agreements, should Novartis’ commitment to forging tional one-year periods. If the collabora- Alnylam seek additional partnerships. strategic alliances with partners at the forefront of scientific discovery. RNAi New Site Will Help GSK Boost Vaccine Production holds great promise as a new therapeu- GlaxoSmithKline says it will the new technology will complement tic modality for treating many diseases. increase its ability to supply vaccine to the company’s current efforts in egg- In particular, this exciting new area of the American market through its based vaccine manufacture. biology has potential to target diseases acquisition of new R&D and manufac- The move is the latest in the vac- that cannot be addressed by traditional turing operations in Marietta, Pennsyl- cine market for GSK, which doubled approaches. This collaboration comple- vania. Previously owned by Wyeth, capacity at its Dresden, Germany, ments our robust small molecule and the 90-acre site will be used to help vaccine manufacturing facility in antibody-based research programs and develop next-generation seasonal and June and purchased vaccine-special- will advance our efforts to develop pandemic flu vaccines by focusing on ist Corixa in July. Terms of the Mari- innovative medicines for patients,” said novel tissue culture technologies. etta acquisition were unavailable, but Mark Fishman, President of the Novar- According to GSK CEO J. P. Garnier, GSK employs 270 people at the site. tis Institutes for BioMedical Research.

NOVEMBER 2005 ASBMBToday 31 Calendar of Scientific Meetings

NOVEMBER 2005 2005 Congress Expanding Proteomics: New Directions in Biology, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences and International Workshop on Biosensors for Food Safety Medicine and Environmental Monitoring December 5-7 • Zurich, Switzerland November 10-12 • Agadir, Morocco For information contact: Contact: Université Hassan II-Mohammedia, Faculté des Email: [email protected]; Ph: +41 21 802 1163 Sciences et Techniques, B.P. 146, Mohammedia, Morocco Website: http://sps05.swissproteomicsociety.org/qsPortal/Home.asp Email [email protected] Website: www.univh2m.ac.ma/biosensors Cambridge Healthtech Institute BioConferences International Sixth Annual Metabolic Profiling 6th European Biotechnology Symposium December 7–8 • Wyndham Palace Resort and Spa Contact: Pete DeOlympio November 13–15 • Radisson SAS Scandinavia Hotel, Ph: 617-630-1359, Email: [email protected] Copenhagen Website: www.healthtech.com/2005/gfp/index.asp Contacts: Aimee Burt; 800-524-6266; [email protected] Nilda Rivera; 800-524-6266; [email protected] 3rd Cachexia Conference Website: www.bioconference.com/ebs/ December 8-10 • Rome Cambridge Healthtech Institute For information contact: Second Annual Fluorescent Proteins in Drug Website: www.nataonline.com/LMS-Group/events/2/index.ph Development American Society for Cell Biology Annual Meeting November 14–15 • Hyatt Regency La Jolla, California December 12–14 • San Francisco Contact: Pete DeOlympio Contact: John Fleischman; Ph: 301-347-9300 Ph: 617-630-1359, Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]; Website: www.ascb.org Website: www.healthtech.com/2005/gfp/index.asp

Third Annual World Congress on the Insulin Resistance Non-VesicularIntracellular Traffic Syndrome Clinical manifestations of the Insulin December 15-16 • Goodenough College, London, UK Resistance Syndrome - Metabolic Syndrome X Contact: Meetings Office, Biochemical Society, 3rd Floor, Eagle House, 16 Procter Street, London, WC1V 6NX November 17-19 • Palace Hotel, San Francisco Email: [email protected] For information on registration, abstracts submission, accom- Website:www.biochemistry.org/meetings/focused.htm modations and exhibits: Ph: 818-342-1889; Fax: 818-342-1538 Email: [email protected] Pacifichem 2005 Website : www.insulinresistance.us December 15-20 • Honolulu, HI For information contact: Website:www.pacifichem.org/ DECEMBER 2005 Email: [email protected] Xth PABMB Congress: Panamerican Association for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology JANUARY 2006 December 3-6 • Hotel del Bosque, Pinamar, Province of Pacific Symposium on Biocomputing Buenos Aires, Argentina January 3-7 • Wailea, Maui For more information contact: For information contact: http://psb.stanford.edu/ SAIB President. Ernesto Podestá: [email protected] Email: [email protected]; Phone: (650)725-0659 SAIB Secretary Carlos Argaraña: [email protected], or PABMB Chairman Juan José Cazzulo: [email protected] Building Bridges, Forging Bonds for 21st Century website: http://www.saib.org.ar Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology January 7-9 • Pune, India Tel.: 202-872-4523; Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.ncl-india.org/occb2006/index.htm

32 ASBMBToday NOVEMBER 2005 Gordon Research Conference on Biology Of Aging MARCH 2006 January 29 - February 3 • Ventura, CA Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on New Chairs: Monica Driscoll, [email protected] Antibacterial Discovery & Development Roger J McCarter, [email protected] For more information: www.grc.uri.edu/06sched.htm March 5-10 • Ventura Beach Marriott, Ventura, California For Information: Email:[email protected] Website: www.grc.org/programs/2006/antibact.htm FEBRUARY 2006 The 11th Annual Proteomics Symposium RNAi2006: Advances in RNA Interference Research February 3-5 • Erskine on the Beach, Lorne, Australia March 22-23 • St. Anne’s College, Oxford, UK Email: [email protected] Conference Organizer: Muhammad Sohail www.australasianproteomics.org.au/lorne.htm Biochemistry Department, University of Oxford Tel: +44 1865 275225; Fax: +44 1865 275259 The 31st Lorne Conference on Protein Structure and Email: [email protected] Website: http://libpubmedia.co.uk/Conferences/ Function RNAi2006HomeMay2005.htm February 5-9 • Erskine on the Beach, Lorne, Australia email: [email protected]; www.lorneproteins.org/ American Chemical Society 231st National Meeting March 26 – 30 • Atlanta Third International Conference on Ubiquitin, Contact: Charmayne Marsh; Ph: 202-872-4445 Ubiquitin-like Proteins, and Cancer Email: [email protected]; Website: www.acs.org/meetings February 9-11 • The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas Biochemical Society Annual Symposium The Cell Biology This meeting will celebrate the Nobel Prize awarded to Avram of Inositol Lipids and Phosphates Hershko, Aaron Ciechanover, and Irwin Rose for their discov- March 29-31 • University of Birmingham, UK ery of the ubiquitin pathway and the 10th anniversary of the Organizer: Michael Wakelam, University of Birmingham discovery of SUMO/Sentrin and NEDD8 Early registration deadline: February 28, 2006 Application and Abstract Submission Deadline: Friday, For more information: www.biochemistry.org/meetings November 11, 2005; For information contact: Amy Heaton Program Manager, Department Of Cardiology University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center APRIL 2006 Tel: 713-745-6826; Fax: 713-745-1942 Website: www.sentrin.org American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Centennial Meeting in Conjunction with ABRF 2006—Integrating Science, Tools and Experimental Biology 2006 Technologies with Systems Biology April 1–5 • San Francisco February 11-14 • Long Beach, California For information contact: www.asbmb.org/meetings For Information: www.faseb.org/meetings/abrf2006 Email: [email protected] Ph: 301-634-7145; Website: www.asbmb.org/meetings G Protein- Coupled Receptors: Evolving Concepts and New Techniques RECOMB 2006 - The Tenth Annual International Conference on Research in Computational Molecular February 12-16 • Keystone, Colorado For information contact: Biology Ph.: 800-253-0685 / 970-262-1230 April 2-5 • Venice, Italy Email: [email protected] For information contact:Email: [email protected] http://www.keystonesymposia.org/Meetings/ViewMeetings.cfm Ph: +39 0415238995; Website: http://recomb06.dei.unipd.it/ ?MeetingID=807 47th ENC Experimental Nuclear Magnetic Resonance April 23-28 • Asilomar Conference Ctr., Pacific Grove, CA Contact: ENC, 2019 Galisteo Street, Building I-1 Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505; Ph: 505-89-4573 Fx: 505-989-1073; Email: [email protected] Web page: http://www.enc-conference.org Celebrate the past & look to the future

Join us for the ASBMB/JBC Centennial Celebration to honor a century of achievements and contributions of The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) and The Journal of Biological Chemistry (JBC). This grand event will be held next year at the ASBMB 2006 Annual Meeting (April 1-5, 2006, San Francisco, CA, in conjunction with Experimental Biology 2006).

k Special publications which tell the history of ASBMB and The JBC. A collection of Classics, Reflections, scientific landmarks, and the many contributions to science that have been made by ASBMB members. k Lectures and commentary by scientific luminaries. k Displays and demonstrations of both historic instruments and current state-of-the-art instrumentation. Join us in 2006 for this special ASBMB/JBC centennial celebration!