ASBMB ANNUAL MEETING PULLOUT GUIDE INSIDE

April 2007

DC Welcomes ASBMB APRIL 28–MAY 2

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Come speak with our scientists at: Experimental Biology, Washington, DC - Booth 130 Apr. 28 – May 2 ARVO, Association for Research in Vision & Ophthalmology, Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Booth 102 May 6 – 9 The American Association of Immunologists, Miami Beach, FL - Booth 427 May 18 – May 22 www.21stcenturybio.com 33 Locke Drive, Marlboro, MA 01752 Made in the P: 508.303.8222 Toll-free: 877.217.8238 U.S.A. F: 508.303.8333 E: [email protected] contents APRIL 2007 society news 4 President’s Message ON THE COVER: ASBMB’s 8 Washington Update annual meeting will be held April 28 through May 2 in 9 National Institutes of Health News Washington, D. C. See inside for a pullout meeting guide. science focus 22 Cytochrome P450’s New Partner 24 New Lipid Player in Embryonic Development 26 New Insight into Mitochondrial Diseases 28 “Sticky” Proteins Fuse Adult Stem Cells to Cardiac Muscle, Repairing Hearts special interest 10 ASBMB Journal Snapshot: Submitted and Accepted Manuscripts by Region 12 Highlights from the ASBMB Asian Compendium departments Adult stem cells repair cardiac tissue. 28 2 Letter to the Editor 14 ASBMB Member Spotlight 6 News from the Hill 15 Biotech Business News 17 Career Insights 19 Professional Development

30 BioBits BY NICOLE KRESGE Science from ASBMB Journals 35 Meeting Calendar resources 33 For Your Lab A look at ASBMB journal submission and acceptance rates. 10 34 Career Opportunities

April 2007 ASBMB Today 1 lettersto the editor

mind–is achieved. It is like defining developed, and assessed by a multidis- Teaching that it is best to know where we are ciplinary team of faculty (the “inte- about the primary structure of a grated courses” in Bell’s paper). This Interdisciplinary protein without moving hastily to perspective will allow for more realis- understand how its tertiary structure tic planning and monitoring of the Science/Fostering evolved across time. integration process. Under this stepwise perspective Interdisciplinary of integration, one should con- Changing sider the definition of levels of Bell chooses the departmental Research integration with enough detail to structure as the first obstacle of integration. We could add institu- In the February 2007 issue of understand what would be a “not tional history, since institutional ASBMB Today, J. Ellis Bell calls so difficult” next step. In this tradition weighs much and younger attention to the importance and regard, all of us who teach will schools tend to be more prone to the dilemmas of developing inter- find a very useful resource in a key change. It is hard to imagine that disciplinary education within bio- paper (R. M. Harden (2000) The there will be interdisciplinary teach- chemistry and molecular biology integration ladder: a tool for cur- ing in BMB courses if faculty do not (BMB). Finding solutions to the riculum planning and evaluation develop interdepartmental, interdis- problems and obstacles that his Medical Education 34, (7), 551– ciplinary teams. Therefore, it is paper refers to perhaps requires 557) that defines a “ladder of inte- important to question institutional seeing them through a comple- gration” with 11 steps. The ladder departmental structures and define mentary perspective. goes through four broad catego- ries: from absolutely no interac- policies for change. Levels of Integration tion among disciplines–when the Given the fact that research One often considers the issue of faculty pay no concern to what drives faculty’s efforts–since it is interdisciplinary education–also other courses are teaching; given more weight in decisions described as curriculum integration through courses in which faculty related to promotion or others–and across disciplines–as an “all or none” have made adaptations to their given the high contemporary phenomenon. This is the same as own disciplinary courses based on emphasis on interdisciplinary scien- believing that there is no integration if any sort of input from other disci- tific research, one can perhaps fore- it is not a perfect integration. plines; to courses where faculty see that research might drive faculty to A more rich and manageable from different disciplines work develop interdisciplinary educational perspective perhaps considers that together on each other’s courses practices. In order to be more opti- integration is a strenuous process of (much like the year lab project that mistic about the near future, perhaps curriculum, faculty, and institu- Bell suggests for the science major funding agencies and committees that tional development that must go course) that remain, however, sepa- define rules for promotion could through a series of steps until the rate courses; to the final step in which define policies that would stimulate ultimate goal–students analyzing the disciplines have fused into inte- the evolution along integration steps. problems with an interdisciplinary grated courses that are structured, Manuel Joa˜o Costa Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal Tell Us What You Think Editor’s note: In addition to this let- ter, J. Ellis Bell has received a number We appreciate receiving letters that are suitable for publication regarding issues of of comments on his article. The importance or comments on articles appearing in ASBMB Today. Letters should be responses have been generally sup- sent to the editor at [email protected]. Letters must be signed and must portive of the concepts he expressed. contain the writer’s addresses and telephone number. He looks forward to more discussion The editor reserves the right to edit all letters. on the topics discussed in his article over the coming months.

2 ASBMB Today April 2007 More than chemistry.

Biochemistry – ACS Chemical Biology – published since 1962 published since 2006

When it comes to biochemistry and chemical biology, ACS leads the way. Contribute, publish, and review with the journals of the American Chemical Society. president’smessage A monthly publication of The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology A Feast of Public Officers Heidi E. Hamm President Affairs Events Judith S. Bond Past-President Peggy J. Farnham Secretary at EB 2007 Merle Olson Treasurer HEIDI HAMM, PRESIDENT Council Members Joan W. Conaway Robert A. Copeland Kuan-Teh Jeang John D. Scott William S. Sly Kevin Struhl Suzanne Pfeffer Linda Pike

Editorial Advisory Board ne of thegreat advantages to Many Membersof Congress report Irwin Fridovich Richard W. Hanson Oholding our annual meeting in that they neverhearfrom our com- Bettie Sue Masters J. Evan Sadler conjunction with Experimental Biol- munity. Research needsmorecham- Robert D. Wells ogy (EB) isthesynergy among the pions inCapitol Hill, but that will Ex-Officio Members participating societies that allowsour only happen when we convince Con- J. Ellis Bell memberstopartake of the widevari- gress that increased support for Chair, Education and Professional Development Committee ety of science inmany different disci- researchfunding makes political Laurie S. Kaguni plines. This year,theadvantages of sense, improves public health,and Chair, Meetings Committee meeting with EB aremultipliedbyour helpsmaintainour competitiveness in George Hill Chair, Minority Affairs Committee meeting inWashington, D.C. The the world. Benjamin F. Cravatt societies participating inEBarethus The publicaffairs staffsof the par- Michael Rosen taking advantage of this year’s loca- ticipating societies are working to Co-chairs, 2007 Program Committee William R. Brinkley tion to hold a number ofpublic generate visits from as many EB Chair, Public Affairs Advisory Committee affairs-related symposia, workshops, attendees as possible. The meetings Ralph A. Bradshaw and other sessions on both govern- are being arrangedfor Tuesday and Deputy Chair, Public Affairs Advisory Committee ment processes andpolicy-related Wednesday,May 1and 2. We hope Shelagh Ferguson-Miller topics. A few are highlightedbelow. that each ofyou will beabletospare Chair, Publications Committee Herbert Tabor an hour or two on one of those two Editor, JBC Hill Visits daystomeetwithyour member of Ralph A. Bradshaw First and most important, we hopeall Congress oryour senators. The public Al Burlingame Co-editors, MCP ofyou will participate inavisitto affairs staff is eager to assist you in Edward A. Dennis Capitol Hill while you are here. making appointments! Editor, JLR Biomedical scientists face one of There isaWeb site withfurther ASBMB Today the most alarming periods confront- information on theHill visits pro- 9650 Rockville Pike, ing the biomedicalresearch enterprise gram. Please go to www.the-aps.org/ Bethesda, MD 20814-3996 in recent years. NIH funding is dimin- pa/ebweb/index.htm for 1) informa- Phone: 301-634-7145; Fax: 301-634-7369 Nicole Kresge Editor ished. Success rates are declining. Pol- tion about making appointments, 2) [email protected] itics trump science. Just fouryears acollection of advocacy materials, Pat Pages Science Writer after Congress completed the dou- and 3) contact information. [email protected] bling of the NIH budget, thetide has Ifyou have never met with a mem- Nancy J. Rodnan Director of Publications [email protected] turneddramatically. You can join ber of Congress and thus are worried Barbara Gordon Executive Director over 10,000 ofyour colleagues to about what to say, what to ask for,or [email protected] work to convince Congress to provide how to behave, a training session will robust funding for the NIH and other be held on Saturday,April 28, called For information on advertising contact FASEB AdNet at 800-433-2732 ext. 7157 or scientific agencies. As a working scien- “Making the Case for Federally-Funded 301-634-7157, or E-mail [email protected]. tist, no one is betterinformed or qual- Research: Communicating with Con- ified than you to speak about the need gress.”This session, organizedbythe to support biomedicalresearch. American PhysiologicalSociety, will

www.asbmb.org April 2007 be held from1to3p.m. Ifyou are not award, initiatedin 2000, recognizes gestions forwhat needstobe done able to attend this session, any of the substantial contributions to biomedi- to make an impact on the NIH bud- publicaffairs staff can talk withyou calresearchinthe publicaffairsarena get. Zerhouni will provide detailson about what to doand say. ASBMB andinthe past has been awarded to thecurrent state of the NIH enter- also has an advocacy Web site, which the HonorableJohnEdward Porter, prise and offerprojections based on you can access from theASBMB Ruth Kirschstein, and others. This the FY 2008 budget. This session home page (www.asbmb.org). The year’s award recognizes theorganiza- will be held on Monday,April 30, link isunder “What’s New”andis tion Research!America, the first time from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. called “Local Advocacy – Resources an organization has received the rec- Avariety of otherpublicaffairs ASBMB Members Can Use.” ognition. Research!America’s presi- sessions are being sponsored at EB ASBMB isalso producingatrain- dent, Mary Woolley, will acceptthe by otherparticipating FASEB socie- ing DVD on how to conduct a meet- award on behalf of theorganization. ties, such as the one listedinthe ing with amember of Congress. The Herlecture will be held on Tuesday, box below. DVD covers common mistakes that May 1, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. You can learnmoreabout these aremade during such a meeting as and otherpublicaffairs sessions, well as tipsonavoiding such mistakes NIH at the Crossroads including ones on the federalbudget andhow to make surethe meeting is Anotherlecture you won’t want to process, nutritionalissues, and ani- successful. We expect to have copies miss isthe EB-wide session “NIH at mal experimentation, on EB’s Web of this DVD availableatthe meeting, the Crossroads: How Diminished site at www.eb2007.org/pages/ andit will be posted on our Web site Funds Will Impact Biomedical page14a.htm. when ready. Research and What Scientists Can Do We hopetoseeyou in Washing- Please give biomedicalresearch an About It.”Weare pleased to ton, starting April 29. Please attend hour or twoofyour time while you announce that NIH Director Elias some of these publicaffairs ses- are inWashington to participate in Zerhouni will besharing the stage sions—especially ASBMB’s—and this important activity. Contact our with the HonorableJohnEdward don’t forget to make your Capitol publicaffairs director, Peter Farnham, Porter, for 20 years biomedical Hill visits! forfurtherinformation and assistance research’s chief advocate inthe ([email protected]). House of Representatives before his retirement in 2000. Porter will give a Howard K. Schachman legislative overview of the FY 2008 Public Service Award outlook for the NIH and will discuss Lecture how scientists have an obligation as We hope you will attend theASBMB’s citizens to become politically active Schachman Award Lecture. This and aware. He will also make sug-

Communicating will address how scientists can communicate more effec- tively with the media. Complicated Science Other sessions focus on biomedical ethics, including The American Society for Nutrition is sponsoring a sympo- APS’s “Walter C. Randall Lecture on Biomedical Ethics: The sium called “Communicating Complicated Science: The Dark Side.” This session will be held on Tuesday, May 1, Women’s Health Initiative as a Case Study.” This important at 2 p.m. and features Sandra L. Titus, from the Office of symposium will be held on Sunday, April 29, at 3 p.m. The Research Integrity at the Department of Health & Human Ser- session features speakers from the media and science and vices, and David Prentice, of the Family Research Council.

April 2007 ASBMB Today 5 news from the hill NIH Director Testifies on 2008 Goals, Funding Issues

BY PETER FARNHAM

he Bush White House Topened its campaign for its 2008 budget proposal for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on March 6 when NIH Director Elias Zer- houni pleaded the adminis- tration’s case before a clearly skeptical House Appropriations Subcommit- tee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. Although accompanied by a group of senior NIH institute directors, Zerhouni was the only witness. (The institute directors answered an occasional question during Zer- With the preliminary congressional statements out houni’s several-hour grilling.) of the way, Zerhouni began his statement by noting Subcommittee Chairman Dave Obey (D-WI) opened progress that had been made in a variety of areas in the festivities with a number of shots at the budget pro- recent years, including advances in identifying and posal. The proposal calls for an increase at NIH of treating coronary heart disease, declining mortality $232 million, which is almost $300 million below what rates from cancer, and improvements in treatment of Congress has already approved for 2007. It would also diabetes, cognitive decline, and mental disorders. He transfer $200 million from NIH to the Global AIDS/HIV also cited promising new drugs for treatment of tuber- fund, meaning that the President’s proposal would in culosis, inflammatory disease, and muscular dystro- effect reduce the NIH budget by $500 million from 2007. phy and new knowledge and understanding of the Obey characterized the proposal for what it was—a avian flu and HIV viruses. proposed cut. He also said that the White House Office of Regarding current problems, he cited the growing Management and Budget was treating NIH like the “Bank importance of chronic disease, which now consumes of Bethesda” by taking money from it to spend on combat- over 75% of health care costs. He also mentioned life- ing AIDS and HIV worldwide. He said that this was a wor- style changes that have caused growth in obesity rates thy cause, but the money should not come from NIH. and attendant diseases. He noted that despite medical Ranking Minority Member James Walsh (R-NY) progress, health care costs have risen more than $2 tril- restrained himself from criticizing the financial aspects lion and that we also will be facing the emergence of of the proposed budget but gently chided Zerhouni new and unpredictable threats, such as reemerging about making sure that research advances move infectious diseases, bioterrorism, a worldwide HIV/AIDS more quickly into practical use as cures and thera- epidemic, and pandemic influenza. pies. He also noted that because of NIH’s greatly To deal with these threats, Zerhouni again called for increased budget in recent years, strong financial medicine to move beyond the reactive mode it has fol- management was necessary. lowed in the past to become one of being “predictive,

6 ASBMB Today April 2007 personalized, and pre-emptive.” He characterized this as possible.” He noted that the percentage of NIH’s as “21st century medicine.” budget in FY 2008 supporting basic science is 54.1%. He then described some of the management changes made at NIH under his watch to bring about this more Questions Were a Mixed Bag modern approach. First, to encourage innovation and sus- Most of the Subcommittee members had a variety of tain the next generation of scientists to the greatest extent questions. In response to them, Zerhouni noted that: possible, NIH has developed programs to support new • From a scientific standpoint, science demands that investigators and pioneering high risk/high impact investi- researchers pursue all avenues of stem cell research, gator-initiated research. In addition, NIH recently changed including human embryonic stem cell research. He its policy of having only a single principal investigator on also clarified that some of the claims that adult stem any NIH grant to a policy that allows multiple principal cells had been reprogrammed into pluripotent cells researchers to apply for a grant together. This was done were exaggerated; although some of this research to encourage collaboration across disciplines. was promising, there was a great deal that was still He also promoted the NIH Roadmap as one of a not understood. number of trans-NIH activities. He cited the Clinical and • Narrowing health disparities between minority and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program, the majority populations is a top priority of the agency. Strategic Plan for Obesity research, the Neuroscience • Only 50% of NIH grants get renewed, and fewer than Blueprint, and certain managerial changes to modernize 5% of scientists hold onto an NIH grant for 20 years NIH governance and improve efficiency. This includes or more. the Office of Portfolio Analysis and Strategic Initiatives • NIH is working very hard to promote translational (OPASI), which he characterized as “invaluable for sup- research, even though funding clinical trials is becom- porting key trans-NIH initiatives being incubated ing increasingly difficult because of their expense and through the NIH Common Fund.” increasing regulatory burden. NIH’s budget priorities in 2008 will include preserving • In response to a question about open access, Zer- opportunities for young investigators; the agency intends houni agreed with the principle of not damaging peer to maintain an average of 1,500 new investigators getting review and promised to submit more information their first R01-equivalent grants in both 2007 and 2008. about this in writing for the hearing record. NIH also intends to promote the “Pathway to Independ- • Regarding taking money out of the NIH to support ence” program for 175 recently trained scientists. the Global AIDS/HIV fund, Tony Fauci, director of the Zerhouni then noted that NIH will strive to “maintain National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the historical balance between the critically important noted that how to fund this program was up to con- gressional appropriators. • There is a decrease in disability among the elderly, but the rate of obesity in children is very worrisome. NIH’s budget priorities in • Exercise is important for children for a variety of rea- 2008 will include preserving sons related to obesity and possibly to mental health. opportunities for young • While funding for the National Children’s Study was investigators cut from the 2007 budget, Obey noted that it would be restored but not taken from other NIH funds. He also commented extensively on the impact of cuts over the long term. investigator-initiated research portfolio and agency- driven priorities. Our successful model of research is A complete copy of Zerhouni’s presentation, including the based on creative and unconstrained scientists who slides he used, is available at www.nih.gov/about/director/ propose their best ideas, so we can. . . support the budgetrequest/fy2008directorsbudgetrequest.htm. most promising and high quality projects. Our budget targets resources to provide as large a number of com- peting Research Project Grants for individual scientists Peter Farnham, CAE, is ASBMB’s public affairs officer.

April 2007 ASBMB Today 7 washingtonupdate A New Model for USDA-funded Research?

BY CARRIE D. WOLINETZ

he reauthorization of the Farm Bill, which will occupy emphasize competitive research (on the contrary, it Tmuch of the summer, has provided Congress with a reserves the Administration’s right to target research) potential platform to restructure research funding and does not provide for significant additional funding, through the United States Department of Agriculture although there is a modest increase. (USDA). Currently, three proposals have been put for- The third and final proposal is called “Create ward, with more undoubtedly to come as the Congres- Research, Extension, and Teaching Excellence for the sional agriculture committees debate how best to invest 21st Century” or CREATE-21 and is the brainchild of the in fundamental and applied agricultural research. For National Association of State Universities and Land- research advocates, it provides a possible opportunity to Grant Colleges (NASULGC). CREATE-21 would result in generate a reinvigorated funding stream for basic life a major restructuring of the USDA, consolidating not science research at an agency where competitive only the extramural and intramural research programs research has long been neglected. but also the Economic Research Service and Forestry The first proposal aimed at restructuring USDA’s Research programs. The consolidated programs would research portfolio arose in 2004 as the result of a report be reformed as the National Institutes of Food and Agri- published by a USDA task force that recommended culture, a model seemingly similar to the National Insti- establishment of a National Institute of Food and Agricul- tutes of Health (NIH) in that there would be multiple insti- ture (NIFA) to fund competitive, fundamental research in tutes representing different research areas, such as the agriculture. FASEB supported this proposal, which was Institute of Food and Health or the Institute of Natural championed by William Danforth, chair of the originating Resources and Environment. The proposal calls for a task force. The NIFA concept has gone through a num- significant increase in authorized funding, up to ber of legislative reiterations, having been the subject of $5.35 billion, approximately 70% of which would go a series of bills that would have placed the new research towards competitive grant awards. Like the NIH director, entity at either USDA or under the purview of the the head of the CREATE-21 version of NIFA would be National Science Foundation. While the independent appointed by the President. NIFA bills never moved out of the congressional commit- It is unclear which of these three proposals will most tees to which they had been referred, the research title of likely appeal to Congress as they move forward with the Farm Bill presents an opportunity in a must-pass piece development of the Farm Bill. Sen. Tom Harkin, chair of of legislation to fulfill the task force’s vision. the Senate Agriculture Committee, is the author of the In anticipation of this year’s Farm Bill activities, two legislation that would establish NIFA, as suggested by other proposals have arisen to reinvent USDA’s research the Danforth Task Force, within the USDA. However, portfolio. The first is from the White House, as part of the NASULGC is dedicating considerable resources to mar- Administration’s Farm Bill proposal, and would consoli- ket CREATE-21, and the Farm Bill presents a unique date the intramural research arm of the USDA, the Agri- opportunity to make this sort of dramatic change. cultural Research Service (ARS), and the division that Regardless, the profile of fundamental research in agri- oversees the extramural grants program, the National culture has certainly been raised, and any of these pro- Research Initiative (NRI). This plan, which was unveiled in posals could potentially increase the pool of federal dol- early February by Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns, lars available for research. would place the consolidated agencies under the over- sight of a newly created chief scientist, who would report to a newly established undersecretary of science. Unlike the NIFA proposal, the Administration’s plan does not Carrie D. Wolinetz is with the FASEB Office of Public Affairs.

8 ASBMB Today April 2007 nihnews Review of 1918 Pandemic Flu Studies Offers More Questions than Answers

cientists and public health officials, wary that the “Almost all ‘then versus now’ comparisons in theory SH5N1 avian influenza virus could trigger an influenza are encouraging,” they write. “In 2007, public health is pandemic, have looked to past pandemics, including the much more advanced, with better prevention knowl- 1918 “Spanish Flu,” for insight into pandemic planning. edge, good influenza surveillance, more trained personnel However, in an article in the April 1 issue of the Journal at all levels, well established prevention programs featuring of Infectious Diseases, David M. Morens and Anthony S. annual vaccination with up to date influenza and pneumo- Fauci of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious coccal vaccines, and a national and international prevention Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, infrastructure.” In addition, two classes of antiviral drugs are conclude that studies of the 1918 influenza pandemic, currently available, as are antibiotics effective against bac- which killed some 50–100 million people around the globe, teria that cause influenza-associated pneumonia. have so far raised more questions than they answer. The most difficult challenge in mitigating the effects of In their article, Morens and Fauci review several top- a severe pandemic today would be to ensure access to ics, including the origins of the 1918 pandemic influenza medical care and resources, they note. Hospitals, medi- virus, the excess mortality of the pandemic, the predilec- cal personnel, and drug suppliers could be overwhelmed tion to kill the young and healthy, the lower than with huge demands for services, medicines, and vac- expected mortality among the elderly, and the regular cines, a situation that would be exacerbated in less occurrence of influenza pandemics over the past 100 developed countries and impoverished regions. years. Such topics are relevant today as highly patho- Fauci and Morens conclude that the best hope for the genic H5N1 avian influenza viruses have spread from future lies in developing and stockpiling more broadly pro- Asia to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. tective influenza vaccines. In the meantime, prevention Morens and Fauci predict that, if a pandemic with efforts should be directed toward logistical planning, similar characteristics were to occur in the near future, increased surveillance, the development of medical coun- the relative number of deaths would be substantially termeasures, an improved understanding of pandemic lower than in 1918. risks, and an aggressive and broad research agenda.

NIH Director Launches hold an independent research position at an institution in Program for Innovative the United States and must have received a doctoral degree or completed a medical internship and residency in New Investigators 1997 or later. NIH Director Elias A. Zerhouni has announced a special “We want proposals in a broad range of scientific areas program to fund new investigators who propose highly relevant to the NIH mission and from a diverse pool of innovative research projects that could have an exception- applicants,” Zerhouni said. “We’re shortening the applica- ally great impact on biomedical or behavioral science. The tion and emphasizing the significance of the research, NIH Director’s New Innovator Award offers grants of up to what makes the approach exceptionally innovative, how $1.5 million in direct costs over five years. the applicant will address challenges and risks, and the The application period opens on April 25 and closes on applicant’s qualifications for the grant. We aren’t requiring May 22, 2007. NIH expects to make at least 14 awards in applicants to present preliminary data, although we’ll allow September 2007. it if they choose to do so,” he added. New investigators who have not yet obtained an NIH More information and application instructions can be found R01 or similar grant are eligible to apply. Applicants must at grants.nih.gov/grants/new_investigators/innovator_award/.

April 2007 ASBMB Today 9 specialinterest ASBMB Journal Snapshot: Submitted

BY NICOLE KRESGE

his isthe first inaseries ofreports T on data from the Journal of Biologi- cal Chemistry (JBC), the Journal of Lipid Research (JLR), and Molecular and Cellular Proteomics (MCP). In this report we look at manuscriptsubmis- sion and acceptance rates for thethree journals by geographic region. In 2006, JBC received 12,442 manu- scripts and accepted 4,295, resulting in an acceptance rate of 34%. Over the same time period, JLR received 677 manuscripts forreview and accepted 296, or 44% of thesubmitted articles. MCP received 581 manuscripts and accepted 183, resulting in an accept- ance rate of 32% in 2006. The countries submitting manu- scripts in 2006 were dividedinto the following seven geographicareas: Africa, Asia, Europe, theMiddle East, North America, South America, and Southeast Asia. For all three journals, thetop three geographic regions for manuscriptsubmissions wereNorth America, Europe, and Asia. Both JBC and JLR received themajority of their manuscripts from North America, but MCP received the largest percentage of its manuscripts from Europe. “Proteomics has always been strong inEurope; it is one of theareas ofbio- medicalresearch that enjoys realparity around the world,” saysRalph Brad- shaw, co-editor of MCP. “We find this healthy for science in general and the field ofproteomics in particular.” The distribution of accepted manu- scripts was similarfor all three jour-

10 ASBMB Today April 2007 and Accepted Manuscripts by Region

nals, with the highest number of accepted manuscripts coming from North America, followedbyEurope and then Asia. Among thetop three geographic regions, North America had the highest manuscript acceptance rate and Asia had the lowest rate for all three journals.So, papers from North America weremore likely to be accepted than papers from Asia. The acceptance rate for JBC manuscripts from North America was 39%, Europe was 33%, and Asia was 25%. For JLR, the numbers were 54% (North Amer- ica), 39% (Europe), and 29% (Asia). Andfor MCP,the numbers were 45% (North America), 30% (Europe), and 13% (Asia). “The low acceptance rate for manu- scripts from Asiamayreflect a know- how gapbetween Asian scientists and their western counterparts interms of scientific presentation andlanguage skills such as theclarity of their writ- ing,” says Duanqing Pei of ASBMB’s Guangzhou, China, office. In an efforttominimize these barri- ers, ASBMB has begun to offerlan- guage assistance for authors whoare not native English speakers. The ASBMB journal Web sites provide links to companies that supply revising, editing, andproofreading services for scientificand medicalresearchdocu- ments. These services can help maxi- mize the accuracy andimpact of the manuscripts and aid in communicating ideas to fellow scientists and the jour- nals’ editorsandreviewers.

April 2007 ASBMB Today 11 specialinterest Highlights from the ASBMB

s reported in the March Aissue of ASBMB Today, Many SNXs encoded in the the Society is publishing a selec- tion of ASBMB journal articles human genome have not been of particular interest to scientists isolated or characterized in Asia. Each article that appears in this compendium will include a commentary scope. These vacuoles appear to be many other cellular systems. However, from endosomes and early lyso- summarizing the article and the protein/gene systems for organelle somes. The drug brefeldin A can morphogenesisorbiogenesis remain the article’s significance. Follow- inhibitthe formation of these vacu- poorly understoodin basiccell biology ing are summaries for two of oles, suggesting that the vacuolation at present. Further studies into SNX10- these reports. process isalso dependent on the induced vacuole formation orrelated Golgi complex. The vacuolation activ- observations maylead to fundamental Sorting Nexin 10 Induces ity ofSNX10 should be dependent on discoveries concerning endosome Giant Vacuoles in its ability to bindphosphoinositides, as dynamics in particular andintracellu- Mammalian Cells a mutation inthe putative PX domain lar organelle formation in general. J. Biol. Chem.,Vol. 281, Issue 48, renderedSNX10 36891–36896, December 1, 2006 impotent in generat- Baoming Qin, Miao He, Xiao Chen, and ing thegiant vacuoles. Duanqing Pei These experiments The Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health,Chinese Academy ofSciences, Guang- suggest that the zhou, China observed activity of Sorting nexins orSNXs areafam- SNX10 maybe physi- ily of approximately 30 genes con- ologically relevant taining a conserved PX domaincapa- despite the fact that bleofbinding phosphoinositides giant vacuoles form such as PtdIns 3-phosphate (PI3P). only when cellsare SeveralSNXs have been well studied transfectedwith exog- and showntobe involvedinthetraf- enous SNX10. In ficking ofinternalizedreceptors such addition, no other as epidermal growthfactorreceptor SNXs testedbythe (EGFR). However, manySNXs authorsappear to encodedinthe human genome have induce these giant not been isolated or characterized. vacuoles. This report This recent paperfromanew clearly suggests that groupinthe SNX field reports the the intracellular surprising finding that theexpression organellesystem in ofSNX10 in several mammalian cell mammalian cells is Confocal image of an MCF7 cell expressing SNX10, a lines causes the formation of striking regulatedbyprotein novel sorting nexin with a conserved phosphoinositide vacuoles visibleunderlightmicro- activities, as istrue in 3-phosphate (PI3P) binding motif.

12 ASBMB Today April 2007 Asian Compendium

Myostatin Induces Cyclin D1 and hyperplasiaof Degradation to Cause Cell skeletal muscle. Cycle Arrest through a PI3K/ Similarincreases Akt/GSK-3␤ Pathway and is in skeletal muscle Antagonized by IGF-1 mass areevident J. Biol. Chem.,Vol. 282, Issue 6, in naturally occur- 3799–3808, February 9, 2007 ring mutations of Wei Yang‡, Yong Zhang‡,Yanfen Li‡,Zhen- myostatin in cattle guo Wu§,and Dahai Zhu‡¶ andhumans. ‡Chinese Academy of MedicalSciences and Therefore, Peking Union Medical College, ¶Harbin there is consider- Institute of Technology,Harbin, China and able interest in §Hong Kong University ofScience & Tech- nology,Clearwater Bay,Kowloon, Hong manipulating Kong, China myostatin’s bio- Myostatin(also knownasGrowth logical activity and Differentiation Factor 8), a and understand- ␤ transforming growthfactor ␤ super- ing thecell pro- GSK-3 kinase activation is required for myostatin-induced cyclin D1 degradation and proliferation suppression. family member, is highly expressed cesses it regulates. inthe developing and adult skeletal It has been muscle. Myostatin-deficient mice are reported that myostatin isableto tin-stimulated cyclinD1degradation characterizedbymarked hypertrophy arrest thecell cycleof myoblasts in andrepression of cell proliferation. theG1 phase and that it negatively Data also suggest that attenuation of regulates myogenic differentiation. IGF-1 signaling causes cell deathin However,the detailed mechanisms response to myostatin. These whereby myostatin inhibits cell pro- These findings areclearly important findings are liferation and differentiation arestill to our understanding ofhow myosta- largely unclear. This paperprovides tin influences cell proliferation and experimental evidence to show that clearly how cyclinD1,akey component of the in C2C12 cells, myostatinandinsulin important to cell cycle machinery, is regulated at the growthfactor (IGF)-1 act in concert protein level. This manuscriptalso our to regulate cell growth and cell death highlights cross-talk between two through a common PI3K-Akt- understanding ␤ GSK-3␤ signaling pathway. important regulatory pathways (TGF of how Myostatin promotes cyclinD1deg- and PI3K/Akt) inthecell. This isan myostatin radation and thus the down-regulation extremely logical andwell executed of CDK4 activity,aprocess dependent study. On the whole, the authors have influences on GSK-3␤,the activin receptor IIB, performed elegant experiments to pro- cell and the PI3K/Akt pathway. IGF-1 vide data that well supporttheir claims. treatment or Akt activation, resulting Overall,this isavery strong paper proliferation inGSK-3␤ phosphorylation and thus addressing an important question ina its inactivation, attenuated themyosta- quite physiological setting.

April 2007 ASBMB Today 13 asbmb member spotlight Please submit news about yourself and other ASBMB members to [email protected]

Blau Re-elected served on the IOM Council since 2004, has been elected for a sec- to IOM Council ond three-year term as a member of the council’s Executive Com- mittee, which provides oversight for all of IOM’s activities. Helen M. Blau, Donald E. and Delia B. Bax- The Ellison Medical Foundation, based in Bethesda, Maryland, ter Professor of Molecular Pharmacology supports basic biomedical research on aging and infectious diseases and director of the Baxter Laboratory in and stimulates new, creative research that might not be funded by tra- Genetic Pharmacology at Stanford Univer- ditional sources or that is often underfunded. Blau has been appointed sity, was recently re-elected to the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM’s) to serve for two years to the foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board, Governing Council and appointed to the Ellison Medical Founda- which monitors progress of research funded by the foundation. tion’s Scientific Advisory Board. Blau’s research activities include understanding how stem cells The Institute of Medicine, based in Washington, D.C., is a not- work and the molecular mechanisms involved in RNA interference–a for-profit organization that advises the federal government on issues mechanism by which short RNA fragments inhibit the expression related to biomedical science, medicine, and health. Blau, who has of genes.

Aebi Receives lography, NMR spectroscopy, and light, electron, and scanning- Honorary Doctorate probe microscopes. He has worked on cytoskeleton structures, the nuclear pore, and the formation of amyloids–protein depos- Ueli Aebi, professor of structural biology and its found in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer and Parkin- director of the M. E. Muller Institute for Struc- son diseases. Aebi’s team is now working on nanosensors tural Biology at the University of Basel, Swit- and nanoactuators that could be used in minimally invasive zerland, received an honorary doctorate from medical interventions. Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. In 1981, Aebi co-founded Protek, Inc. to develop, manufac- The honorary degree was awarded for Aebi’s contributions in ture, and sell hip and knee prostheses in North America, and in understanding supramolecular protein assemblies by using various 2003, he co-founded Therapeomic, Inc., a company that devel- techniques–including light, electron, and scanning probe micro- ops drug delivery techniques and therapies for tissue repair scopes; x-ray crystallography; and rational protein design–and for using growth hormones. In 2004, Aebi became president of the his continuous support of Czech science and education as well as Basel Tumor Bank Foundation, which administers one of the his many charitable activities. largest breast tumor databases and conducts work on expres- Since 1986, Aebi has built a world-class structural biology sion profiling of breast tumors aimed at individualized diagnosis department at the University of Basel that integrates x-ray crystal- of cancer patients.

Marletta Wins Esselen The second award, presented in the memory of Emil Thomas and Kaiser Awards Kaiser, a pioneering bioorganic chemist, acknowledged Marletta’s contribution in applying chemistry to the study of proteins. Michael A. Marletta, Aldo DeBenedictis Distin- Marletta’s research focuses on the biochemistry of nitric guished Professor of Chemistry and professor oxide, a gas that regulates blood pressure, the immune system, of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the and the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain. Because University of California, Berkeley, received the nitric oxide exists for mere seconds in the body before being American Chemical Society’s (ACS’s) 2007 Gustavus John Esselen chemically transformed into other substances, its role was Award for Chemistry in the Public Interest and the Protein Society’s unknown until 1985 when Marletta published one of the first 2007 Emil Thomas Kaiser Award. scientific papers documenting how nitric oxide is produced in The first award, established to honor the memory of Gustavus John mammalian cells. Esselen, a distinguished member of ACS’s Northeastern Section, rec- Marletta’s discovery has led to new treatments for infants with ognized Marletta’s work in the biology of nitric oxide biology and malaria pulmonary hypertension and drugs–such as Viagra–that treat male and his communication of chemical research to nonscientific audiences. erectile dysfunction.

14 ASBMB Today April 2007 biotech businessnews Genentech Patent Revoked by Government

he Patent and Trademark Office has decided to Trevoke a controversial patent held by San Fran- Canada Announces cisco-based Genentech. The patent covers techniques for making the AIDS Initiative monoclonal antibody Synagis, used to stimulate the On February 20 Canadian Prime Minister Stephen immune system of infants with Respiratory Syncytial Harper and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates announced Virus (RSV) infections. a major joint initiative to support a new effort to acceler- The suit to invalidate the patent was brought in a Los ate the development of an HIV/AIDS vaccine. Angeles court in 2003 by MedImmune, although it had Called the Canadian HIV Vaccine Initiative (CHVI), this agreed to pay royalties to Genentech in 1997 to manu- new endeavor will receive up to $111 million from the facture, use, or sell Synagys. Canadian government and up to $28 million from the Bill MedImmune said Genentech had violated antitrust and Melinda Gates Foundation. laws by seeking to extend patent protection by 12 years CHVI will support Canadian researchers and institu- with Celltech, a British biotechnology company. tions in working with international partners to discover The Los Angeles court dismissed these charges, say- new HIV vaccine candidates, manufacturing promising ing that the settlement between Genentech and Celltech vaccine candidates for trials, and addressing policy, had been legally approved and that MedImmune could regulatory, and social issues related to HIV vaccine not sue Genentech because it already had licensed the development. The initiative will also support research rights to use the patent. priorities identified in the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise In January, that latter claim was rejected by the scientific strategic plan. CHVI also complements the Supreme Court, which ruled that a patent license Canadian government’s existing funding of the Interna- doesn’t have to be breached to be challenged in court. tional AIDS Vaccine Initiative and the African AIDS The recent decision by the patent office agreed with Vaccine Programme. MedImmune that the patent could not be extended and should have expired in 2006.

AstraZeneca Digitally Signs The SAFE standard was designed by a non-profit consortium of pharmaceutical and health care compa- FDA Applications nies, including Bristol-Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline, U.S. drug giant AstraZeneca has become the first company Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Pfizer, Proctor & Gamble, to submit digitally signed drug reporting documents to the and Sanofi-Aventis. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The London-based firm Although companies have been capturing data elec- uses a technology called Signatures and Authentication for tronically for the past two decades, one of the main Everyone (SAFE), which provides a secure way to verify the roadblocks to going paperless has been the lack of a identity of the parties involved in the transaction. tamperproof way to sign documents. The new standard The SAFE digital signature standard allows companies to not only helps verify that a document has not been tam- perform completely paperless transactions, which could help pered with but also confirms that a transaction has actu- pharmaceutical companies bring critical therapies to market ally occurred and authenticates the signature of the per more quickly than previously possible. son who signed the document.

April 2007 ASBMB Today 15 biotech business news continued British Agency Calls for Drug Pricing Overhaul China Takes Aim

he Office of Fair Trading (OFT), the British consumer at Fake Drugs Tregulating agency, called for an overhaul of drug and Food Safety pricing to potentially save the National Health Service The Chinese government will review production licenses (NHS)–the British equivalent of the U.S. Department of for 170,000 drugs distributed in China between 1999 and Health and Human Services–money spent on branded 2002 in an effort to reorganize its drug market and will prescription drugs and encourage private companies to introduce a new food safety law to prevent distribution invest in drugs that have the greatest benefits of food containing toxic and carcinogenic substances. for patients. The decision to review drug production licenses fol- The OFT argued that the prices of a number of drugs lows an investigation by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao are “significantly out of line with the benefit they provide into allegations that the former head of China’s State to patients.” These drugs include treatments for choles- Food and Drug Administration, Zheng Xiaoyu Zheng, terol, blood pressure, and stomach acid. took bribes related to public distribution of fake drugs. The OFT recommends replacing the current price Fake drugs have killed dozens of Chinese citizens regulation scheme, in which companies are free to set in the past years. In 2004, at least 13 babies died their own prices within broad profit constraints, with a from malnutrition in Anhui province after drinking pricing scheme in which NHS spends money on medi- “fake” milk made of powder with no nutritional value, cines that have the most therapeutic benefits to and a 33-year-old man was recently accused of mak- patients. The OFT estimates that the new plan would ing fake versions of the bird flu drug Tamiflu. save NHS about £500 million, or $967 million, out of Also, toxic and potentially carcinogenic substances the £8 billion it spends annually on branded prescrip- have been found in the past few years in various food tion medicines. items, including honey, eggs, and fish. A new food Over time, value-based pricing would give companies safety law will be introduced by the Chinese govern- stronger incentives to invest in drugs for medical condi- ment on May 1 mandating fines of up to 30,000 yuan, tions with the greatest patient need, the OFT says. If or $3,876, for those held responsible of distributing NHS adopts the new plan, it will join Sweden, Australia, potentially unsafe food, the Chinese Ministry of and Canada, which have already implemented value- Commerce said. based pricing and reimbursement systems.

Cheap Test for genes–for $500. The current test costs $4,000. Rubio said the chip would allow for routine testing of people Parkinson Disease suspected of having PD. Scientists at the University of Melbourne’s Howard Florey “As the test is relatively cheap and only involves col- Institute, Australia, have developed a cost-effective diag- lecting a sample of blood or saliva, it could also be nostic test for some forms of Parkinson disease (PD), made available to the patient’s relatives and those at which will also help researchers identify the genes that risk of developing PD,” Rubio added. cause this debilitating condition. Rubio and colleagues from hospitals and research Currently, no diagnostic test for the disease is available, institutes in the states of Victoria and Tasmania plan to and doctors rely on their observations to make a diagno- test the chip on DNA samples from 400 people with the sis, which means some patients may not be prescribed the disease who were recruited from both states. most suitable medication. “In addition to being a diagnostic tool, this low cost Justin Rubio, senior research officer, has created a chip will allow researchers to undertake an Australia- “gene sequencing chip” that screens, at once, 17 wide gene mapping study to identify further genes that genes–including the six known Parkinson disease are involved in PD,” Rubio said.

16 ASBMB Today April 2007 careerinsights LAURA MALISHESKI: In Pursuit of Happiness: My Transition from Neuroscientist to Career Counselor

y thesisadvisor once described that I couldn’t compete with mypeers Mmeasa“pit bull” because once who wereall brilliant and self-assured. Laura Malisheski received her I attack a problem, I don’t let go A fellow graduate student told me Ph.D. in Neuroscience from a until it’s solved. This isoften a lauda- about the“imposter syndrome”–a prestigious Research I university in bletrait for ascientist. However, for pernicious feeling that I am not as the Northeast. She is currently a me,anelectrophysiologist withday- smartaseveryone seems to thinkIam career counselor for graduate stu- dents and Ph.D.s at another long experiments and a success rate and that someday Iamgoing to be Research I institution. of 10–15%, thisunflagging persist- revealed as a fraud. My friend assured ence led toagreat deal offrustration, me that most graduate students can’t anxiety,and even misery. Ironically, help but feelinsecureandinferior it was themisery–generatedbymy while being surroundedbythe intellec- techniques, published, presented at lifeexperience as a graduate student tual elite, even though they may still scientific meetings, andlanded andpostdoc–that prepared me the appear confident. Bolstered,Iperse- another grant. most for my eventual transition to vered and managed to make itthrough Anyone looking at my CV would career counseling for graduate stu- grad schoolwith a fewpublications, a have thoughtIhad achance at a suc- dents and Ph.D.s. prestigious grant, and a dissertation cessful career as an academicscien- In my current workasacareer and a successfuldefense. tist. For a while,Ithought so, too. counselor,Ioften ask graduate stu- A year prior to myfinishing, I was Not long after I had signed the pay dents about their initial motiva- facedwith a question I couldn’t back agreement on myfellowship,I tions for enteringaPh.D.program. escape: Should I continue my career finally had the courage to face the Common responses include being asascientist or embarkonanew truth:Iwas on the wrong path. What strongly influencedbya professor, career? I questionedwhether I was a bind!Inowhad twomore yearsas taking the path ofleast resistance unhappy because my thesis project a postdoc, trappedbymy own (i.e. the logical next step after aB.S. was particularly difficultandfrus- accomplishments, forcing myself to inBiology), andfear of searching trating orwhetherit was experimen- performexperiments that turned out for a jobinthe“realworld.”In tal science in general that wasn’t my to be equally as frustrating as my retrospect, these wereall reasons forte. Reasoning that I was still thesis researchhadbeen. underlying mydecision to pursue a intriguedbythe overarching theme Those two yearsturned out to be, Ph.D.,although I was also over- of myresearch (developmental emer- at alternating moments, the most flowing with the energy andideas gence of synaptic plasticity andlearn- depressing and the most exciting of an academic, and I was truly pas- ing), I decided to give myself another times of my life. I was plaguedby sionate about neuroscience. chance inscience. Iarrangedwhat lack of motivation–a pit bull who During my third yearinthe neuro- seemed to bethe best postdoctoral had to force herself to bite! But at the science program at a majorresearch position possible. I left sea slugs same time, I began to try to imagine university,Ibegan to question my behind and studied neural mecha- myself inadifferent career,and I had decision to pursueaPh.D. My self- nisms of song learning inzebra an incredibly supportive family who esteem hadbegun to erode, and I felt finches. I learned avariety of new neverbelieved me when I moaned

April 2007 ASBMB Today 17 career insights continued

that I had no skillsandwas trained hadlearned to appreciate theskills Istill findit amazing that this only to beascientist. that truly motivated and energized Office of CareerServices hired me (is Taking advantage of myrelatively me: talking withpeopleabout their that theold imposter syndrome flexible workschedule, I began to problems, organizing events, and speaking?). WhileIhad strong appli- research “alternative careers” for sci- teaching andpresenting information. cation materials, lifeexperience, and entists. I read about dozens of differ- strong recommendations, I could not ent pathsPh.D.s had taken, attended offer a degree in counseling or any panelsand seminars on nonacademic real counseling experience. Ithink careers, and talked endlessly with my Within 10 what really cinched theofferwas my friendsand colleagues, many of minutes of our interviews. I was abletosincerely por- whom, I discovered, were equally conversation, I tray someone who really understood questioning their situations and the pressures and concerns ofyoung exploring nonacademicoptions too. had a revelation: academics–I had embarked on an aca- After several monthsof casual explo- I wanted to do demiccareer,survived grad school, ration,Istill hadn’t discovered my what she did! and engagedinmy owncareer transi- dream career. I was fascinatedbyall of tion process that mirrored theapproach thecareersthat I hadread about, but I that they espoused. just didn’t want to do ANY of them! Having workedinmy first “real I stumbled upon some “self-assess- At last, I ventured to thecareer job” for nearly five years, I am con- ment” exercises inabook for scien- office to talk with a professional career stantly amazedbythe peoplethat I tists preparing for acareer transition counselorwho became a wonderful work with:their stories and concerns, (“Career Renewal” by Stephen Rosen mentor and friend. Within10minutes their strengthsandinsecurities, and and Cynthia Paul). This was really the of our conversation, I had a revelation: I their potential and their hesitancies. beginning of my career overhaul. I wanted to do what she did!The coun- Iamatrue believerinthe process and began to assess my skills, interests, seling session morphedinto an infor- power of self-assessment, and Iguide and values, and I discovered two mationalinterview,and I realized that hundredsof students throughit each important things about myself:1)I career counseling, especially with grad year as they embarkontheir own really did have a lot moreskillsto students and Ph.D.s, was the perfect career exploration. Many of them will offer the world than pipetting and careerfor me. That day,Iproposed a leave academia for acareerbetter electrophysiologicalrecording, and volunteerinternship (6–10 hours/week) suited to them, and many of them 2) I hadbeen spending so much of my in which I would sit in on some coun- will pursue academiccareers, confi- energydeveloping skillsthat I didn’t seling sessions andhelp planacareer dent inthat decision. But I love my enjoy that I was forced to suppress my fair. Through myrelationships inthis non-academic job so much that, at natural abilities such as myinterper- career office, I learned of the position least for now,the pit bull inmeis not sonal communication skills. Finally,I thatInowhold. letting go.

FEATURING: ASBMB 2007 ANNUAL Tony Hunter, THE SALK INSTITUTE MEETING OPENING LECTURE: Tyrosine Phosphorylation: From Herbert Tabor/Journal of Discovery to the Kinome and Beyond Biological Chemistry Lecture ship Tony Pawson, SAMUEL LUNENFELD RESEARCH INSTITUTE Phosphotyrosine Signaling: A Prototype Saturday, April 28, 2007, 6:00pm for Modular Protein-Protein Interactions

WWW.ASBMB.ORG/MEETINGS

18 ASBMB Today April 2007 professionaldevelopment Inside the Education and Professional Development Committee: Are You Being Served?

BY J. ELLIS BELL

heEducation and Professional Development (EPD) pedagogy,and assessment issues as well as focusing on TCommittee andits Webpage have been revampedin undergraduate science. One- or two-day meetings recent years with the goalsofincreasing connections to could easily bearranged on a regionalbasis with the communities servedbythe society. undergraduate presentations being one focus and The committee consists of members from a widevariety teaching aspects and networking being anotherfocus. of academic institutions andindustry andhasagraduate student and a postdoctoralrepresentative. The committee Biotechnology Curriculum works closely with theUndergraduate Affiliates Network Severalyears ago, the committee developed a recom- (UAN) Steering Subcommittee andinterfaces with the mended curriculum for undergraduate biochemistry and Minority Affairs Committee in its efforts to serve as widea molecularbiologydegree programs. We would like to selection of the society’s membership as possible. The com- develop asimilarinitiative forbiotechnology training. mittee meets formally in Bethesda, Maryland, eachfall to What doASBMB members see as the most important discuss the agenda for upcoming national meetings and technical skills, knowledge areas, etc. that should be otherissues that the committee will be acting on. encompassedbya biotech-oriented education? Whilemuch of the workatlast fall’s meeting focused on the revamped Webpages that have just been released, Program Accreditation we did discuss some issues that areonthe horizon for the As we discussed the recommended curriculum, another next year or two. A number of these issues would benefit topic repeatedly came up:should the society accredit pro- from a broaderinput from the society’s membership,and grams in biochemistry and molecularbiologyin much the I invite feedback on any of the following topics as the same way the American ChemicalSociety accredits chemis- committee generates its agenda for action items for the try degree programs? An endorsement by the largest profes- next severalyears. sional societyinthe discipline would beaplus forboth grad- uate school admission and employment. Also, programs and Small Meetings departments could leverage their accreditation with admin- The society now encourages “small meetings” on spe- istratorstofurtherdepartmental orprogram goals. cialized topics that are held separately from the Accreditation could be done inarelatively straightfor- national meetings. In the past, membersof the EPD ward mannerbycollecting data on theWeb andreview- have workedhandin handwith Project Kaleidoscope ing factors such as curriculum, number of graduates, to runaseries of meetings focusing on biochemistry wheregraduates go, the number of students engagedin and molecularbiology education. We would like to research,andresearch outcomes. The institutions would knowwhether ASBMB membersare interestedin hav- be reviewedbya committee andperhapsvisited every five ing additional small meetings withworkshops focusing or 10 years by a regional UAN committee.Suchdata col- on hands-on teaching activities, program development, lection could be extremely useful to the society and the androundtable discussions on topics ineducation. academic community andwould be cost effective. Also, if such a meeting were held, what types of topics Of course, if the society collected all these data it could would interest society members? What time ofyear also easily rank programs in a meaningful manner. For would be right for such a meeting? Along these lines, exampleundergraduate programs could be rankedinterms we could expand the regional meeting conceptthat has ofpreparation for graduate school,medical school,and nowbeen introducedbythe UAN to include sessions employment in biotechindustry. Suchrankings could be on topics such as course development, teaching styles, very beneficial and useful to prospective employersand

April 2007 ASBMB Today 19 professional development continued

potential undergraduates. The rankings could be published tional andprofessionaldevelopment issues. It could be every fewyearssothat a rolling average could be usedin accessedbymembership ID andpassword and serve as determining the rankings of schoolsandprograms. a forum for a widerdiscussion of educational andpro- fessionaldevelopment issues than is possibleotherwise. Biochemistry and Molecular There could beseparate rooms for undergraduates, Biology Assessment graduate students, andpostdoctoralfellowsaswell as Whenever accreditation is discussedbythe EPD, it gener- different interest groups based on areas of science, ally leads to assessment issues. For severalyears,asub- research,and teaching interests. Howbetter to connect group of the committee has been working on a “standard- with someone who has gone to theeffortofdeveloping ized” biochemistry and molecularbiology exam that anew course on “protein folding” andlearning from would represent a set of expectations for asolid program their successes! interms ofwhat students should beabletodoand answer. Partof the problem of such an exam isthat the The EPD and the National Meeting ASBMB’s recommended curriculum focuses on skillsas Alwaysunderdiscussion isthe format of the“Educa- much as knowledge areas, andit is difficult to construct tion and Professional Development” theme at the an exam that would be easy to gradeand widely adopted. national meeting. How can that theme best serve the Asolution istohave an exam that could beadministered society’s membership?Atthis year’s meeting inD.C., and gradedlocally or submitted to the regional UAN all attendees at theEducation and Professional Devel- directorfor more formal grading. This summer, we will opment Theme sessions will be asked to fill outasur- be inaposition where it would be most helpful to have vey asking questions about thetypes of sessions they faculty that are involvedinundergraduate teaching at a would like to see in future national meetings. Ifyou are variety ofinstitutions review this exam anddevelop grad- unable to attend this year’s meeting but would like to ing expectations interms of the levelsof understanding fill outasurvey, we will try to have thesurvey available that students should be held accountable for. Ifyou are online shortly after the meeting. interestedin participating inthis project, please contact Finally,Ithank the membersofboth theEducation and me ([email protected]). Ifwe get enough ASBMB Professional Development Committee and theUndergradu- memberstoparticipate inthisendeavorwe could have a ate Affiliates Committee for all their hard workand service finishedproduct available for the next academic year. to the society this past year and ask that anyone who has suggestions forpotential action items for either committee Member Chat Room contact me or other membersof the committees so that we Another suggestion that has been discussedisthe idea can best serve you inthe future. I look forward to hearing ofhaving an online members“chat room” for educa- from you and seeing you in Washington.

The ASBMB Annual Meeting has been Scientific divided into thirteen scientific themes. Thematic Immediately following the afternoon symposia on either Monday, April 30, or Receptions Tuesday, May 1, each scientific theme will host a reception. Don’t miss this unique at the 2007 ASBMB opportunity to enjoy light refreshments, Annual Meeting continue the scientific discussion, meet MONDAY, APRIL 30 the speakers, and network with others in & TUESDAY, MAY 1 your field.

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20 ASBMB Today April 2007 ASBMB Journals Advancing the Science of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for Over 100 Years!

) ) ) )

www.jbc.org www.mcponline.org www.jlr.org

www.asbmb.org/publications science focus Cytochrome P450’s New Partner

BY PAT PAGES

cientists have discovered anew only proteins knowntobind to Sproteinthat partners with and CYP51A1 were P450 oxidoreductase regulates cytochrome P450 enzymes, and cytochrome b5, whichdeliver which are known for their role in electrons to CYP51A1. And,unlike synthesizing cholesterol and steroids PGRMC1, these two proteins interact andineliminating chemicaldrugs only fleetingly with CYP51A1. from ourbody. The findings could Espenshade’s team also showed significantly affect the waybiologists that PGRMC1 bindstothree other think of thevarious roles of cyto- P450s, one of which metabolizes chrome P450 incellular metabolism. pharmaceutical compounds, raising The investigators, ledbyPeter the possibility that PGRMC1 may Espenshade, assistant professor of Cell work with many P450 enzymes. Biology at Johns Hopkins University, “Although the biochemicaldetails showed that in bothyeast andhumans, ofhow Dap1and PGRMC1 contrib- cytochrome P450 enzymes form stable ute to sterol synthesisstill need to be complexes with anotherprotein, which resolved,these findings have impor- has neverbeen seen before. tant implications for understanding In yeast, Espenshade’s team found diseases causedbydefects incyto- that Dap1, a protein involvedinthe chrome P450 andhow ourbody Peter J. Espenshade

synthesisof ergosterol–the yeast analog metabolizes drugs,” Espenshadesays. Peter J. Espenshade is an assistant of cholesterol–bindstoandregulates Mutations incytochrome P450 professor of Cell Biology at Johns Hop- theonly two P450 enzymes present in can lead to congenital adrenal kins School of Medicine, where his lab yeast. Although Dap1and the P450 hyperplasia, whichis causedby uses both yeast and mammalian sys- enzymes arekeyplayers inergosterol excessive ordeficient production of tems to study how cells control choles- synthesis, nobody suspected that they sex steroidsand can lead to delayed terol homeostasis and adapt to a low would bind to each other. puberty, excessive facialhair, infer- oxygen environment. Espenshade In humans, thescientists showed tility,and hypercholesterolemia, received his A.B. from Princeton Uni- that the human homolog of Dap1, a whichisthe presence ofhighlevels versity in 1990 and his Ph.D. from Mas- proteincalledprogesterone mem- of cholesterolinthe blood and a sachusetts Institute of Technology in brane receptor component 1 precursor to cardiovasculardis- 1998. He trained as a postdoctoral (PGRMC1) binds to CYP51A1, the eases. Thenewresults suggest that fellow with Michael Brown and Joseph cytochrome P450 enzyme involved mutations in PGRMC1 maylead to Goldstein at the University of Texas incholesterol synthesis intheendo- moresubtle forms of these diseases, Southwestern Medical Center in Dal- plasmic reticulum. Until now,the Espenshade notes. las before joining the faculty at Hop- kins in 2002. Espenshade has received several fellowships and awards including the Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF) Career Award in Biomedical Sciences and a BWF Investigator in Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease Award. Biosynthesis of cholesterol requires the demethylation of lanosterol (left) to 4,4- dimethylcholesta-8,14,24-trienol (right) by CYP51A1. Experiments now show that this reaction requires both CYP51A1 and another protein called PGRMC1.

22 ASBMB Today April 2007 Also, understanding how Dap1 drug or why it takes longerfor some lism. Among those, a close homolog and PGRMC1 interact with cyto- peopletoprocess drugs than others. of PGRMC1, called PGRMC2, has chrome P450 could explain why peo- Studies dating back to the 1950s– been identifiedin mammals, frogs, ple respond differently to the same nowpartof an expanding field andfish and could possibly modulate calledpharmacogenomics–have P450 enzymes as well. Another can- shownthat geneticvariation didate is Insig1, a protein present in among individuals can explain theendoplasmic reticulum’s mem- Any new different responses to drugs. By brane and akeyplayerin sterol discovery looking at variations inthe gene regulation. PGRMC1 has been producing PGRMC1 among indi- identified as a binding partnerfor involving these viduals, scientists may show that it Insig1, so this protein could also enzymes could contributes to different drug modulate CYP51A1. significantly responses as well. “The prospects offeredbythese Thisnew study mayprompt findings are exciting,” Espenshadesays. affect our researchinto otherproteins that con- “Therearemorethan 5,000 P450 understanding tribute to the regulation of P450 enzymes dispersed among animals, of cellular enzymatic activity. A fewpotential plants, fungi,andbacteria, so any new candidates are discussedinEspen- discovery involving these enzymes metabolism shade’s article, whichis publishedin could significantly affect our under- theFebruary issue of Cell Metabo- standing of cellular metabolism.”

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53! 5NITED+INGDOM 'ERMANY !USTRALIA œÀÊœÌ iÀʘ>̈œ˜ÃÊ "IOLINE53!)NC "IOLINE5+ "IOLINE'MB( "IOLINE!UST 0TY,TD «i>ÃiÊۈÈÌʜÕÀÊÜiLÈÌi ÜÜÜ°Lˆœˆ˜i°Vœ“ 4OLL&REE 4EL   4EL   4EL   2EG.O1- science focus New Lipid Player in Embryonic Development

BY PAT PAGES

or the first time, researchers have ment, weexpectedittodestroy Fdiscovered that a lipid present in cells,” Bieberich says. “We were cell membranes playsakeyrole in pretty excited to see that, instead, embryonic development, providing ceramide was helping cellsgrow newinsight into howindividuals and differentiate.” growfromasmall collection of cells Afterfertilization of an egg by a andpossibly leading to treatments sperm, cells first divide inadisorga- for birthdefects in which this lipid nizedway then starttoarrange to maybe involved. create a spherical cluster of cellsthat Erhard Bieberich,abiochemist at expandsand,after successive changes theMedical College of Georgia, inshapes and sizes, creates what ulti- Augusta, andhiscolleagues found mately becomes an embryo. As the that ceramide, a lipid known forits cellular cluster grows, thecells move role in insulating theskinand a pre- invarious directions, defining the cursor to the protective coating of head and “tail”of theembryo, its nerves, helpscells to get organized. backbone andbelly,andits leftand The discovery wasasurprise because rightsides. ceramide is known forits role incell Each of themultiplying cells is death, not cellular organization. helpedin its movement by changes Erhard Bieberich “When we startedlooking at cer- inthe distribution ofits proteins and Erhard Bieberich is an associate profes- amide’s role inembryonic develop- lipids. By clustering in some areas of sor at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia. He received his M.S. in Biochemistry and his Ph.D. in Bio- chemistry from the University of Cologne, Germany. During his tenure as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Bonn, Ger- many, he cloned and characterized for the first time several enzymes involved in N-glycoprotein processing. He continued his work on N-glycopro- teins and glycolipids when he joined Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, in 1996. He determined the functional role of N-glycosylation for the processing of sialyltrans- ferases in glycolipid biosynthesis. In 2000, Bieberich joined the Medical College of Georgia and developed his

Simplified representation of primitive ectoderm (A) and the role of ceramide own projects on ceramide-dependent cell and the polarity complex (made of Par6, Cdc42, and aPKC) in the polarization signaling in cancer and stem cells. of one of the ectoderm cells (B).

24 ASBMB Today April 2007 thecell,the proteins and lipids “tell” ter on one sideof thecell (see figure). mide in stem cells involvedin thecell wheretogoand to which The proteins forma“polarity com- embryonic development. other cells itshould connect. This plex” madeof three components Another area ofinterest is how process, called cell polarization, helps called atypical PKC, Cdc42, and Par6, ceramide could be involvedin can- cells move together andlaterform which are knowntobe involvedin cer. Ceramidemayhelp regulate the specifictissues and organs. cellulardevelopment. Ultimately, 90% fate of adult stem cellssimilarly to Although cell polarization is of theceramidemolecules gather at howit helpsembryonic stem cells known to occurduring embryonic one end of thecell. differentiate. When ceramide levels development and thevarious steps “This isthe first evidence of a direct inadult stem cellsarechanged–say, leading to organs are well docu- roleof ceramide incell polarization,” by ultraviolet lightor other environ- mented,the biochemicaldetailsat Bieberich says. “Another membrane mentalfactors–the stem cellsmay thecellularlevel arestill not well lipid, phosphoinositol, well known for proliferate abnormally andform understood. Thenewresults, pub- its involvement incell polarization, tumors. The possible roleof cera- lishedintheFebruary 2 issue of the seemed to beamajorplayerinthis mide in tumor growth may thus offer Journal of Biological Chemistry,shed process so far. But ourresults show alternative waysof treating cancer. newlightonthe mechanisms involved. that more playersare actually involved, “Ceramide seems to play a bigger Bieberich andhiscolleagues stud- helping to unravel the biochemical role incell biology than expected,” ied cell polarization inthe primitive detailsof cell polarization.” Bieberich says. “It is not only a ectoderm, producedwhen about 100 Bieberich andhiscolleagues plan structural lipid and acell death stem cellsare formed afterfertiliza- to study whether ceramide is messenger, but alsoakeyplayerin tion. They showed that ceramide involvedinother aspects of embry- embryonic development and maybe molecules, present inthecell’s mem- onic development. Thescientists will in stem cell biology as well... brane, attach to proteins insidethe also investigate potential birth whichis good news for scientists cell, prompting the proteins to clus- defects resulting from lack of cera- working on thismolecule!” science focus New Insight into Mitochondrial Diseases

BY PAT PAGES

esearchperformed at St. Jude Thescientists, ledbySuzanne RChildren’s Research Hospital, Jackowski, principalinvestigatorin Memphis, Tennessee, mayprovide St. Jude’s Infectious Diseases Depart- renewedhope for thetreatment of a ment, showedfor the first time how rare disease in whichpatients have PanK2 operates inmitochondriato intellectualimpairment and diffi- control the degradation offatty cultyin walking and speaking. acids, also called ␤-oxidation. The The disease, calledpantothenate results of the study appearedinthe kinase-associated neurodegenera- January 30 issue of the Proceedings tion (PKAN), is causedbythe of the National Academy of Sciences mutation of a gene that produces of the U. S. A. pantothenate kinase (PanK), a pro- Fatty acid oxidation inmitochon- teinthat catalyzes the first stepin dria is monitored as follows. When the biosynthesisof coenzyme A CoA supply andfatty acid degrada- (CoA), whichis needed to break tion are in balance, PanK2 is bound down fatty acids.Some mutations to acyl-CoA (CoA carrying an acyl Suzanne Jackowski cause PanK not to work properly, group)andis inactive. But when Suzanne Jackowski is a full member leading to an accumulation ofiron fatty acids exceed thecapacity of the in the Infectious Diseases Department inthe neurons and ultimately to mitochondriatoeliminate them, a at St. Jude Children’s Research Hos- their damage. moleculecalled carnitine, which pital in Memphis, Tennessee. She is Although PanK is known to con- shuttles the fatty acids into themito- also an adjunct professor in the trol CoA biosynthesis, it has been chondria, accumulates. Acylcarnitine, Department of Molecular Sciences at unclear why three isoforms–PanK1, a combination of a fatty acid and car- the University of Tennessee Health PanK2, and PanK3–exist andwhat nitine, liberates PanK2 from acyl-CoA Science Center in Memphis. Jack- theydo. Thenewresearchrevealsa inhibition, activating PanK2 andiniti- owski received a B.A. in Biochemistry newregulatory property of PanK2, ating the production of more CoA from Canisius College, Buffalo, New which could provide ideas for treat- molecules, which are used to break York, and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sci- ment of the disease. downthe fatty acids (see figure). ences from the University of Tennes- As thesystem returns see’s Oak Ridge Graduate School. to balance, PanK2 She did postdoctoral training at the binds to CoA and University of Connecticut Health Cen- again becomes inactive ter in Hartford and at the University of while fatty acidsare Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. being degraded. Jackowski investigates the “PanK2 acts like a molecular mechanisms that regulate smoke detectorforfatty coenzyme A homeostasis. Her accom- acids,” Jackowski says. plishments include cloning the first “When the fatty acid bacterial and eukaryotic pantothenate oxidation reactions kinase (PanK) genes and characteriz- stopworking, acylcar- ing PanK inhibitors. She has also nitine accumulates, helped determine the x-ray structures which activates PanK2 of several PanKs. A model illustrating how PanK2 controls the to produce more CoA degradation of fatty acids in mitochondria. molecules that act like

26 ASBMB Today April 2007 firefighterstohelp destroy the extra In those disorders, acylcarnitines accu- to maintaining the CoA pool. Jack- fatty acids.” mulate and are secretedinthecircula- owski addsthat the severity of Thescientists suggest that PanK2 tion, whichwould result, according to symptoms inmitochondrial ␤-oxi- is localizedinthe intermembrane themodel, from acylcarnitines not dation disorders depends in parton space (IMS)of mitochondria, where being broken down properly inthe diet, suggesting that dietary strategies acylcarnitine is formed, placing the mitochondrial matrix. similar to those used to treat these sensorin exactly the right place to Jackowski andher colleagues disorders–such as avoiding fasting and monitor the status of mitochondrial note that the roles of thetwoother eating a diet richincarbohydrates– ␤-oxidation. The CoA molecules aris- types of PanK molecules will need maybe usefulin improving thesymp- ing from PanK2 activation are pro- to be furtherinvestigated to better toms in PKAN patients. ducedinthecytosol and then trans- understand mitochondrialdysfunc- Jackowski’s team isnowwork- portedinto themitochondrial matrix. tion. Inactivation of PanK2 in ing on developing an animal model There, theybreak downthe fatty acids. knock-out mice, for example, does of mitochondrial PKAN disease Thismodelis consistent with symp- not cause neurodegeneration, per- to determine whetherreduced toms ofhuman disorders in which haps because PanK1 and PanK3, dietary fat and carnitine supple- mitochondrialfatty acid breakdown is which are found outsidethemito- ments offerhope inthetreatment not working properly, Jackowski notes. chondria (see figure), contribute of the disease.

University of Michigan Department of Biological Chemistry Social Hour WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT

Sunday, April 29, 2007 The Hematology and Endocrine Biology Programs of the National at ASBMB Annual Meeting in Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) at the National Institutes of Health announce a 2-day Workshop on MicroRNA Washington DC in Cellular Development and Hematopoiesis, which will be held at The Historic Inns of Annapolis in Annapolis, MD, on April 23-24, 2007. Overview: This workshop will address evolving insights into the role of The University of Michigan, Department of MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating organ and tissue development Biological Chemistry, is hosting a social generally and blood cell development and function in particular. The workshop will review current information on the biogenesis and function hour at the annual ASBMB meeting in April of miRNAs and how miRNA mediated post-transcriptional regulation influences organ development and hematopoiesis. The program will 2007. The Department's friends and all include plenary talks by a panel of invited speakers, selected short talks, present and past members are invited. It and a poster session. Travel grants will be made available to registrants whose abstracts are selected for oral presentation at the workshop. will be held on Sunday, April 29, 2007 Registration is open and free. from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the Washington Workshop Topics: MicroRNA mechanisms and targets; regulatory role of miRNA in organogenesis and tissue function; regulatory role of miRNA Grand Hyatt Hotel. The social hour recep- in blood cell development; and new directions for research on miRNA as tion will consist of a hosted bar service and a developmental regulator and therapeutic target. hors d'oeuvres. Confirmed Speakers: Victor Ambros, David Bartel, Frank Bennett, Chang-Zheng Chen, Carlo Croce, Anindya Dutta, Michael German, Robert Georgantas, Lee Grimes, Harvey Lodish, Michael McManus, Matthias Merkenschlager, Clara Nervi, Klaus Rajewsky, Information on this reception will be listed Hannele Ruohola-Baker, Deepak Srivastava, and Markus Stoffel. in the ASBMB program book and on the The registration and abstract submission deadline is April 6, 2007. hotel bulletin board; or please contact June Register at: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/fund/other/microrna2007. Bialecki at [email protected] for more For information about Workshop logistics, please contact: Amy Amerson, CMP, The Scientific Consulting Group, Inc. (SCG) information. Phone: 301-670-4990 Email: [email protected] science focus “Sticky” Proteins Fuse Adult Stem Cells to Cardiac Muscle, Repairing Hearts

BY PAT PAGES

esearchersattheUniversity of molecules. Once fused,thetwotypes RTexas M. D. Anderson Cancer of cellsshared their genetic material, Centerhave shownthat adult stem forming one nucleus, andlaterdivided. cellstransplanted to an ailing heart The researchers investigated fuse withits cellsandrepair it. The whether this fusion process could discovery isthe first to show cellular- also healdamagedhearttissue in leveldetailsofhow adult stem cells mice. They created conditions sim- can healhearttissue andraises hopes ilar to a heart attack by exposing for using adult stem cellstotreat the stem cellsandheart muscle patients withheart failure. cells from mice to low oxygen and Edward Yeh, professor of medi- chemokines–proteins releasedfol- cine and chair of M. D. Anderson’s lowing a heart attack. To their sur- Department of Cardiology,andhis prise, not only did the stem cells colleagues transplantedhuman blood fuse with the heart musclecells, but Edward T. H. Yeh stem cellstoinjured mouse hearts. the number of stem cells produced Thescientists noticed that the stem was 10 times as high as when the Edward T. H. Yeh is professor and cells attached to the heartcells with cells were not exposed to low oxy- chairman of the Department of Cardiol- “sticky” proteins called cell adhesion gen and chemokines, showing that ogy at the University of Texas M. D. the stem cells were highly active in Anderson Cancer Center. He received a conditions that mimicked a heart B.A. in biochemistry with honors from attack. Thescientists also identified the University of California, Berkeley, thestickyproteins that hadbeen and a medical degree from the Univer- previously observed. sity of California, Davis. Encouragedbythese results, Yeh’s Yeh’s laboratory discovered three team transplanted the human stem novel biochemical pathways– cells directly to mice withinduced SUMOylation and neddylation, post- heart attacks. As expected,new cells translational protein modifications were produced and startedpatching using, respectively, small ubiquitin-like the damagedheart muscle. modifier (SUMO) and a ubiquitin-like Then, thescientists investigated protein called NEDD8, and the biosyn- whether thenew cellsmight have thesis of a glycolipid called glyco- been the resultofblood cellstrans- sylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor– forming into heart musclecells, a that have revolutionized our under- phenomenon called transdifferentia- standing of cell cycle progression, cell tion observedwith various types of signaling, and cancer pathogenesis. He stem cells. They used antibodies is also an authority in the study of adult knowntoblock cell fusion but not stem cells in cardiac repair. transdifferentiation and showed that Yeh is a member of the Republic of Schematic depiction of how human no new cells were produced, confirm- China’s science academy, Academia blood stem cells fuse with mouse heart ing that theyweremade by cell fusion. Sinica; the Association of American muscle cells and then divide to repair Physicians; and FASEB’s American heart tissue under conditions similar to The researchersalso examined those of a heart attack. what the fused cells did after they Society for Clinical Investigation.

28 ASBMB Today April 2007 to replace only dying cardiac entiating into endothelial cells, muscle–orwhether they could give not fusing with already existing rise to new cells. Theydiscovered endothelial cells. This was verified that fused cells continued to divide by showing that the same antibod- for up to two months. ies that blocked thestickyproteins “The accepteddogma among did not prevent thenew cells from cardiologists isthat heartcells can- being produced. (But thenew endo- not divide,” Yeh says. “These thelial cells were blockedbyantibod- results challenge this dogma by ies knowntoblock transdifferenti- showing that, when fusedwith ated cells.) adult stem cells, the fused cells can “The stem cells repaired the heart A cell produced by the fusion of a actually divideand,more impor- intwo independent ways by growing human blood stem cell with a mouse tantly, have the potential to repair either more muscletissue or new heart muscle cell undergoes cell an ailing heart.” blood vessels,” Yeh says. “So itmay division. Both human (red) and mouse (green) X chromosomes are visible in Yeh’s team also showed that be possible inthe futuretochoose to the nuclei of the dividing cells. Scale thetransplantedhuman stem cells enhance either orbothprocesses micrometers. formed endothelial cells–cellsthat when treating a patient with a heart 5 ؍ bar line the interior surface ofblood failureor a heart attack.” formed, because it wasn’t clear vessels. Unlike the heart muscle The results of the study were pub- whether the fused cells werean cells, thenew endothelial cells lished online February 15 inthe jour- endpoint inthemselves–designed resultedfrom stem cellstransdiffer- nal Circulation Research. biobits asbmb journal science

J. Biol. Chem. 2007 282: 4210–4217 Hormonal Regulation of Nuclear Permeability Elizabeth M. O’Brien, Dawidson A. Gomes, Sona Sehgal, and Michael H. Nathanson The nuclear envelope acts as a barrier to passage between the nucleus and the cytosol. By regulating the envelope’s permeability, cells can control the nuclear access of proteins that affect nuclear function. Nucleocytosolic passage generally occurs through the nuclear pore complex, which restricts movement on the basis of size and the presence of appropriate localization sequences. In this paper, the authors used localized, two-photon activation of a photoactivable green fluorescent protein (GFP) to investigate whether hormones, via their second messengers, could alter nuclear permeability. They found that vasopressin and other hormones that increase cytosolic Ca2ϩ and activate protein kinase C increased permeability across the nuclear membrane. Furthermore, localized photorelease of caged Ca2ϩ near the nuclear envelope resulted in a local increase in nuclear permeability. However, neither activation nor inhibition of protein kinase C affected nuclear permeability. These findings provide evidence that hormones linking to certain G protein-coupled receptors increase nuclear permeability via cytosolic Ca2ϩ.

GFP moves from cytosol to nucleus in cells stimulated with vasopressin.

J. Biol. Chem. 2007 282: 5761–5769 Identification and Characterization of a Schizo- saccharomyces pombe RNA Polymerase II Elongation Factor with Similarity to the Metazoan Transcription Factor ELL Charles A. S. Banks, Stephanie E. Kong, Henrik Spahr, Laurence Florens, Skylar Martin-Brown, Michael P. Washburn, Joan W. Conaway, Arcady Mushegian, and Ronald C. Conaway ELL family transcription factors increase the rate of transcription elongation by suppressing transient pauses by RNA polymerase II. ELL-associated factors (EAFs) Deleting SpELL renders bind to ELL family members and positively regulate their transcription activities. S. pombe sensitive to 6-azauracil. Orthologs of ELL and EAFs have been found in metazoa but not in fungi. Using bioinformatic and biochemical approaches, the authors of this paper have now identified a new Schizosaccharomyces pombe RNA polymerase II elongation factor that is composed of two subunits, SpELL and SpEAF. Like their counterparts from larger eukaryotes, SpELL and SpEAF form a stable heterodimer that potently activates transcription elongation by RNA polymerase II in vitro. In addition, like many yeast RNA polymerase II elongation factors, deletion of the SpELL gene renders S. pombe sensitive to the drug 6-azauracil. This discovery provides strong evidence that transcription elongation factors of this class are not limited to multicellular organisms.

30 ASBMB Today April 2007 J. Lipid Res. 2007 48: 328–336 Age-related impairment of HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux Hicham Berrougui, Maxim Isabelle, Martin Cloutier, Guillaume Grenier, and Abdelouahed Khalil An inverse relationship exists between plasma levels of high density lipoproteins (HDLs) and cardiovascular disease. High levels of HDL seem to protect against cardiovascular disease, whereas low HDL cholesterol levels increase the risk for heart disease. One of the ways HDLs protect against cardiovascular disease is by promoting reverse cholesterol Effects of aging on HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux. transport, which involves the movement of cholesterol from the peripheral tissues to the liver. In this study, the authors investigated the effect of aging on the capacity of HDLs to promote reverse cholesterol transport. Using HDLs isolated from the plasma of young (Y-HDL) and elderly (E-HDL) subjects, they found that E-HDLs were less able to promote cholesterol efflux than Y-HDLs. Moreover, they discovered that ATP binding cassette transporter 1 (ABCA1)-mediated cholesterol efflux is more highly affected in terms of cholesterol removing capacity. These results show that E-HDLs present a reduced capacity to promote cholesterol efflux, principally through the ABCA1 pathway, which may explain the increase of the incidence of cardiovascular diseases observed during aging.

Mol. Cell. Proteomics 2007 6: 207–230 Proteomics Identification of Differentially Expressed Proteins Associated with Pollen Germination and Tube Growth Reveals Charac- teristics of Germinated Oryza sativa Pollen Shaojun Dai, Taotao Chen, Kang Chong, Yongbiao Xue, Siqi Liu, and Tai Wang Mature pollen from most plant species is metabolically quiescent; however, after pollination, it germinates quickly and gives rise to a pollen tube to Differential interference contrast transport sperm into the embryo sac. Because methods for collecting a microscopy of germinated rice large amount of in vitro germinated pollen grains for transcriptomics and pollen grains. proteomics studies from model plants such as Arabidopsis and rice are not available, molecular information about the germination developmental process is lacking. In this study, the authors established an in vitro germination system for rice pollen and then used two-dimensional electrophoresis followed by MALDI-TOF MS and ESI-Q-TOF MS/MS to identify 160 differentially expressed proteins associated with germination and tube growth. These proteins are involved in different cellular and metabolic processes with a functional skew toward wall metabolism, protein synthesis and degradation, cytoskeleton dynamics, and carbohydrate/energy metabolism. Of the differentially expressed unique proteins, 25% had isoforms, many of which showed distinct changes in expression.

April 2007 ASBMB Today 31 for your lab

The information in For Your Lab has been provided by manufacturers and suppliers of laboratory World Precision Instruments equipment. For further information about any of 2007 CATALOG these products listed, contacts are listed at the WPI’s annual full-color product bottom of each panel. When contacting any of catalog is now available. Request your FREE copy and browse our these companies, please mention that you saw broad range of instruments and tools their product in ASBMB Today. Please note that a for neurophysiology, cardiovascular listing in ASBMB Today does not imply an endorse- physiology, free radical research, cell and tissue studies, and much more. ment by the American Society for Biochemistry and WPI provides the equipment needed Molecular Biology or by any of its members or staff. to ensure success. Manufacturers and suppliers who would like to include products in For Your Lab can contact Request your FREE catalog at www.wpiinc.com Molly at [email protected] or 301-634-7157 or call toll-free 1-866-606-1974 (direct) or 1-800-433-2732 ext 7157.

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April 2007 ASBMB Today 33 career opportunities

University of Pennsylvania ipate in studies of protein-protein and and the willingness and ability to be a lipid-protein interactions. The success- good team player. Excellent writing POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW ful candidate must have extensive and presentation skills are a plus. The Institute for Environmental Medi- computer skills and hands on experi- Advanced degree required. Send cine at the University of Pennsylvania is ence using common molecular model- CV to: seeking an enthusiastic and innovative ing, docking, and other specific soft- postdoctoral fellow with extensive the- ware. Extensive experience in UV/VIS Susan Turbitt, University of Pennsylvania. oretical background and practical spectroscopy and DLS and SLS Fax: 215-898-0868; E-mail: [email protected]. experience in organic chemistry (with measurements is a plus. The success- upenn.edu.

focus on protein and lipid chemistry), ful candidate must have excellent University of Pennsylvania is an Equal Opportunity biochemistry, and biophysics to partic- organization and communication skills Employer. Minorities are encouraged to apply.

ASBMB 2007/2008 SCIENCE POLICY FELLOWSHIP

ASBMB is pleased to announce that it is accepting applications from newly graduated Ph.D.s for the ASBMB Science Policy Fellowship. The fellowship affords the opportunity to gain experience and insight into the workings of the policy process and the role that science plays in government decision-making in a wide range of issues. The Fellow will work closely with policy professionals both inside and outside the government. The experience will provide exposure to the federal research budget process, regulatory issues, and the inter- play between science and decision-making.

The application deadline for the 2007/2008 fellowship is May 15, 2007.

TERMS The Society will sponsor one Fellow who will spend one year as a staff member in the ASBMB Office of Public Affairs. The fellowship will begin September 1. The Fellow will receive an annual stipend of $40,000 and health care coverage.

QUALIFICATIONS Fellows will be selected on a competitive basis from ASBMB members who have: ● a recently awarded doctorate (i.e. the applicant is not beyond the post-doctoral stage); ● interest in the relationship between science, technology, and public policy; ● flexibility in tackling a variety of tasks; and, ● excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

HOW TO APPLY Individuals interested in applying for the ASBMB Science Policy Fellowship should submit the following: 1. A resume/CV; 2. A letter of intent (2-3 pages) that outlines: ● why you have applied ● what policy issues and situations interest you ● what you hope to accomplish as a Fellow ● how you feel this experience will enhance your career ● your participation in civic activities and/or public affairs 3. Two letters of reference sent directly to ASBMB. Please include the addresses and telephone numbers for your references in your application.

Send all application materials to: Peter Farnham, CAE, Public Affairs Officer, ASBMB, 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814. Tel.: 301-634-7384; Fax: 301-634-7126; E-mail: [email protected] meeting calendar

National Lipid Association 20th American Peptide APRIL 2007 Annual Scientific Sessions Symposium MAY 31–JUNE 3, 2007 JUNE 23–27, 2007 3rd European Symposium on Plant Lipids SCOTTSDALE, AZ MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA www.lipid.org/chapters/swla E-mail: [email protected] APRIL 1–4, 2007 YORK, UK Epistasis: Predicting www.eurofedlipid.org/meetings/ Phenotypes and Evolutionary JULY 2007 index.htm Trajectories MAY 31–JUNE 3, 2007 32nd FEBS Congress: Second Workshop on IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY, AMES, IA Molecular Machines Biophysics of Membrane and Their Dynamics Active Peptides www.bb.iastate.edu/%7Egfst/ PSIframeset.html in Fundamental APRIL 1–4, 2007 Tel.: 515-294-7978 Cellular Functions LISBON, PORTUGAL JULY 7–12, 2007 www.biophysicsmap.com JUNE 2007 VIENNA, AUSTRIA Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis Registration is open until March 31 www.FEBS2007.org and Vascular Biology Annual 55th ASMS Conference Conference 2007 on Mass Spectrometry APRIL 19–21, 2007 Life Sciences 2007: A Joint JUNE 3–7, 2007 Meeting of the Biochemical CHICAGO, IL INDIANAPOLIS, IN Society, the British www.americanheart.org/presenter. www.asms.org ϭ Pharmacological Society, jhtml?identifier 3039918 Tel.: 505-989-4517 and The Physiological Society 2nd International Congress JULY 8–12, 2007 on Prediabetes and the Mitosis Spindle Assembly THE SECC, GLASGOW, UK Metabolic Syndrome and Function: A FASEB www.lifesciences2007.org/ Summer Research APRIL 25–28, 2007 Conference in Honor 21st Annual Symposium BARCELONA, SPAIN of Dr. B. R. Brinkley of the Protein Society www.kenes.com/prediabetes2007 Applications from students and post- Proteins: From Birth to Death E-mail: [email protected] docs are especially welcome! JULY 21–25, 2007 JUNE 9–14, 2007 ASBMB Annual Meeting in BOSTON, MA HYATT GRAND CHAMPIONS RESORT www.proteinsociety.org Conjunction with EB2007 AND SPA, INDIAN WELLS, CA APRIL 28–MAY 2, 2007 Organizers: Conly L. Rieder Gordon Research WASHINGTON, DC E-mail: [email protected] Conference–Molecular and www.asbmb.org/meetings Robert E. Palazzo Cellular Biology of Lipids Contact: ASBMB 2007, 9650 Rockville E-mail: [email protected] JULY 22–27, 2007 Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814-3008 WATERVILLE VALLEY, NH E-mail: [email protected] 76th Annual European www.grc.org Tel.: 301-634-7145 Atherosclerosis Society Congress 4th British Society JUNE 10–13, 2007 for Proteome MAY 2007 HELSINKI, FINLAND Research/European www.kenes.com/eas2007 Bioinformatics Institute 7th International Symposium Tel.: 41-22-908-0488 Proteomics Meeting of the Protein Society Fax: 41-22-732-2850 Integrative Proteomics: Maximizing MAY 12–16, 2007 the Value of Proteomics STOCKHOLM-UPPSALA, SWEDEN American Diabetes JULY 25–27, 2007 www.proteinsociety.org/pages/ Association’s 67th Annual CAMBRIDGE, UK page02b.htm Scientific Sessions www.bspr.org/ E-mail: [email protected] JUNE 22–26, 2007 E-mail: [email protected] Tel.: 301-634-7277 CHICAGO, IL www.wynjade.com/ada07/ Senescence, Aging and 94th Annual Meeting of the Cancer Symposium American Association of JULY 26–29, 2007 Immunologists IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY, AMES, IA MAY 18–22, 2007 www.bb.iastate.edu/%7Egfst/ MIAMI BEACH, FL homepg.html www.immunology2007.org/ Tel.: 515-294-7978

April 2007 ASBMB Today 35 meeting calendar continued

FASEB Summer Research 13th Nordic Mass HUPO 6th Annual World Conference: Lipid Droplets: Spectrometry Conference Congress Metabolic Consequences AUGUST 28–31, 2007 OCTOBER 6–10, 2007 of Stored Neutral Lipids SAVONLINNA, FINLAND SEOUL, KOREA JULY 28–AUGUST 2, 2007 www.nsms.no/moter.html www.hupo2007.com VERMONT ACADEMY, SAXTONS E-mail: [email protected] RIVER, VT Tel.: 514-398-5063 Organizers: Dawn L. Brasaemle, SEPTEMBER 2007 Rutgers, The State University of New 5th Annual World Congress Jersey and Rosalind A. Coleman, Proteomics Forum: on the Insulin Resistance University of North Carolina International Meeting Syndrome src.faseb.org on Proteome Analysis OCTOBER 11–13, 2007 SEPTEMBER 2–5, 2007 BOSTON MARRIOT, NEWTON, MA MUNICH, GERMANY This scientific meeting will bring together AUGUST 2007 www.proteomicforum.com/ national and international leaders as well Tel.: 49-(0)89-8578-2557 as researchers in the clinical practice of 13th International the syndrome Conference on Second 48th International E-mail: [email protected] Messengers and Conference on the or [email protected] Phosphoproteins Bioscience of Lipids Tel.: 818-342-1889 AUGUST 1–4, 2007 SEPTEMBER 4–8, 2007 Fax: 818-342-1538 SAN DIEGO, CA TURKU, FINLAND www.icbl2007.abo.fi Protein Misfolding and Abstracts must be submitted by July 1 Neurological Disorders Meeting www.smp-2007.com/ British Mass Spectrometry OCTOBER 17–19, 2007 Society Meeting DUNK ISLAND, NORTH FASEB Summer Research SEPTEMBER 9–12, 2007 QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA Conference–Lipid Signaling www.proteinmisfolding.org Pathways in Cancer EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND AUGUST 11–16, 2007 www.bmss.org.uk/meetings.htm E-mail: [email protected] 4th International & 2nd Asia- INDIAN WELLS, CA Tel.: 44-(0)-1480-880-669 Pacific Peptide Symposium src.faseb.org OCTOBER 21–26, 2007 5th Euro Fed Lipid Congress CAIRNS, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA Kern Aspen Lipid SEPTEMBER 16–19, 2007 www.peptideoz.org Conference–Diabetes, GOTEBORG, SWEDEN E-mail: [email protected]. Obesity and Atherosclerosis www.eurofedlipid.org/meetings/ edu.au AUGUST 19–22, 2007 goeteborg/index.htm Tel.: 613-9905-3723 ASPEN, CO www.uchsc.edu/kernconference/ 10th International AUGUST 2008 E-mail: [email protected] Conference of the Eicosanoid Research Foundation: 8th International Symposium Bioactive Lipids in Cancer, HUPO 7th Annual World on Mass Spectrometry in the Inflammation and Related Congress Health & Life Sciences Diseases AUGUST 16–21, 2008 AUGUST 19–23, 2007 SEPTEMBER 16–19, 2007 AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS FAIRMONT HOTEL, SAN MONTREAL, CANADA www.hupo2008.com FRANCISCO, CA bioactivelipidsconf.wayne.edu/ E-mail: [email protected] www.donatello.ucsf.edu/symposium/ Tel.: 514-398-5063 E-mail: [email protected] Tel.: 415-476-4893 OCTOBER 2007 30th European Peptide Society Symposium 234th American Chemical XVI International Symposium AUGUST 31–SEPTEMBER 5, 2008 Society National Meeting on Drugs Affecting Lipid HELSINKI, FINLAND AUGUST 19–23, 2007 Metabolism www.30eps.fi/ BOSTON, MA OCTOBER 4–7, 2007 E-mail: [email protected] chemistry.org/meetings/boston2007 Tel.: 358-(0)9-5607500 NEW YORK, NY 21st Biennial Meeting www.lorenzinifoundation.org/ download/dalm2007.pdf of the International Society AUGUST 2010 for Neurochemistry and the American Society 14th International Congress for Neurochemistry of Immunology AUGUST 19–25, 2007 AUGUST 22–27, 2010 CANCUN, MEXICO KOBE, JAPAN www.isn-asn2007cancun.org.mx/ www.ici2010.org

36 ASBMB Today April 2007 You are invited to attend a LLIPIDOMICSIPIDOMICS WWORKSHOPORKSHOP at Experimental Biology 2007, Washington, DC on Saturday, April 28, 2007 from 8 AM – Noon Sponsored by: the American Society for Nutrition, the LIPID MAPS Consortium, and Avanti Polar Lipids, Inc.

The Workshop will provide an overview Can you identify (and quantify) these lipids* of protocols that have been developed by the LIPID MAPS Consortium for Lipidomic in a complex mixture? analysis using mass spectrometry as well as related issues such as sample handling and extraction, internal standards for quantitative analysis, data management and display, lipid nomenclature, and an overview of global lipidomic initiatives. The Panel • Edward Dennis University of California, San Diego • Eoin Fahy University of California, San Diego • Teresa Garrett Duke University Medical Center • Rick Harkewicz University of California, San Diego • Jeffrey McDonald University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center • Al Merrill Georgia Institute of Technology • Robert Murphy University of Colorado Health Sciences Center • Walt Shaw Avanti Polar Lipids • Cameron Sullards Georgia Institute of Technology To Attend If not, this workshop will teach you how - This Workshop will be conducted as a for these and thousands of other lipids satellite session at Experimental Biology *S-1-P 2007 under the sponsorship of the Cholesterol PC American Society for Nutrition (ASN). GlcCer If you plan to attend please Email: [email protected] For information about EB 2007 - registration, lodging, etc. visit: www.eb2007.org www.lipidmaps.org A culture of opportunity.

Louisiana is cultivating opportunity for the Life Sciences Industry. We’ve injected over $30 million in state assistance for the development of three innovation centers in New Orleans, Shreveport and Baton Rouge.

These centers offer low-cost wet lab incubator space and integrated business development to companies and individuals alike. And when you consider Louisiana’s Gulf Opportunity Zone incentives, including 50% bonus depreciation or tax-exempt bonds, the timing couldn’t be better for you to make your move.

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TO LEARN MORE, CALL BOB FUDICKAR AT 225.342.5835 OR VISIT LOUISIANAFORWARD.COM/ASMB

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