MAY 2004 www.asbmb.org

Constituent Society of FASEB

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

ASBMB President Urges Support for NSF Page 2

Experimental Smallpox Vaccine Tested Page 9 See You in Boston!

“A“A MolecularMolecular ExplorationExploration ofof thethe Cell”Cell” ASBMB Annual Meeting and 8th IUBMB Conference JuneJune 12-16,12-16, 20042004 Boston, Massachusetts IUBMB/ASBMB 2004 “A Molecular Exploration of the Cell”

June 12 – 16 Boston, MA

American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Annual Meeting and 8th IUBMB Conference

l Biology ■ Mole ■ Chemica cular Recog atics nition ■ nform Ce Bioi llula and r Bi ics och om em te ist Pro Opening Lecture ry First Annual Herbert Tabor/Journal of Biological Chemistry Lectureship Robert J. Lefkowitz, HHMI, Duke University Medical Center

Organized by: John D. Scott, HHMI, Vollum Institute; Alexandra C. Newton, UCSD; Julio Celis, Danish Cancer Society, and the 2004 ASBMB Program Planning Committee

Cellular Organization and Dynamics Regulation of Gene Expression and Organizer: Harald A. Stenmark, Norwegian Rad. Hosp. Chromosome Transactions Organizer: Joan W. Conaway, Stowers Inst. for Med. Res. Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics Organizers: Charlie Boone, Univ. of Toronto and Signaling Pathways in Disease Michael Snyder, Yale Univ. Organizers: Alexandra Newton, UCSD and John D. Scott, HHMI, Vollum Inst. Integration of Signaling Mechanisms Organizer: Kjetil Tasken, Univ. of Oslo, Norway The Future of Education and Professional Development in the Molecular Life Sciences Molecular and Cellular Biology of Lipids Organizer: J. Ellis Bell, Univ. of Richmond Organizer: Dennis Vance, Univ. of Alberta

Molecular Recognition and Catalysis For further information: Organizer: Jack E. Dixon, UCSD ASBMB 9650 Rockville Pike Protein Modifications and Turnover Bethesda, MD 20814 Organizer: William J. Lennarz, SUNY at Stony Brook Tel: 301-634-7145 Fax: 301-634-7126 Protein Structure, Catalysis and Dynamics Email: [email protected] Organizer: Susan Taylor, UCSD http://www.asbmb.org

www.asbmb.org/meetings/asbmbø4 www.asbmb.org

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY MAY 2004, Volume 3, Issue 2 features

2 ASBMB President Urges Support for NSF

4 Administration Denies it Politicizes Science

6 WHI Study: No Heart Disease Benefit from Estrogen

8 New RNA Libraries ‘Major Step Forward’ 15 9 Experimental Smallpox Vaccine Tested

10 Mouse Cloned with Olfactory Neurons ON THE COVER: 15 Drug Addiction, Learning Share Common Protein 12 See You in Boston! A Preview of the 16 Sponges Used in Nanoscale Production 2004 ASBMB Annual Meeting 17 Obesity Drug Inhibits Prostate Tumor

Cover Photo by: 18 FDA Seeks to Speed Drug Development FayFoto/Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau/BostonUSA.com 22 U.S. Funds Swedish Stem Cell Research

23 New Genomics Lab to Open in Germany

10 departments 2 News From the Hill 6 NIH News 20 Biotech Business 24 Calendar

BRONZE AWARD WINNER 2004 NEWS FROM THE HILL

ASBMB Today is a monthly publication of The American Society for ASBMB President Masters Biochemistry and Molecular Biology by Peter Farnham, CAE, ASBMB Public Affairs Officer Officers Bettie Sue Masters President e support returning the limited funds Judith S. Bond President-elect Albert E. Dahlberg Secretary NSF to its doubling path, on programs Kenneth E. Neet Treasurer “W authorized in 2002 but other than Thomas Blumenthal Councilor not adhered to, by increasing fund- biomedical William R. Brinkley Councilor ing this year to approximately $6.39 research. NSF Lila M. Gierasch Councilor Frederick P. Guengerich Councilor billion.” seems to be William J. Lennarz Councilor This was the message ASBMB Presi- among the Alexandra C. Newton Councilor dent Bettie Sue Masters took to the other pro- Merle S. Olson Councilor Peter J. Parker Councilor House Appropriations Committee on grams that William L. Smith Councilor March 25 when she delivered oral tes- can expect ASBMB President Non-Voting Members timony on the National Science Foun- some addi- Dr. Bettie Sue Masters George M. Carman dation appropriation for fiscal year tional money Chair, Meetings Committee 2005. It was the second time in a little this year, but how much remains John D. Scott over a week that Dr. Masters had repre- very much unsettled. Alexandra C. Newton Julio Celis sented ASBMB on Capitol Hill. She had The President asked for a 3 % increase Co-chairs, 2004 Program Committee also spent March 16 making visits to for NSF this coming year, about $167 Marion H. O’Leary J. Ellis Bell various Members of Congress with million over its 2004 total of $5.57 bil- Co-chairs, Education and Professional incoming President Judith Bond. lion. Dr. Masters characterized this as Development Committee Dr. Masters’ comments on NSF came “clearly inadequate.” She made the William R. Brinkley Chair, Public Affairs Advisory Committee in the context of one of the most diffi- point that our concern was not related Peter A. Rubenstein cult budgetary years for science most merely to the parsimonious request for Chair, Publications Committee Washington observers can remember. NSF-funded biology. She noted: Phillip A. Ortiz Chair, Minority Affairs Committee The National Institutes of Health “…we strongly support increased Herbert Tabor budget was doubled over a five-year funding for NSF programs in the Editor, JBC period ending in 2003, and now Con- chemical, physical, mathematical, Ralph A. Bradshaw gress is strongly interested in spending social and behavioral, and computa- Editor, MCP Edward A. Dennis tional sciences, in addition to the bio- Editor, JLR logical sciences. These sciences, as well as being important in their own right, Editorial Advisory Board Tell Us What Irwin Fridovich often serve as the underpinning for Richard W. Hanson You Think advances in biomedical research that Bettie Sue Masters lead to improvements in the health Evan J. Sadler and well-being of the American peo- Robert D. Wells We appreciate receiving letters that are suitable for publication ple. If research in these areas is allowed Comments from ASBMB members regarding to languish, we risk not just world Please direct any comments or questions leadership in these specific disciplines, concerning ASBMB Today to: issues of importance or comment- ing on articles appearing in but in biomedical research as well.” John D. Thompson As for how the day went, Dr. Masters Editor, ASBMB Today ASBMB News. Letters should be 9650 Rockville Pike sent to the editor, John Thomp- noted, “I thought it was very useful Bethesda, MD 20814-3996 son, at the address found at left. and educational for me and, I hope, Phone: 301-634-7145; Fax: 301-634-7126 E-mail: [email protected] Letters must be signed and must for the members of Congress who lis- contain the writer’s address and tened to us. The two major topics that For information on advertising we discussed—NSF funding and the contact FASEB AdNet at 800-433-2732 telephone number. The editor ext. 7157 or 301-634-7157, or reserves the right to edit all letters. importance of support for the under- email [email protected]. pinning sciences in biomedicine—

2 ASBMBToday MAY 2004 NEWS FROM THE HILL

Urges House to Support NSF struck a very good note.” Also, she “NSF needs to spend more of its Her thoughts on her Capitol Hill visit? noted, “The testimony was well resources on core science programs, “It is a vibrant atmosphere,” Dr. received by the committee and it rather than new initiatives that seem Masters said. “You walk around the appeared to me they were listening to attract most of the additional appro- halls of these huge congressional office and engaged.” priated dollars; buildings and see hundreds of other Other major points made during her “The average NSF grant needs to be people doing the same thing you are testimony—witnesses were allowed 5 larger and longer in duration, to an doing, and you realize that when you minutes to speak—were: average of approximately $200,000 per have an opportunity to speak to Con- “ASBMB opposes the transfer of the year for four years, versus the $140,000 gress in a setting like a congressional Math & Science Partnerships program for three years it is now; hearing, it's very important that you from the NSF to the Department of “Finally, NSF biological research sup- take the opportunity to do so.” Education because NSF is an agency ports non-medical biology and is thus The full Society testimony on the that specializes in science education, different from that funded by NIH. The NSF budget for fiscal year 2005 can be and the NSF program dispenses funds two should not be confused, and just found on the Society website at through a peer-review mechanism, because biomedical research has done http://www.asbmb.org; type the word rather than the block-grant approach well in recent years, other fields of biol- “testimony” in the search window, and used at Education; ogy have not. This needs to be corrected. then click on “NSF Testimony.”

MAY 2004 ASBMBToday 3 NEWS FROM THE HILL

by Peter Farnham, CAE, ASBMB Public Affairs Officer

Administration Denies it Politicizes Science, war of words between the laureates, strongly endorsed the trivia.” He characterizes most of the administration and congres- UCS report. major allegations as attempts to A sional and scientific critics At the end of February, two mem- politicize policy disputes. He says, erupted in February over the issue of bers of the President’s Council on “…it’s common in Washington for whether the administration is politi- Bioethics known for being support- each side to consider its own views cizing science. ive of somatic cell nuclear transfer as science and the other side’s as a This charge has been lurking in the (SCNT) research were removed from misuse of science. Bush, the Democ- background almost since the Bush the Council and replaced with per- rats and the Union of Concerned Administration took office in 2001. sons thought to be more in tune Scientists disagree on subjects like Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) main- with the White House view that such forestry management or allowable tains a web site called “Politics and research is not in keeping with its parts-per-billion of dioxin, where sci- Science” (www.politicsandscience.org) prolife stance. On March 1, ASBMB ence can only give guidance, not where he claims that in dozens of President Bettie Sue Masters wrote a perfect answers. And such disagree- cases, the Bush administration has letter to the President criticizing the ments should be called what they distorted scientific research to serve administration over the firings. are: legitimate policy disputes, not its policy goals, manipulated public Things got worse for the White malfeasance.” information in a wide variety of House on March 22, when a letter The administration began to fire areas from the environment to pub- signed by 27 Democratic senators, back in its own right on April 2, when lic health and safety, and stacked sci- including Presidential candidate the White House Office of Science and entific committees with ideologues John Kerry, went to President Bush Technology Policy released a glossy, who support the administration criticizing him for politicizing sci- full-color report called “Bush Adminis- rather than scientific truth. ence and for the bioethics council fir- tration Science & Technology Accom- However, the skirmishing esca- ings. The letter called on him to plishments: Promoting Innovation for lated to full-scale warfare in Febru- “respect and restore the integrity of a Stronger, Safer America.” Among the ary, when the Union of Concerned the scientific research conducted by accomplishments claimed: a 44% Scientists (UCS) issued a report the federal government, end this growth in R&D funding between 2001 denouncing the Bush administra- misuse of the scientific process, and and the President’s budget proposal for tion for politicizing science. The ensure that members of scientific 2005; the highest level of discretionary report, “Scientific Integrity in Poli- advisory panels are selected on the outlays committed to R&D in 37 years; cymaking: An Investigation into basis of merit—not ideology.” the doubling of the NIH budget and a the Bush Administration’s Misuse of White House allies began to return 30% increase in NSF funding since Science,” claimed that in at least 27 fire in March, when the Marshall 2001; an internet tax moratorium and cases, the administration tailored or Institute, a conservative policy think support for the Research & Experimen- modified scientific information to tank, held a press conference to tation tax credit, and other, more dubi- support its policy positions on a refute the UCS report. Various news- ous claims. host of issues from climate change paper columnists began to write arti- Also on April 2, Marburger weighed and global warming to abortion, cles criticizing the UCS and other in with a 20-page report to Congress condom use, lead poisoning, and White House critics. strongly rebutting the UCS docu- appointments to advisory commit- Gregg Easterbrook, senior editor of ment, even to the point of referring tees. A letter signed by 60 promi- the New Republic, called the UCS to one of the UCS charges as “highly nent scientists, including 20 Nobel report “a mix of serious charges and offensive.” He wrote in the preface:

4 ASBMBToday 2004 NEWS FROM THE HILL

in Election Year War of Words “I believe the UCS accusations But, while one may be “shocked, to do during the 2000 campaign. are wrong and misleading. The shocked” that politics is going on in The NSF budget has also increased accusations in the document are an election year, there is at least 30% since 2001 (although Congress inaccurate, and certainly do not some truth to the charges both sides has stepped in on several occasions justify the sweeping conclusions of are leveling. For example, the UCS to boost poor administration budget either the document or the accom- has backed off some of its claims, Sci- requests). A variety of other defensi- panying statement. I believe the ence magazine reports, and has qui- ble claims are made. document has methodological etly issued a revised critique of the However, the OSTP also claims flaws that undermine its own con- administration’s actions “correcting among the administration’s science clusions, not the least of which is and clarifying some points.” and technology accomplishments the the failure to consider publicly Perhaps the area where the creation of the “do not call” registry, available information or to seek administration is most vulnerable to and the fact that the president signed and reflect responses or explana- accusations of manipulation of sci- into law an anti-spam and pornogra- tions from responsible government ence is in the area of appointments phy law last year. Various free trade officials. Unfortunately, these flaws to advisory committees. While the agreements and the “president’s eco- are not necessarily obvious to UCS report made some errors in this nomic growth package” are touted as those who are unfamiliar with the regard, there are a number of recent spurring R&D and technological inno- issues, and the misleading, incom- cases that can only be characterized vation. One must ask, is it reasonable plete, and even personal accusa- as disquieting, including the to characterize these as “scientific and tions made in the document removal of Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn technological accomplishments?” concern me deeply.” and William May from the Presi- Thus, as in most disputes of this What are we to make of all this? dent’s Council on Bioethics in Feb- type, there is ample ammunition for First, it is important to remember ruary (after the report was released). partisans on both sides to continue that there is an election being held Another example: the UCS report the open warfare. One can only hope this year, and it is shaping up to be a claims that the State Department’s that it can be conducted with a quite bitterly fought one in the bar- Arms Control and Non-proliferation measure of civility that has been gain. Thus, every statement takes on Advisory Group was disbanded. lacking in the discussion up to now. political overtones, and both Repub- Marburger replied that the group’s One hopes that Marburger’s planned lican and Democrat charges and charter had merely expired and it attendance at the April 16-20 countercharges fly back and forth. was being reconstituted. However, National Academy of Sciences meet- Politics in an election year? One is Marburger did not note that the ing and meet with some of the scien- reminded of Captain Louis Renault, charter expired 32 months ago tists who support the UCS report will Claude Rains’ charmingly amoral and the group has still not been help clear the air. character in the film Casablanca, reconstituted. If not, expect everyone concerned who, when forced under Nazi pres- In addition, the White House and to be “shocked, shocked” by contin- sure to shut down Rick’s Café, OSTP are apparently not above ued partisan warfare, including announced loudly, “I am shocked, padding their resumes in their rebut- highly personal recriminations and shocked, to find that gambling is tal of the UCS accusations. It is fair to even name-calling, over a subject going on in here!” (just before the say that the Bush administration that ought to be above it—the nature roulette croupier hands him his completed doubling of the NIH of scientific truth and its role in pol- night’s winnings). budget over five years, as it promised icy-making.

MAY 2004 ASBMBToday 5 NIH NEWS

WHI Study Finds No Heart Disease Benefit, Increased Risk With Estrogen Alone large, multi-center heart dis- increases their risk for stroke,” said Dr. nearly 64 and about 70 when the ease prevention study, part of Jacques Rossouw, WHI Project Officer. study stopped. They enrolled in the A the Women’s Health Initia- “This may be especially true for older study between 1993 and 1998. tive (WHI), has found that estrogen- women, those aged 60 and older.” About 75% of the women were alone hormone therapy had no effect As of July 2003, about 10 million white, 15% black, and 6% Hispanic. on coronary heart disease risk but American women were taking some Most were overweight and some 8% increased the risk of stroke for post- form of hormone therapy. It is esti- had diabetes. About 35% used hor- menopausal women. The study also mated that about 6.7 million of those mone therapy in the past, and 13% found that estrogen-alone therapy sig- take estrogen alone and 3.3 million were current users. nificantly increased the risk of deep take estrogen plus progestin. The drugs The women were randomized to two vein thrombosis, had no significant tested in the WHI are those most com- groups-one received 0.625 mg/day of effect on the risk of breast or colorectal monly used in the United States. conjugated equine estrogens (Pre- cancer, and reduced the risk of hip and The estrogen-alone study involved marin) and the other a placebo. The other fractures. The WHI is sponsored 40 clinical centers and 10,739 gener- women were followed for an average by NIH’s National Heart, Lung, and ally healthy postmenopausal women of 6.8 years, visited their clinic at least Blood Institute (NHLBI). ages 50-79 who did not have a uterus. once a year, and had annual mammo- The estrogen-alone study was Their average age at enrollment was grams and clinical breast exams. stopped at the end of February 2004 because the hormone increased the risk of stroke and did not reduce the NIH, FDA Launch Information System risk of coronary heart disease, a key question of the trial. Initial findings on Human Gene Transfer Research appeared in the April 14 issue of The The National Institutes of Health secure, electronic interface for Journal of the American Medical Asso- and the Food and Drug Administra- reportingadverse events immediately ciation (http://jama.ama-assn.org/). tion (FDA) have launched a new to NIH, and generates a paper record The article includes data collected Web-accessible database and informa- to besubmitted to FDA in accordance through February 2004 tion system on human gene transfer with federal regulation. Both agen- “These findings confirm that estro- research that will help expedite insti- cies emphasized that GeMCRIS will gen-alone therapy should not be used tutions reporting of adverse events. enable patients and the public to to prevent chronic disease,” said The goal of the Genetic Modification become better informed about NHLBI Acting Director Dr. Barbara Alv- Clinical Research Information System human gene transfer research ing. “We believe the findings support (GeMCRIS) is to improve the govern- through its easy-to-use report format, current FDA recommendations that ment’s ability to monitor this available on its public Web site hormone therapy only be used to treat research, while providing valuable http://www.gemcris.od.nih.gov. menopausal symptoms and that it be information to the public on the Investigators and sponsors who used at the smallest effective dose for characteristics of ongoing trials. wish to use the system to report the shortest possible time.” GeMCRIS will now provide inves- adverse events must first contact the “The results make clear that hor- tigators and sponsors conducting GeMCRIS Systems Administrator at mone therapy does not protect women humangene transfer research with a ([email protected] ). against coronary heart disease and

6 ASBMBToday MAY 2004 NIH NEWS

Biomedical Informatics for Clinical Decision Support: A Vision for the 21st Century! egistration is now open for and funding programs, including part- for validation of software tools and the the NIH symposium, Biomed- nerships with the private sector. Those development and dissemination of R ical Informatics for Clinical attending are invited to submit scien- open source software. Decision Support: A Vision for the 21st tific abstracts for a poster presentation. A third session will be dedicated to Century, June 21 and 22, 2004, at the Satellite sessions will include: Using current funding opportunities across Natcher Conference Center on the Semantic Standards to Integrate Bio- the NIH. For more information visit NIH campus in Bethesda. medical Imaging into Clinical Deci- www.becon.nih.gov/symposium2004.htm. The symposium focuses on software sion-Making will explore the potential tools and approaches to deliver biomed- of integrating biomedical imaging into Continuing Medical ical information technologies to clini- the clinical decision-making process. Education cians and patients at the time and place Public Private Partnerships: Potential The National Institutes of Health/ where decisions are made regarding means to support Biomedical Infor- Foundation for Advanced Education in risk, diagnosis, treatment, and followup. matics Resources, will explore how the Sciences designates this educational The symposium will identify major public-private partnerships can sup- activity for a maximum of 10.75 cate- challenges and opportunities that port the development of web assess- gory 1 credits toward the AMA Physi- should be addressed by NIH policies able public resources, such as databases cian’s Recognition Award. Move Your Reliable Diode Array into the Modern Era with

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MAY 2004 ASBMBToday 7 New RNA Libraries Termed Major Step Forward esearchers have produced vast at Harvard Medical School and what promoters to use,” said Dr. Han- libraries of short segments of Brigham and Women’s Hospital led non. “And we arrived at an optimal R ribonucleic acid (RNA) that the first group. ASBMB member René structure for this phase of the science.” can be used to turn off individual Bernards of The Netherlands Cancer Hannon emphasized, however, “that human and mouse genes to study their Institute led a second group. set of parameters is something that is function. Commenting on the signifi- Messenger RNA molecules are the going to evolve continuously. There cance of the studies, Andrew Fraser at genetic templates for proteins. In con- have been many advances over the last the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute structing proteins, the mRNA template year in understanding of the biochem- wrote: “As no single laboratory can is transcribed from DNA genes and istry of RNAi. So, we are now con- specialize in every aspect of gene func- transported to the ribosomes. RNA structing even more effective structures tion, the general availability of these interference is a technique that essen- and even more effective delivery vehi- [short hairpin RNA] libraries as a com- tially shuts down the activity of the cles which will be built into future gen- munal resource is a major step for- gene under study. erations of this library.” ward, harnessing the screening “But RNAi didn’t work in the vast Once an optimized basic design of expertise of the entire mammalian-cell majority of human or mouse cells the short hairpin RNA molecule was research community.” because there are additional antiviral finished, the researchers then produced RNA interference is a technique used responses that recognize double- a library of genes for short hairpin RNAs with much success by researchers to stranded RNA,” said Dr. Elledge. that could target 9,610 human genes switch off genes in lower organisms, “While the machinery to do RNAi is in and 5,563 mouse genes. The genes cho- including the fruit fly Drosophila and mammalian cells, the antiviral sen were those that were likely to be the roundworm C. elegans. Researchers machinery makes the introduced RNA involved in human disease, or to be key stumbled upon this powerful tool for toxic, and the cells die.” molecular switches in the cell. gene analysis when they discovered Researchers subsequently discovered The library of genes was integrated that introduced sequences of double- that short segments of interfering RNA into a retroviral vector that was capa- stranded RNA identical to a target could be introduced into mammalian ble of shuttling the genes into other messenger RNA actually triggered cells and remain unnoticed by the cell types. The researchers also incorpo- degradation of the messenger RNA. antiviral machinery, said Elledge. Fur- rated a DNA “bar-coding” system, by The libraries will be made widely thermore, they discovered that the cell which each RNA molecule can be available to laboratories studying itself could be engineered to make tagged with a unique DNA sequence. human biology and disease. The interfering RNAs by introducing the By determining the sequence of a researchers are optimistic that the gene for short hairpin RNA molecules given bar code for a short hairpin RNA, libraries will become a powerful research that fold back on themselves to create researchers using the library to screen tool for gene analysis and discovery. a small RNA. for genes affecting a specific cellular Two independent research groups To construct a library of mammalian process can identify which RNA mole- reported on their respective RNA inter- genes for short hairpin RNA molecules, cule among the thousands in the ference (RNAi) libraries in the March Hannon and his colleagues first had to library is switching off the activity of a 25, 2004, issue of the journal Nature. settle on an optimal design for a short- particular gene. Gregory Hannon of the Cold Spring hairpin-RNA molecule. “We tested a lot But the retroviral vectors used for Harbor Laboratory and Howard of different things — for example, the shuttling the short hairpin RNAs into Hughes Medical Institute Investigator length of the hairpin, the loop struc- cells only went so far. They were not and ASBMB member Stephen J. Elledge ture, the structure of the transcript and Continued on next page

8 ASBMBToday MAY 2004 Experimental Smallpox Vaccine Tested Against Monkeypox n experimental smallpox as an alternative to the current vac- MVA could be an alternative to Dry- vaccine, modified vaccinia cine. Although MVA may not quite vax in humans. A Ankara (MVA), was found equal Dryvax in its effectiveness, it did To compare MVA with Dryvax, 24 nearly as effective as the standard extraordinarily well, with all of the cynomologus monkeys were divided smallpox vaccine in protecting mon- monkeys who were vaccinated with into four groups of six. Group one keys against monkeypox, in a study by MVA surviving a potentially lethal received two MVA injections—one at researchers of the National Institute of monkeypox infection and, aside from the start of the study and the second Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) a few minor lesions, showing no clini- two months later. Group two found. The study appeared in the cal signs of disease.” received the MVA vaccine at the start March 11, 2004, issue of Nature. In a separate study published in the of the study and the Dryvax vaccine Currently, Dryvax is the only com- March 11, 2004, online edition of the two months later. Group three mercially available smallpox vaccine in Proceedings of the National Academy of received no injection at the start but the U.A., and NIAID Director Anthony Sciences, the researchers found that, in received a Dryvax injection after two Fauci explained,”Because an initial addition to protecting healthy mice months. Group four, the control, MVA injection may help lessen side against a lethal form of the vaccinia received no vaccines. effects experienced from Dryvax, MVA virus, MVA protects mice with certain Two months after the second vacci- may serve as an important pre-vaccine immune deficiencies. nation, all 24 monkeys were exposed for large-scale vaccination efforts in the They found that mice survived a to monkeypox. All were healthy with event of a bioterror threat involving deadly dose of vaccinia virus if no signs of disease, except for a small smallpox.” they’d been immunized with MVA, number of lesions seen on several NIAID’s Bernard Moss, an ASBMB even if they were lacking antibody- monkeys from the MVA-only group. member and senior author on the producing immune cells or special Those unvaccinated, however, had had paper, added, “This study shows that proteins that help alert killer T cells over 500 lesions each and became seri- the MVA vaccine holds great promise to an infection. This indicated that ously ill or died.

Continued from previous page function. The proteasome is a key future libraries will be made available to efficient for getting genetic short hair- component of the machinery by the research community at a nominal pin RNAs into all cell types. That’s which the cell breaks down unwanted cost through Open Biosystems, Inc., in where an innovative technique devel- proteins. “This was a thorough test of Huntsville, Alabama. oped by Elledge and his colleagues the system because there are a great “For the first time this gives us the came in handy. This technique, called number of different genes whose loss opportunity to do a version of forward “mating-assisted genetically inte- could interfere with proteasome func- genetics in mammalian cells where we grated cloning” (MAGIC), greatly tion,” said Elledge. “We found quite a can look at hypomorphic mutations, assisted the transfer of the short hair- few genes, and concluded that the ranging from mild to severe, and their pin RNA library into all cell types via library had worked quite efficiently as consequences on phenotypes, on bacterial mating. a screening tool.” what will eventually evolve to a In order to validate that the library Current efforts are aimed at increas- genome-wide scale,” said Hannon. worked in human cells, the researchers ing the number of human genes tar- “Thus, these libraries will evolve into tested it in a genetic screen designed to geted by the library, said the researchers. an important resource for the research report defects in human proteasome They emphasized that the current and community.”

MAY 2004 ASBMBToday 9 Mouse Cloned Successfully With Mature Olfactory Neurons esearchers have successfully that is, those they exhibited the normal pattern of cloned a mouse using mature that had ceased odorant-receptor gene expression and R olfactory neurons as the dividing to pro- organization of odorant receptor genes. genetic donor. The scientists credit the duce new cells. According to Dr. Axel, the cloning idea for the experiments to Woody A central ques- achievement eliminates one potential Allen whose classic comedy Sleeper tion, said the mechanism and narrows the possible depicted scientists who try to clone a scientists, was ways in which a cell chooses one of dead dictator from his nose. whether mature thousands of receptor genes. The find- The current study aims to answer cells had under- Dr. Richard Axel ings also demonstrate that the devel- longstanding questions about the gone certain irreversible genetic opmental changes are reversible. developmental potential of mature processes, such as gene rearrangements, Dr. Axel said that the cloning tech- cells. In doing their experiments, the that would prevent them from repro- nique should be broadly applicable. researchers were seeking to determine gramming their nuclei to allow totipo- “From a mechanistic point of view, it’s whether the nucleus of a single mature tent development. These processes very important to be able to investigate olfactory neuron, when introduced might interfere with the cell’s ability to whether irreversible changes in the DNA into an egg, or oocyte, depleted of its become totipotent, a property of cer- accompany development, differentia- nucleus, could revert to an undifferen- tain stem cells that permits them to dif- tion and maturation,” he said. “This tiated state in which it could give rise ferentiate into any cell type. approach, although technologically to an adult mouse possessing the full The researchers chose olfactory neu- demanding, affords an opportunity to range of olfactory receptors. rons as the source of genetic material detect those changes that are irreversible Indeed, the resulting mice exhibited because previous research had sug- in virtually all cell types.” an array of well organized odorant gested that these cells might undergo receptors that were indistinguishable gene rearrangements during develop- FASEB Summer from those of normal mice, the ment. Whatever the underlying researchers reported in the March 4 issue process involved in generating their Research Conference of the journal Nature. The research was spectacular diversity, olfactory neurons FASEB Summer Research Confer- performed in the laboratories of Dr. are distinguished by their ability to ence on Trace Element Metabolism: Rudolf Jaenisch at the Whitehead Insti- randomly express any one of some Integrating Basic and Applied tute for Biomedical Research at MIT, and 1,500 diverse odor receptor genes. Research. June 26-July 1, 2004 in ASBMB member Richard Axel, a Howard Such genes give rise to the protein Snowmass Village, Colorado. Orga- Hughes Medical Institute Investigator receptors on the surface of the neurons nizers: David Eide and Richard Eisen- and Professor at Columbia University. that detect specific chemical odorants. stein. Eleven sessions and 47 “Our study demonstrates for the In their efforts, the researchers in Dr. speakers covering trace element first time that animals can be derived Axel’s laboratory generated mice with metabolism from microbes to from the nucleus of mature neurons olfactory sensory neurons tagged using humans. Topics covered: trace ele- following transfer into the oocyte. genetic marker molecules. Using stan- ment transport and acquisition; trace Because the cloned animals are nor- dard cloning techniques, the researchers elements and disease; nutritional mal, our experiment also shows that in Jaenisch’s laboratory then isolated aspects of trace element metabolism; some brain functions do not involve individual neurons, removed nuclei metalloprotein biogenesis and oth- genetic alterations of the neuron’s from the tagged cells and introduced the ers. The preliminary program can be genome,” said Dr. Jaenisch. nuclei into mouse eggs from which the found at http://src.faseb.org. The According to the researchers, previ- nuclei had been removed. When these meeting application isalso on this ous cloning efforts had failed to clone eggs were introduced into surrogate website. For additional information, animals from the nuclei of any mature mother mice, the resulting offspring contact [email protected]. “post-mitotic” cells such as neurons— proved viable and fertile. Furthermore,

10 ASBMBToday MAY 2004 Redox Signaling in Biology and Disease Kiawah Island, South Carolina, October 21-24, 2004

An ASBMB Sponsored Symposia Organizers Larry Marnett, Vanderbilt University; Roy J. Soberman, Harvard Medical School

Plenary Lecture Regulation of Mammalian Clock Genes Professor Steven L. McKnight, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center

Interpreting Redox and Oxygen Changes in the Cell Nucleus William G. Kaelin Jr., Chair Susan L. Ackerman

Signaling by Nitric Oxide Bettie Sue Masters, Chair Michael Marletta, Linda Roman

Signaling by H2O2 and Sulfhydryl Bonds Roy J. Soberman, Chair Sue Goo Rhee, David A. Hildeman, Peter Cresswell, M. Amin Arnaout

The Cellular Consequences of Redox Signaling Larry Marnett, Chair Dan Liebler, Frank Fitzpatrick, Robert C. Murphy

Additional Speakers will be selected from abstracts. Abstract deadline July 15.

For More Information and to Register Email: [email protected] IUBMB/ASBMB Meeting Preview

Cutting Edge Research at the Interface he world’s two leading organ- 2008, says Dr. Masters, but “this year, The opening lecture, 6:00 p.m. Satur- izations for biochemistry and many members wanted an opportunity day, June 12, will delivered by Robert J. T molecular biology will come to meet with foreign colleagues in our Lefkowitz, Howard Hughes Medical together at the Hynes Convention disciplines, through a joint meeting Institute, Duke University Medical Cen- Center in Boston June 12-16 for the with IUBMB, to explore new areas, ter, and winner of the first annual Her- combined annual meeting of the including molecular and cellular pro- bert Tabor/Journal of Biological American Society for Biochemistry and teomics, as well as to gain state-of-the- Chemistry Lectureship. The award hon- Molecular Biology (ASBMB) and the art information in the many areas to ors Dr. Lefkowitz for his groundbreak- 8th Annual Conference of the Interna- which our members contribute.” ing research on the tional Union for Biochemistry and The June program was organized by most common fam- Molecular Biology (IUBMB). John D. Scott, Howard Hughes Medical ily of receptors, For five days in Institute, Vollum Institute, Oregon including the beta- June, scientists from Health Science University, Portland; adrenergic receptors across the United Alexandra C. Newton, University of that mediate the States and the world California at San Diego; and Julio Celis, body’s fight or will present the lat- Danish Cancer Society, and members of flight response as est research on how the program planning committee. well as virtually all Robert J. Lefkowitz cells work at the The program includes more than sensory receptors. Since the beta adren- molecular level, and 100 individual presentations of new ergic receptors respond to the hormone how scientists are John D. Scott research findings; seven distinguished adrenaline, continuing research on using this new knowledge to create award lectures by scientists interna- these receptors in the Lefkowitz labora- diagnostic profiles for diseases; inter- tionally honored for discoveries such tory is contributing to the development vene in disease processes; and develop as the molecular basis of the therapeu- of a wide range of drugs to treat disor- new therapies and therapeutic tic action of aspirin, the mechanisms ders including heart disease, high blood approaches. The meeting theme, the that modulate T-cell response, and the pressure, asthma and pain. His lecture “Molecular Exploration of the Cell,” targeting of membrane-spanning topic will be Seven Membrane Span- integrates some of the major research receptors by new ning Receptors. approaches in this rapidly expanding therapeutic drugs. arena, including cellular biochemistry, In addition, an Awards Lectures molecular recognition, chemical biol- intertwined series The Schering-Plough Research Insti- ogy, proteomics, and bioinformatics. of symposia along tute Young Investigator Award will be ASBMB President Bettie Sue Masters 10 major themes, presented at 4:45 p.m. Sunday, June says the 2004 meeting represents a rare which cover the 13, to Pehr A. B. Harbury, Stanford opportunity for scientists from major areas of cel- University School of Medicine. His throughout the world to provide this lular biochemistry. Alexandra C. Newton lecture topic will be DNA Display in in-depth focus. ASBMB has met inter- The meeting also includes Society vitro Evolution of Combinatorial mittently with FASEB since 1923, and business meetings, receptions (includ- Chemistry Libraries. since 2001 has joined other societies to ing special receptions for minorities The ASBMB-Avanti Award in Lipids meet in the multidisciplinary Experi- and women scientists), and an exhibit will be received by William L. Smith, mental Biology meetings, sharing infor- of the complex new technology University of Michigan Medical mation across specialties. The Society required for much biochemistry/ School. The topic of his lecture at 8:30 will do so again next year and through molecular biology research. a.m. Monday, June 14, will be

12 ASBMBToday MAY 2004 IUBMB/ASBMBIUBMB/ASBMB MeetingMeeting PreviewPreview of Biochemistry and Human Health Prostaglandin Endoperoxide H Synath- Integration of Signaling Mecha- versity of California at San Diego and ses/Cyclogenases. nisms, organized by Kjetil Tasken, Uni- John D. Scott, Vollum Institute, with Steven C. Almo, Albert Einstein Col- versity of Oslo, Norway, with symposia symposia on topics including stress sig- lege of Medicine, will receive the on topics such as informatics and naling pathways, cancer and the cell ASBMB-Amgen Award and deliver his modeling of signaling pathways and cycle, diagnostic profiling in disease, lecture, Munday, June 14, at 4:45 p.m. genetic and molecular resolutions of and molecular basis of aging. His topic will be Structural Basis for T- signaling. The Future of Education and Pro- cell Costimulation. Molecular and Cellular Biology of fessional Development in the Molecu- Cytochrome c Oxidase and the Par- Lipids, organized by Dennis Vance, lar Life Sciences Meeting, organized by ticulate Methane Monooxygenase will University of Alberta, with symposia J. Ellis Bell, University of Richmond, be the topic for William C. Rose Award on topics such as lipids and obesity, with symposia on topics including recipient Sunney I. Chan, California obesity and minority populations, reg- using the Internet; outreach activities in Institute of Technology. His lecture will ulation of lipid biosynthesis, and how the undergraduate, graduate and post- be at 4:45 p.m. Monday, June 14. changes in fat cells influence energy doctoral education; and BioMolecules Jack L. Strominger of Harvard Uni- metabolism of the organism. Alive, The ASBMB Digital Library. versity, will receive the ASBMB-Merck Molecular Recognition and Cataly- Award and deliver his lesture at 8:30 sis, organized by Jack E. Dixon, Uni- a.m. Tuesday, June 15. His topic will be versity of California at San Diego, with University of Michigan The Structure of MHC Proteins and the symposia on topics such as catalysis in Department of Therapy of Multiple Sclerosis. health and disease and pathogens Biological Chemistry The Herbert A. Sober Lectureship which intercept mammalian signal Social Hour awardee, Ronald W. Davis, Stanford transduction pathways. Sunday, June 13th University School of Medicine, will Protein Modifications and at ASBMB Annual Meeting deliver his lecture, New Genomic Tech- Turnover, organized by William J. nology for Yeast and Human, at 4:45 Lennarz, SUNY at Stony Brook, with in Boston p.m. Tuesday, June 15. symposia on topics such as folding in The University of Michigan, the ER and degradation of proteins. Department of Biological Chemistry, Symposia Protein Structures, Catalysis and is hosting a social hour at the annual The symposia series is organized on Dynamics, organized by Susan Taylor, ASBMB meeting in June 2004. The the basis of 10 themes. University of California at San Diego, Department’s friends and all present Cellular Organization and Dynam- with symposia on topics such as site- and past members are invited. It will ics, organized by Harald A. Stenmark, directed drug discovery and tethering be held on Sunday, June 13, 2004 from Norwegian Rad. Hospital, with individ- and targeting of proteins. 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the Boston Marriot ual symposia on topics such as biosen- Regulation of Gene Expression and Hotel.The social hour reception will sors and apoptosis. Chromosome Transactions, organized consist of a hosted bar serrrvice and Genomics, Proteomics and Bioin- by Joan W. Conaway, Stowers Institute hors d’oeuvres. Information on this formatics, organized by Charlie for Medical Research, with symposia on reception will be listted in the Boone, University of Toronto and topics such as how checkpoints respond ASBMB program book and on the Michael Snyder, Yale University, with to replication perturbations, DNA repli- hotel bulletin board; or please contact symposia on topics such as macro- cation, and chromatin dynamics. June Bialecki at [email protected] molecular machines and proteomics Signaling Pathways in Disease, for more information. and medicine. organized by Alexandra Newton, Uni-

MAY 2004 ASBMBToday 13 An ASBMB Sponsored Symposia Transcriptional Regulation by Chromatin And RNA Polymerase II Granlibakken, Lake Tahoe, October 29-November 1, 2004

Abstracts Due: August 1, 2004

Organized by: Ali Shilatifard, Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Keynote Speakers: Joan Conaway and Ronald Conaway, Stowers Institute

Invited Speakers include: Shelly Berger, Jaques Cote, Dale Dorsett, Barbara Graves, Tony Kouzarides, Robert Roeder, Ramin Shiekhattar, Kevin Struhl, Jerry Workman and many more...

Topics include: Transcriptional initiation and promoter clearance Transcriptional elongation and termination Transcriptional repression and activation Please note that all registrations and abstracts MUST be submitted by the Histone modifications abstract deadline, August 1. Due to space ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling limitation (about 200 participants) we Chromosomal structure and transcription encourage you to submit your abstract and register early. Late registration may be Signaling in transcriptional regulation and development accepted after the abstract deadline should Genomic/Proteomic approaches in transcription. the meeting not be over-subscribed. In the A large portion of the oral presentations will be selected from the event of over-subscription, we will make submitted abstracts. every effort to make sure that as many as possible of the research groups who wish to participate are represented.

For More Information and to Register Email: [email protected] Drug Addiction and Learning Share Common Brain Protein oward Hughes Medical Insti- ment and emotional responses. PSD-95 take longer than normal mice tute investigators at Duke Cocaine leads to a sharp increase in to learn their way around a maze, H University Medical Center communication among nerve cells in while mice with normal amounts of have linked a gene previously shown the striatum that use dopamine as PSD-95 appear less likely to become to play a role in learning and memory their chemical messenger. This brain addicted and more likely to learn. to the early manifestations of drug chemical surge is responsible for the Two of the other five genes had ear- addiction in the brain. Although scien- feeling of pleas- lier been suggested to play a role in tists had previously speculated that ure, or high, that addiction. The function of the remain- similar brain processes underlie aspects leads drug users ing three genes is not known, Dr. of learning and addiction, the current to crave more. Caron said, and will be the focus of study in mice is the first to identify a “Drugs essen- further investigation. direct molecular link between the two. tially hijack the Among the mice that were more The findings suggest new genetic brain’s natural responsive to the effects of cocaine, the approaches for assessing an individ- reward system,” decline in PSD-95 occurred only in the ual’s susceptibility to drug addiction. thereby leading Dr. Marc Caron striatum, while levels of the protein in They also illuminate the complex to addiction, explained Dr. Wei-Dong other brain regions remained unaf- series of molecular events that underlie Yao, an HHMI Fellow at Duke and first fected. In normal mice, the protein shift addiction, the researchers said, and author of the new study. occurred after three injections of cocaine ultimately may lead to new therapeu- The study sought to identify genes and lasted for more than two months. tic methods to interfere with that involved in the brain’s heightened The researchers also measured the process, thereby curbing the cravings response after drug use. The activity of nerve cells in brain slices common to addiction. researchers compared the activity of from the different groups of mice. The study, which examined genes more than 36,000 genes in the stria- Neurons in the brains of super-sensi- involved in the brain’s response to tum of mice that had “super-sensitiv- tive mice exhibited a greater response cocaine, appeared in the February 19, ity” to cocaine due to a genetic defect to electrical stimulation than did the 2004, issue of Neuron. or prior cocaine exposure, with the nerve cells of control mice. Neurons “There has been the idea that brain gene activity in the same brain region from mice lacking a functional copy of changes in response to psychostimu- of normal mice. The genetic screen PSD-95 showed a similar increase in lants may be similar to those critical revealed six genes with consistently activity, the team reported. for learning and memory,” said ASBMB increased or decreased activity in Mice deficient in PSD-95 also member Marc G. Caron, an HHMI super-sensitive versus normal mice, the became more hyperactive than normal investigator at Duke. “Now, for the first team reported. mice following cocaine injection, fur- time, we have found a molecule that The protein encoded by one of the ther linking the protein to the drug’s links drug-induced plasticity in one genes, postsynaptic density-95 or PSD- brain effects. However, the deficient part of the brain to a mechanism that 95, dropped by half in the brains of mice failed to gain further sensitivity underlies learning and memory in super-sensitive mice, the researchers upon repeated cocaine exposure, as another brain region.” found. The protein had never before mice typically do. Previous work by other researchers been linked to addiction, Dr. Caron “Drug abuse is a complex disorder revealed that exposure to cocaine trig- said, but had been shown by Seth and will therefore be influenced by gers changes in a brain region called Grant, a member of the research team multiple genes,” Dr. Caron noted. “PSD- the striatum — a reward center that at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, 95 represents one cog in the wheel.” also plays a fundamental role in move- to play a role in learning. Mice lacking Continued on follwong page

MAY 2004 ASBMBToday 15 Marine Sponges Provide Model for Nanoscale Materials Production ature was nano before nano Most recently, Morse and his ament of protein that controls the syn- was cool,” stated Henry students have made advances in copy- thesis of the needles. By cloning and “N Fountain in a recent New ing the way marine sponges construct sequencing the DNA of the gene that York Times article on the proliferation of skeletal glass needles at the nanoscale. codes for this protein, they discovered nanotechnology research projects. No The research group is using nature’s that the protein is an enzyme that acts one is more aware of this fact of nature example to produce semiconductors as a catalyst, a surprising discovery. than Dan Morse, Chair of the Depart- and photovoltaic materials in an envi- Never before had a protein been found ment of Biomolecular Science and Engi- ronmentally benign way—as they to serve as a catalyst to promote chemi- neering, and Professor of Molecular report in a recent issue of the journal cal reactions to form the glass or a rock- Genetics and Biochemistry at the Uni- Chemistry of Materials. like material of a biomineral. From that versity of California, Santa Barbara. His “Sponges are abundant right here discovery, the research group learned research groups have been studying the off-shore and they provide a uniquely that this enzyme actively promotes the ways that nature builds ocean organisms tractable model system that opens the formation of the glass while simultane- at the nanoscale for over 10 years. For paths to the discovery of the molecular ously serving as a template to guide the example, they have studied the abalone mechanism that governs biological shape of the growing mineral (glass) shell for its high-performance, super- synthesis from silicon,” says Morse. that it produces. resistant, composite mineral structure. “This sponge produces copious quanti- Now they are now looking to learn ties of fiberglass needles made from sil- new biotechnological routes to make icon and oxygen.” ASBMB Welcomes high performance electronic and opti- The work is particularly exciting, cal materials. according to Morse, because silicon has New Ph.D.s “We are now learning how to harness been called the most important ele- ASBMB extends its congratulations the biomolecular mechanism that ment on the planet technologically–– to these individuals who recently directs the nanofabrication of silica in silicon chips are fundamental compo- received their Ph.D. degrees. In living organisms,” says Dr. Morse an nents of computers, telecommunica- recognition of their achievement, ASBMB member. “This is to learn to tions devices, and in combination with ASBMB is presenting them with a direct the synthesis of photovoltaic and oxygen forms fiber optics and drives free one-year membership in the semiconductor nanocrystals of titanium other high-tech applications. Society. The new Ph.D.s are listed dioxide, gallium oxide and other semi- He explains that his research group below with the institution from conductors––materials with which discovered that the center of the which they received their degree. nature has never built structures before.” sponge’s fine glass needles contains a fil- Ion Gutiezzez Aguirre University of Ljubljana Michael L. Cartron University of Oxford Drug Addiction … continued Jong-Min Lee* University of Wisconsin School of Continued from previous page gested. The gene might therefore repre- Pharmacy The brain protein likely plays a role sent a useful marker for measuring Mara-Eliza Robu* in addiction to other drugs–including such differences. University of Wisconsin - Madison nicotine, alcohol, morphine and hero- The researchers will next examine Shine S. Tu ine–because they all exert effects the effects of PSD-95 on the addictive Cornell University through dopamine, he added. Natural behavior of mice, by testing whether * Candidates with an asterisk were previous variation in brain levels of PSD-95 PSD-95-deficient mice self-administer Associate members who met the might lead to differences in individual greater amounts of cocaine than do requirements for a free one-year membership. susceptibility to drugs of abuse, he sug- normal mice.

16 ASBMBToday MAY 2004 Obesity Drug Inhibits Prostate Tumor Growth; Proteomics Screen Identifies Novel Prostate Cancer Target he Burnham Institute’s Jeffrey ing the possibility of design- that linked excessive fatty Smith, an ASBMB member, ing new treatments for acid synthase activity with T has discovered that orlistat, these cancers based on flawed metabolism in cancer commonly prescribed as an anti-obe- inhibiting the enzyme’s cells, and identified orlistat sity drug, has a positive side-effect: it activity with orlistat or a as its inhibitor. inhibits cancer growth. Dr. Smith, new drug based on orlistat’s “This discovery with orlis- Associate Scientific Director for Tech- inhibitory activity. tat has given us a very nice nology at The Burnham Institute, Orlistat was originally wedge with which we can go made this discovery using an activity- developed as an inhibitor in and perturb tumor cells based proteomics screening technique of pancreatic lipase. Pan- and ask the question, ‘What that makes it possible to identify active creatic lipase is a member are the active targets, what targets and simultaneously screen for of the same enzyme fam- are the other changes that their inhibitors. The results were pub- ily-the serine hyrdolases- take place when you inhibit lished in the journal Cancer Research used in Dr. Smith’s fatty acid synthase?’” says on March 15. screening. It is involved in Dr. Smith, “and that will The metabolism of a tumor cell is processing of fats in the give us really good insights different from its normal counterpart. digestive tract, which is into the mechanism, and we Scientists have long suspected that this how the drug prevents anticipate that’s going to metabolism is connected to tumor pro- adsorption of dietary fat. reveal a whole swath of addi- gression. Dr. Smith and co-workers Proteomics screening appears to be tional drug targets along this pathway. designed a proteomics screen based on an efficient way to determine proof of This is a big advance in the sense that monitoring the activity of a family of concept needed before a potential we have an approved drug—approved enzymes-serine hydrolyases-involved treatment can be refined for clinical for one indication—that has another in metabolism. They used their screen trials. In a matter of weeks, Dr. Smith target and another potential disease to compare normal prostate cells with was able to glean the initial discovery indication, prostate cancer.” prostate cancer cells and discovered that the prostate cancer cells are Conference Notice affected by an increased activity of INHIBITION of MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASES fatty acid synthase. The screen also October 23-25, 2004 identified orlistat, marketed by Roche LaGuardia Crowne Plaza Hotel, NYC as XenicalTM, as an inhibitor of fatty MMPs continue to be the focus of much research, with new developments in car- acid synthase. diovascular, pulmonary and neurologic disease. More than 20 speakers from both These discoveries held true when academia and industry will discuss design of MMP inhibitors, methods of analysis, tested in mice. When they adminis- clinical trial design, and MMP basic biology. This conference is a follow-up to the tered orlistat bearing prostate tumors, NY Academy of Sciences meetings held in Tampa FL in 1994 and 1998 and is again being organized by Drs. Robert Greenwald, Stanley Zucker, and Jerauld the Smith group discovered that the Skotnicki. The meeting will be sponsored by Long Island Jewish Medical Center drug was able to inhibit tumor growth. with the assistance of the NY Academy of Sciences and the Inflammation Research Further experiments confirmed that Association. orlistat has no effect on normal The agenda will include an opening reception, two full days of science, a poster prostate cells and no apparent side session, and an optional social event. Registration is $300 prior to August 1, $350 effects in the mice; it appears to act thereafter, and the fee includes the Saturday night reception as well as breakfast specifically on fatty acid synthase. and lunch on Sunday and Monday. Additional screening of breast cancer For further details, contact [email protected] or write Dr. Robert Greenwald, and colon cancer cells revealed that 410 Lakeville Rd - Suite 107, New Hyde Park NY 11040. fatty acid synthase activity is upregu- lated in these tumors, as well, present-

MAY 2004 ASBMBToday 17 FDA Seeks to Accelerate Drug Food and Drug Administra- The report was prepared under the ence. FDA intends to launch a new effort tion (FDA) report issued in direction of Janet Woodcock, Director with our public and private partners in A March spotlighted problems of the FDA’s Cross Center Initiatives improving the public health to turn the and potential solutions to the task of Taskforce, who explained, “We’re not critical path of product development ensuring that breakthroughs in med- seeing the increases in new products into a fast, certain, and more affordable ical science are safe, effective and get to that we expected based on all the process, to improve access to better treat- patients as quickly and inexpensively advances in science.” ments for all Americans. Our researchers as possible. The report, Innovation or “Today, as never before, we face a have a unique vantage point on scien- Stagnation? — Challenge and Oppor- tremendous potential for new medicines tific challenges that cause delays and fail- tunity on the Critical Path to New to prevent and cure diseases, but fewer ures in product testing and manufacture. Medical Products, the report examines new products are actually reaching the This thoughtful report outlines how criti- the development path for all types of FDA,” said FDA Commissioner Mark B. cally important it is that the agency work medical products—drugs, biologics McClellan. “With so much promising with academics and industry to identify and medical devices—the problems technology in development in the clini- ways the medical product development that exist and steps that need to be cal labs, ranging from engineered tissues process can be improved to keep pace taken to meet the needs of the twenty- to new kinds of biological and genomics- with basic science innovation.” first century. It focuses, in particular, based treatments, we need to turn the The report states that despite notable on opportunities to make the path process of bringing these technologies to advances in such innovative fields of from research to patient faster, pre- patients from a costly and time-consum- biomedical research as genomics, pro- dictable, and less costly. ing art form to a well-understood sci- teomics, and nanotechnology, there has been a downward trend in recent years in the number of innovative ASBMB Members Elected to medical product applications world- wide. The FDA estimates that a new drug costs from $800,000 to $1.7 bil- National Academy of Sciences lion to bring to market, and despite a Five ASBMB members were among istry and Molecular Biophysics, growth in government and private 72 new members elected to the Columbia University investment, the number of new drugs National Academy of Sciences at its Xiaodong Wang, Investigator, with novel chemical structures has 141st annual meeting last month. Howard Hughes Medical Institute fallen from roughly 70 in 1993 to less Newly elected to the Academy and George L. MacGregor Distin- than 30 in 2003. New biologics appli- were the following ASBMB members: guished Chair in Biomedical Science, cations have fallen from just under 30 Susan G. Amara, Thomas Detre University of Texas Southwestern to just under 20 during the same time Professor and Chair, Department of Medical Center, Dallas period. Although these problems can Neurobiology, University of Pitts- Sue Hengren Wickner, Chief, be attributed to a variety of factors, the burgh School of Medicine. DNA Molecular Biology Section, Lab- FDA report singles out one—science is Kevin P. Campbel, Howard oratory of Molecular Biology, not being adequately harnessed to Hughes Medical Institute Investigator National Cancer Institute, National guide the technology development and Roy J. Carver Professor and Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. process in the same way that it is accel- Chair, Department of Physiology and Election to membership in the erating the discovery process. Biophysics, and Professor, Depart- Academy is considered one of the To meet this challenge, the report ment of Neurology, Roy J. and Lucille highest honors that can be calls for the FDA, together with acade- A. Carver College of Medicine, Uni- accorded a U.S. scientist or engi- mia, patient groups, industry, and versity of Iowa, Iowa City neer. Those elected in April bring other government agencies, to embark Barry H. Honig, Howard Hughes the total number of active members on an aggressive, collaborative research Medical Institute Investigator and to 1,949. There also 351 foreign effort to create a new generation of Professor, Department of Biochem- associates. performance standards and predictive tools that will provide better answers

18 ASBMBToday MAY 2004 Development Process about the safety and effectiveness of breakthroughs to patients more investigational products, faster and quickly, and in ways that ensure with more certainty. Key to this effort greater understanding about how to is to be the collaborative development maximize patient benefits and mini- of a Critical Path Opportunities List, mize their risks. The efficiencies gained which will identify those areas of prod- through such innovations, it stated, uct development that could most ben- could bring significant economies that efit from innovative approaches and could provide both more affordable emerging technological advances. medical products and a much greater The report said that the FDA intends payoff from greater predictability and to make internal changes and imple- speed for investment in medical ment new collaborations to medical research and development. Stress Hormones and Heart Failure; Receptors Could Lead to New Treatments hormone that helps the body the Salk, Dr. Kirk L. Peterson, UCSD ficial role in the treatment of conges- adapt to stress may provide a Edith and William Perlman Professor tive heart failure,” said Peterson. A key to designing treatments of Clinical Cardiology, and their col- “However, human urocortin is some- for congestive heart failure, according leagues found that a specific member what different from mouse urocortin, to a study by researchers at the Salk of the urocortin family of proteins, and further experimentation will be Institute for Biological Studies and the called urocortin II, administered intra- needed before we have a usable treat- University of California, San Diego venously in a small dose, significantly ment for people.” (UCSD) School of Medicine. enhanced heart muscle cell contrac- The researchers are continuing to Published in the March 9 issue of tions in mice. The hormone bound to work on pinpointing all of the mecha- Proceedings of the National Academy a receptor molecule called CRF2 on nisms by which urocortin II triggers its of Sciences, the study establishes a firm muscle cells. Mice bred specifically to beneficial cardiovascular effects. Fur- link between a family of stress hor- lack the CRF2 receptor showed no ther studies will take place in animals. mones called urocortins and heart dis- response to urocortin II and higher Following their completion, human ease, and may lead to new treatments than normal blood pressure clinical trials will begin. for heart failure. Congestive heart fail- In addition, mice that were bred to Additional authors of the paper were ure is an increasingly common condi- exhibit a form of congestive heart fail- first author Tracy L. Bale, previously tion among Americans, currently ure were found to have a dramatic with the Salk Institute and currently contributing to the deaths of more improvement in their cardiovascular with the University of Pennsylvania; than 250,000 people annually. The ail- function when treated with urocortin II. and Mashahiko Hoshijima, Yusu Gu, ment is marked by an impairment of “We hope that this study expands Nancy Dalton and Kenneth Chien, heart muscle function, which eventu- our understanding of the potent UCSD; and Keith R. Anderson, Kuo-Fen ally leads to a loss in the ability of the actions of urocortin II in cardiovascular Lee and Jean Rivier, the Salk Institute. heart to pump blood. The known physiology and points to a precise tar- The study was funded by the Foun- causes of congestive heart failure are geting of the CRF2 receptor for dation for Research, the San Diego multiple, and can be either acquired or improved treatment of heart diseases,” Foundation for Cardiovascular inherited. In some individuals, the Vale said. Research and Education, National cause is unknown. “We believe urocortin II represents a Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Wylie W. Vale, Helene MacLoraine new class of cardiovascular-active and Kidney Diseases, and the Kleberg Professor of Molecular Neurobiology at agents that may prove to have a bene- Foundation.

MAY 2004 ASBMBToday 19 BIOTECH BUSINESS NEWS

by John D. Thompson, Editor

Aventis Accepts $65.5 Billion Takeover Offer The French-German drug company would begin formal talks with Aventis the world's third-largest pharmaceuti- Aventis announced, just before this about a merger, and then—the night cal company, with combined sales of magazine went to press, that it had before Aventis accepted Sanofi’s offer— $30 billion in 2003. reversed course and accepted an offer Novartis withdrew its offer claiming The higher offer represented a shift for from a once-hostile bidder, Sanofi-Syn- that none of its conditions for a deal both Sanofi, which had steadfastly thélabo, of 55.3 billion euros ($65.5 bil- had been met. A more likely reason for refused to alter its original $60 billion bid lion). The purchase price is 14% higher Novartis’ change of heart came in a sub- for Aventis, and for Aventis, which had than Sanofi's original bid in January. sequent statement, which stated, “Fol- insisted that it would be a stronger com- The new company will be called lowing Aventis' decision to engage in pany if it did not combine with Sanofi. Sanofi-Aventis, even though Aventis is discussions with Sanofi, at the strong about twice as large as Sanofi, and the intervention of the French government, Extracting Metal from the Sanofi Chairman and CEO, Jean- Novartis decided not to proceed.” François Dehecq, will chair the manage- The agreement with Sanofi, based in Sea; The Environmentally ment committee. The committee will Paris, came in response to the French be split between Aventis and Sanofi. government's pressure to ensure that Friendly Way The action came four days after the France remained home to Aventis. The A novel method that uses bacteria Swiss drug company Novartis said it combined Aventis and Sanofi will be to mine valuable minerals from the ocean has been developed. Nodules collected from the Indian Ocean Firm with Vatican Ties Buys Drug Lab seabed can be treated to extract scarce land-based minerals in an environ- The Congregazione dei Figli dell’Im- five of which are in clinical trials at mentally sound way. macolata Concezione (CFIC), a non- the moment. Using the marine species Bacillus M1, profit group with close links to the “It is still premature to foresee the cobalt, copper and nickel can be Vatican, is to be the new owner of future,” Giulio Draetta, scientific extracted from the nodules at a near one of Italy’s leading drug research director in Nerviano, told The Scien- neutral pH and room temperature. In a labs. The lab in Nerviano, close to tist. “However, it would be a pity to single four-hour process, 45% cobalt Milan, is currently owned by drug stop our research line, since Italy, and 25% of both copper and nickel giant Pfizer, which is shutting down and in particular the Milan area, is a can be extracted and dissolved in solu- its Italian outfit. A binding contract leader in oncology research after the tion. Unlike traditional methods, the on the deal is to be signed by the United Kingdom.” new process uses no acids or harmful two companies on May 15, and According to the agreement, Pfizer chemicals. By using a multiple stage Umberto Rosa, previously chief of will transfer to CFIC technologies process, the metal dissolution can be Sorin Biomedica, will be the director associated with the lab, including further enhanced to leach nearly 85% of the new entity. the access to the kinase platform Cobalt and 60% Nickel solution from The pharmaceutical center in Ner- and a number of research and devel- the nodules. viano has 800 employees and inter- opment projects. CFIC, founded in Ashok Raichur, a researcher on the national fame in oncology drug 1857, is already engaged in health- project at the Indian Institute of Sci- research. Pfizer’s research there care and plans to invest 300 mil- ence, Bangalore, told Newswise, “We focused on kinase inhibitors target- lion ($363 million) in the new are looking into the application of ing specific oncogenesis cascades, enterprise. this process for recycling of various metallic waste.”

20 ASBMBToday MAY 2004 BIOTECH BUSINESS NEWS

South Africa Astrazeneca CEO Calls for Integrated Biomedical Research Strategy Sees its Future Sir Tom McKillop, AstraZeneca CEO, Killop called for the establishment of a called for an integrated biomedical European biomedical research strategy in Generics research strategy and a European Market with clear priorities and proper funding Place as to reverse Europe’s decline in to increase investment in science educa- This month, Africa’s biggest biomedical research, in an address to tion and training, encourage more entre- pharmaceutical company, Aspen Britain’s Academy of Medical Sciences. preneurship and industrial collaborations Pharmacare, will open a new 150 “In the last 20 years,” he said, “total in universities, strengthen European million rand ($23 million) drug- research expenditure in the U.S. has research capabilities, and improve the manufacturing plant in Port Eliza- grown to 2.8% of GDP whilst in Europe regulatory and legal framework. beth, South Africa. The new it has fallen from 2.4% to 1.9% of GDP. facility, which will double Aspen’s The success of the pharmaceuticals Eli Lilly Investigated annual output to more than 5 bil- industry is linked to research. In 1980, The office of the U.S. Attorney for the lion pills, most of them generics, eight of the ten top drugs in the world Eastern District of Pennsylvania has follows on the heels of Aspen’s 20 were invented in European laboratories. advised Eli Lilly and Company that it has billion rand purchase in March of Today, eight of the top ten top were commenced a civil investigation relating Fine Chemicals, which produces invented in the U.S. This mirrors the to the company’s marketing and promo- medicines in tablet form. progressive decline in the relative size of tional practices. Based on the informa- Another South African pharma- the European Pharmaceutical Market tion provided by the U.S. Attorney’s ceutical, Adcock Ingram, recently caused by the slow adoption of new office, Lilly believes that the company announced a joint venture with medicines and an unwillingness to products likely to be involved include Ranbaxy Laboratories, the largest reward innovative products. European Evista, Prozac, and Zyprexa. The com- drug manufacturer in India. Once citizens are being denied access to the pany said it intends to cooperate with approved by the nation’s Medi- best new treatments.” the U.S. Attorney in this investigation. cines Control Council Thembal- ami, the firm born of this merger, will be on the road to producing GE Completes Acquisition of Amersham 13 different generic medicines. General Electric Company has Giles, United Kingdom. GE Health- The two South African firms are acquired all the outstanding shares of care Technologies will be headquar- riding on the growth of generics. Amersham plc, a leader in diagnostic tered in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and The government is pressing to imaging agents and life sciences. GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences will be reduce the prices of branded medi- Together with GE Medical Systems, a headquartered in Little Chalfont, UK. cines by as much as 50% and urg- provider of medical imaging, health- GE’s management believes the ing wider use of generics, At the care services, and information tech- acquisition will create a group of same time, South Africa, whose 5 nology, the combined $14 billion technology and service driven million patients make it the home business, now known as GE Health- healthcare businesses that will have of the world’s largest AIDS epi- care, is expected to generate $16 bil- combined 2004 revenues in excess of demic, is considering the dissemi- lion in revenues in 2005. $14 billion, and accelerate the devel- nation of free antiretroviral drugs GE Healthcare will have its global opment of molecular imaging and in state-run clinics and hospitals. headquarters based in Chalfont St. personalized medicine.

MAY 2004 ASBMBToday 21 Department of Defense Funds Swedish Stem Cell Research lthough embryonic stem (ES) differentiate into dopamine neurons, be viewed as a model disease in cell research may be a contro- and if such dopamine neurons can sur- this respect.” A versial issue in the U.S., the vive grafting to the brains of Parkinson Despite earlier reports to the contrary, Department of Defense (DoD) has rats, and actually function too.” he said his group has not created new awarded $240,000 to a research group The Michael J. Fox Foundation for stem cell lines for its study. “The cell at Lund University, in Sweden, to Parkinson’s Research had encouraged lines we use are among the Bush- study the therapeutic use of human Brundin to apply for the grant pro- approved cell lines,” Brundin said. “We embryonic stem cells in rats. gram. “My understanding is that the do not intend to develop new cell lines.” Patrik Brundin, Professor and leader DoD wants to develop therapies NETRP is currently funding 80 proj- of the Neuronal Survival Research against brain damage that can occur ects, including researchers from Group at Lund, was quoted as explain- in response to toxins,” he told The Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, ing, “We are studying if the ES cells can Scientist. “Parkinson’s disease can and Sweden. Canada’s Auditor General Says NRC Outgrowing Budget he Canadian federal govern- ing several long-term initiatives that for us, we’re not concerned … When the ment’s Auditor General, Sheila include major increases in infrastruc- time comes to make a decision for the T Fraser, told Parliament last ture and staff.” government to renew that funding, we’ll month that the National Research Coun- Fraser acknowledged that the NRC be in a good position to make a case.” cil of Canada (NRC)—a CAN $800-mil- generally followed good practices for An NRC spokesperson quoted NRC lion-a-year (U.S. $611 million) agency—is developing its vision, which is closely President Arthur J. Carty as saying, at risk of outgrowing its financial aligned with the federal government’s “We do recognize… that the NRC over resources. Fraser said the NRC needs 1996 science and technology strategy the last 10 years has undergone some “stronger governance and improved pri- and its 2002 innovation strategy, but quite dramatic changes, and we accept ority setting” and expressed concern that continues to expand the scope of its the challenge that it might be time to its research activities are grower faster research activities and infrastructure, update, for example, our corporate than its ability to finance them. despite a lack of core budget increase. governance and management systems The auditor general was quoted by Fraser recommended, among other to match the exciting and dynamic The Scientist as telling reporters, “NRC’s things, that NRC’s Governing Council environment we’ve created here. So, Governing Council… provides no should define its role and put in place we find the auditor general’s com- effective challenge to management necessary governance mechanisms ments useful, and we’ll work to imple- plans and decisions to ensure that the and review the its corporate senior ment the key recommendations.” council’s research activities continue to management structure. The NRC “has David Thomas, Director of the Royal be sustainable.” accepted and agreed with all our rec- Society of Canada’s Life Sciences Execu- The council’s biggest challenge, the ommendations,” Fraser noted, with tive Committee, told The Scientist that auditor general’s report stated, is for responses to her recommendations the NRC has to find a new role. “It’s try- the NRC to “review its corporate included in the report. ing to do too much with too few mechanisms for setting priorities to NRC Secretary General Pat Mortimer resources,” said Thomas, who chairs avoid an imbalance between its was reported to have said in a broadcast McGill University’s Biochemistry research activities and available fund- interview that the council has known all Department. “Unlike the National ing. Although it has had no core along it would have to make a good case Research Council in the US, the NRC budget increase, it is currently launch- for continued funding. “This is not new continues to do in-house research.”

22 ASBMBToday MAY 2004 Department Heads Take Note: ASBMB Offers Functional Free Membership to Genomics Lab To New Ph.D.s ASBMB is now offering a free one-year Associate membership to all students who have, within the past year, earned a Ph.D. Open in Germany degree in the molecular life sciences or related areas. research center for functional genomics is to be opened at Greifswald University in northern Ger- ASBMB implemented this program as a A many at the end of this year as a focus for the way to recognize the significant development and coordination of research integrating the accomplishment of earning the Ph.D., and to computational and biological sciences. provide new Ph.D.s with something tangible “The center is unique in Germany because faculty and and of economic value. Membership in participants drawn from the departments of mathematics, ASBMB brings with it a free subscription to science, and medicine will be working closely together for the online versions of the Journal of Biological the first time,” according to Uwe Volker, Principal Investiga- Chemistry and Molecular and Cellular tor at Greifswald’s Functional Genomics Lab. Proteomics, as well as subscriptions to The Dr. Volker said that the center’s research on the biomath- Scientist and the Society’s magazine, ASBMB ematical analysis of proteins and their subcellular localiza- Today, discounts on other publications, and a tion would be of central importance to a major research host of other benefits. program at the university on the molecular mechanisms The Society is asking department chairs behind infectious diseases. to provide ASBMB with the names and “With the help of functional genomics, we want to find addresses of each new Ph.D. recipient from out how bacterial pathogens interact with the host cell. If their institutions. Upon receipt of this we can identify the key proteins that allow pathogenic bac- information, we will write the new Ph.D.s to teria to communicate with the host cells, then we will be congratulate them on their accomplishment able to target those proteins with antibiotics,” he explained. and offer the free one-year membership in Broader research on the molecular causes of infectious ASBMB. Names and addresses of the new diseases at Greifswald is being spearheaded by the Microbio- Ph.D.s should be sent to: logical Institute, which employs 60 research staff drawn from diverse faculties. Kathie Cullins The center expects to provide research training opportu- Membership and Subscriptions Manager nities at the interfaces of computational and biomedical sci- American Society for Biochemistry ences for 12 postdoctoral and doctoral positions. “This & Molecular Biology 9650 Rockville Pike center will cater for the needs of young scientists. We hope Bethesda, MD 20814 to recruit two leading young internationally known Email: [email protected] researchers to lead the teams there,” said Dr. Volker.. The German Federal Ministry for Education and Research This is an ongoing project; please advise us will fund the teams. It has already pledged 9 million whenever a student in your department earns the ($10.7 million). Ph.D., so that we can make this free membership offer to him or her. “We hope that the establishment of the functional genomics center will help Greifswald build on its reputation as one of the leaders for functional genomics in Germany and even in the world,” said Greifswald University Rector Rainer Westermann.

MAY 2004 ASBMBToday 23 Calendar of Scientific Meetings

JUNE 2004 JULY 2004 Third International Congress on Plant Metabolomics International Conference on Genomics, Proteomics June 3–6 • Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. and Bioinformatics for Medicine For more information: Ph: 515-294-7978 July 14-19 • 2004 Moscow, Russia Email: [email protected] Fx: +7 (095) 245-0857 Website: http://www.bb.iastate.edu/~gfst/phomepg.html http://www.ibmh.msk.su/gpbm2004/english.htm

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory 2nd Annual 4th ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF FOCIS (Federation of Northwest Symposium for Systems Biology, Regulation Clinical Immunology Societies) of Cells in Time and Space. July 18-23 • Montréal, Canada June 7–8 • Richland, Washington Early Registration: April 30, 2004 Poster deadline: May 14, 2004 Website: www.immuno2004.org Register at: www.pnl.gov/northwestsymposium For more information go to www.sysbio.org AUGUST 2004 American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular 12th International Conference on Second Messengers Biology Annual Meeting and 8th IUBMB Conference and Phospoproteins June 12–16 • Boston, Massachusetts August 3–7 • Montreal, Canada Contact: Joan Geiling; Ph: 301-634-7145; Fx: 301-634-7126 Contact: [email protected] Email: [email protected]; Website: http://www.secondmessengers2004.ca Website: www.asbmb.org/meetings FASEB Conference: Transcriptional Regulation During Society of Toxicologic Pathology Annual Meeting Cell Growth, Differentiation, and Development June 13–17 • Salt Lake City August 14–19 • Saxtons River, Vermont Hepatotoxicigy is the theme of this year's meeting. In addi- Co-organizers: Barbara Graves and John Tamkun tion, the Society is hosting two continuing education sessions, Go to http://src.faseb.org to fill out online application. Toxicologic Ocular Pathology and Imunotoxicology for Student travel awards available. Toxicologic Pathologists. For more and to register visit: http://eshow2000.com/STP/index.cfm Macromolecular Organization & Cell Function Mathematical Models in Signaling Systems August 15–20 • Queen’s College, Oxford, UK Ph: 401-783-4011; Email: [email protected] June 16–8 • VanderbiltUniversity, Nashville Website: http://www.grc.uri.edu/programs/2004/macromol.htm Ph.: 615-322-0672; Email: [email protected] Website: http://medschool.mc.vanderbilt.edu/vusc EuroScience Open Forum 2004: Highlighting Science, Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center Conference on Technology & Innovation in Europe Nutritional and Metabolic Aspects of Low August 25–28 • Stockholm Carbohydrate Diets. Contact: Gabriella Norlin, Project Leader Phone: +46 8 546 44 154; Fax: +46 8 546 44 155 June 18-19 • Brooklyn (New York) Marriott Email: [email protected] Contact: Richard Feinman; Ph: 718-270-2252 Postal address: Swedish Research Council Email: [email protected] SE-103 78 Stockholm, Sweden Website: http://downstate.edu/kingsbrook International Congress on Biocatalysis 2004 4th International Symposium on Hormonal August 29–September 1 • University of Technology, Carcinogenesis Hamburg, Germany June 21-25 • Palau de la Musica, Valencia, Spain Contact: Gerlinde Loebkens; FON +49-40-76618012 Contact: Tandria Price/Dr. Jonathan J. Li FAX +49-40-76618018; e-mail: [email protected] Dept. of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics Website: www.biocat2004.de University of Kansas Medical Center Ph: 913-588-4744; Fx: 913-588-4740; Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.kumc.edu/hormonecancers

24 ASBMBToday MAY 2004 8th International Symposium on the Maillard Reaction The American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular August 28–September 1 • Charleston, South Carolina Biology Sponsored Symposia on: Transcriptional For detailed information about the meeting, including abstract Regulation by Chromatin and RNA Polymerase II submission, a call for papers and deadlines. October 29–November 1 • Granlibakken, Lake Tahoe Website: http://Maillard.chem.sc.edu Abstracts Due: August 1, 2004; Contact: Joan Geiling Email: [email protected] Ph: 301-634-7145; Fx: 301-634-7392 email: [email protected] 5th Meeting on Methods in Protein Structure Analysis August 29-September 2 • University of Washington, Seattle NOVEMBER 2004 Ph: 206-706-8118; Email: [email protected] Website: http://depts.washington.edu/biowww/mpsa2004/ 4th International Congress on Autoimmunity November 3–7 • Budapest, Hungary SEPTEMBER 2004 Deadline for Receipt of Abstracts: June 20, 2004 Contact: 4th International Congress on Autoimmunity Kenes Relaxin 2004: Fourth International Conference on International—Global Congress Organisers and Association Relaxin and Related Peptides Management Services,17 Rue du Cendrier, PO Box 1726, CH-1211 Geneva 1, SWITZERLAND September 5-10 • Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, WY Ph: +41 22 908 0488; Fx: +41 22 732 2850 This conference will present recent advances on the chemistry, Email: [email protected] physiology, and pharmacology of relaxin, related peptides, and Website: www.kenes.com/autoim2004 their receptors. Email: [email protected] American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists Website: http://www.life.uiuc.edu/relaxin2004/ AAPS Annual Meeting and Exposition Stem Cell Biology: Development and Plasticity November 7-11 • Baltimore, Maryland Ph: 703 243 2800; Fx: 703 243 9650 September 16-19 • Scheman Continuing Education Building Website: www.aapspharmaceutica.com/meetings/futuremeetings/ Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. Abstracts due July 16, 2004; Registration deadline: August 16, 2004 Student Travel Grant Applications due July 16, 2004 Second National Meeting of the American Society for Contact: Growth Factor and Signal Transduction Conferences Matrix Biology Symposium Office Nov 10–13 • San Diego, California Ph: 515-294-7978; Fx: 515-294-2244; Email: [email protected] Contact: ASMB, 2019 Galisteo Street, Building I-1, Santa Fe, Website: http://www.bb.iastate.edu/-gfstlhomepg.htmi NM 87505; Ph: 505 989-4735; email: [email protected] Website: http://www.asmb.net Cellular and Molecular Basis of Regeneration EuroConference on the Molecular Pathways Leading to DECEMBER 2004 Regeneration September 18–23 • San Feliu de Guixols, Spain American Society for Cell Biology, 44th Annual Meeting Contact: European Science Foundation, EURESCO Office December 4-8 • Washington, DC Ph: +33(0)3 88 76 71 35; Fx: +33 (0)3 88 36 69 87 Ph: 301-347-9300; Fx: 301-347-9310 Email: [email protected]; Website: http://www.esf.org/euresco Website: http://www.ascb.org/

OCTOBER 2004 JULY 2005 Redox Signaling in Biology and Medicine 30th FEBS Congress — 9th IUBMB Conference, 2005 October 22–24 • Kiawah Island, South Carolina The Protein World; Proteins and Peptides: Contact: Joan Geiling; Ph: 301-634-7145 Structure, Function and Organization; Fx: 301-634-7392 Science is Fun: A Conference for Your Creativity email: [email protected] July 2–5 • Budapest, Hungary Contact: Ms. Franciska Morlin, Chemol Travel Congress Dept. H-1366 Budapest, P.O.Box 28, Hungary Ph:+36-1-266-7032, Fx: +36-1-266-7033 Email: [email protected]; www.febs-iubmb-2005.com What’sWhat’s nextnext inin •• •• •• ASBMBASBMB MemberMember BenefitsBenefits •• •• •• biomedicalbiomedical • Access to FASEB’s career resources — weekly online job listings, networking opportunities, employment assistance, science?science? workshops, plus much more. • Reduced registration fees for the ASBMB annual meeting. Help shape the future of your professional community and career…become a member of • FREE online access to the leading biomedical research published in ASBMB’s flagship publication — The Journal ASBMB, the leading professional organization that of Biological Chemistry. advocates on behalf of you — the biochemist and ? • FREE online access to our cutting-edge, new journal — molecular biologist. Molecular & Cellular Proteomics.

Join over 11,000 of your peers and colleagues who • FREE subscription to ASBMB Today — our new monthly magazine covering the latest business, economic, and have already benefited from our dedication and management trends…government initiatives and their commitment to advancing the biomedical sciences. impact…career opportunities…plus important ASBMB news and events. Whether it is helping to acquire funds for basic • FREE online access to AAAS’ ScienceNOW, plus Science’s research and education, or participating in the NextWave. development of legislation and/or regulation, the • Discounts on other relevant publications including the members of ASBMB are the voice of biochemists Journal of Lipid Research and Biochemistry and Molecular and molecular biologists worldwide. Biology Education. JOIN TODAY! Go to www.asbmb.org