News UpdateSource: BioScience, Vol. 31, No. 7 (Jul. - Aug., 1981), pp. 491-492Published by: Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Institute of Biological SciencesStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/1308489 .

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News Update OSTP Nominee Keyworth

Addresses AAAS

Nuclear physicist George A. Keyworth, II, director-designate of President Rea- gan's Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) addressed the sixth annu- al AAAS Research & Development Col- loquium in Washington, DC, on 25 June.

From the outset Keyworth left little doubt whose man he was: "Nowhere is it indicated that the OSTP or its director is to represent the interests of the sci- ence community as a constituency," Keyworth said. He added that it is to the advantage of the science community to have an adviser who is looked upon by the White House not as an "inside lob- byist" but as an objective and effective link to that community.

The administration views that basic, long-term, and high-risk research is the primary responsibility of the federal gov- ernment, Keyworth said. As the private sector increases its support for applied research, development, and demonstra- tion, the principal government assistance will come through tax policy and regula- tory reform, trade policy and patent re- form, and clarification of antitrust re- strictions, rather than through direct stimulation of industrial R&D, he ex- plained. "We should seek to improve the link between universities and indus- tries," but without heavy-handed gov- ernment involvement.

The science adviser nominee graduat- ed from Yale University in 1963 and received his Ph.D. from Duke five years later. A native Bostonian, Keyworth has been residing with his wife and two chil- dren in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he has been working at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. The Senate is ex- pected to confirm his appointment in the next few weeks.

Biomedical Researcher Disciplined by NIH

Was it eagerness for early success-to find a cure for a serious genetic disorder: beta thalassemia-that led Martin J. Cline to shortcut scientific protocol when, in July 1980, he inserted recombi- nant DNA into a 21-year-old Israeli woman and a 16-year-old girl in Italy without the approval of NIH or Israeli authorities? This was the first time that recombinant DNA was injected into hu-

man subjects, a gross infraction of NIH rules.

Last spring, the University of Califor- nia at Los Angeles found their research- er had violated government and universi- ty rules, after which Cline resigned as chief of the UCLA Division of Hematol- ogy-Oncology. On 29 May, NIH Direc- tor Donald S. Fredrickson declared, "Cline has violated both the letter and the spirit of proper safeguards to bio- medical research" and asked that recom- mendations for disciplinary action be im- plemented. This means that for the next three years Cline will need prior NIH approval for federally supported re- search involving human subjects and/or recombinant DNA. He must also append a copy of the 25-page disciplinary report to primary and secondary grant review groups with each new application or re- newal request he submits. In September, NIH advisory councils will determine whether Cline-who is still the principal investigator in four UCLA research proj- ects totaling $650,000-will lose these government grants.

When asked to explain his actions, Cline wrote, "I greatly regret my deci- sion to proceed with the use of recombi- nant molecules without first obtaining permission from the appropriate committees."

The patients in question reportedly neither suffered nor benefited from the Cline experiment.

Gene Splicing Yields Effective FMD Vaccine

A more effective foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine has been developed by scientists of the U.S. Department of Ag- riculture and Genentech, Inc., a private, San Francisco-based research company. It is believed to be the first effective vaccine produced through gene splicing in the world. FMD is an incurable dis- ease that is highly contagious among cattle, sheep, deer, and more than 30 other species (BioScience, February 1980).

The United States has very stringent rules on the importation of livestock and its products, and has not had an FMD outbreak since 1929. Most other coun- tries in the world suffer occasional out- breaks, however. "This breakthrough can mean annual savings of billions of dollars and an increase in the world's supply of meat," said John R. Block, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, when an- nouncing the production of the FMD vaccine on 19 June.

Recombinant DNA Strategy For Making Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccine

Plasmid isolated from E. Coli

VP 3 Protein' Bacterium

RNA Core // \ , /,' RNA is Splice

I / // VP, ,odons template for VP,-specific DNA cDNA frag.ment

o ? C; \ .

syn(SD .iyntphes l plasmids.

FMD Virus Isolated FMDV RNA cDNA x ,,

fragments/ /

/ / gneered

/0r //,"_ [ O., / /plamidintoE.

/90/^ Wo Oo coBacterum

0 0 VP3

E. Coil bacteria produce VP. for use as vaccine for foot-and-mouth disease. No virus or infectious RNA is produced by the harmless bacteria strain.

VP s the protein from the shell of the vi,rus which can act as a ,laccane fqr immunizing livestock against foot-and-mouth disease. The idea outlined above is to make this VP, protein without making any virus or infectious RNA

The first major step in the discovery occurred six years ago when USDA sci- entist Howard L. Bachrach demonstrat- ed that the VP3 fraction of the FMD virus coat is noninfectious but capable of producing immunity against FMD in livestock. However, until the new recombinant DNA techniques were de- veloped, production of the polypeptide VP3 vaccine was not possible on a com- mercial scale. Conventional vaccines are expensive, delicate, and dangerous and, unlike the new vaccine, need refrigera- tion, which is a major problem in under- developed nations.

Most of the FMD vaccine research was conducted in the highly isolated Plum Island laboratories off Long Island, NY. The cooperative agreement be- tween USDA and Genentech involved no exchange of money. Genentech scien- tists in effect "invented" the recombined plasmid, from which the VP3 vaccine is produced through cloning. Therefore, Genentech has patent rights and the right to license the manufacture of the vac- cine. USDA, however, retains the right to use the invention, without payment of royalty, anytime this country needs it.

Working Group Formed on Revising DNA Rules

NIH Director Donald S. Fredrickson has appointed 13 members to the working group on revision of the guidelines in recombinant DNA research (BioScience, June 1981). The group will be chaired by Susan K. Gottesman,* Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer In- stitute, Bethesda, MD.

Other members are: Edward A. Adel- berg, Department of Human Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine; Kenneth I. Berns, Department of Immu-

July/August 1981 491

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nology and Medical Microbiology. Uni- versity of Florida College of Medicine: Richard Goldstein.* Department of Mi- crobiology and Molecular Genetics. Har- vard Medical School: Jean L. Harris.* Secretary of Human Resources. Com- monwealth of Virginia: Patricia A. King.* Georgetown University Law School: Myron M. Levine.* Center for Vaccine Development. University of Maryland School of Medicine: Herman W. Lewis. Division of Physiology. Na- tional Science Foundation: James 0. Mason.* Utah State Department of Health: Elena 0. Nightingale.* Institute of Medicine. National Academy of Sci- ences: Sue A. Tolin. Science and Educa- tion Administration. Cooperative Re- search. U.S. Department of Agriculture: Luther S. Williams.* Department of Bi- ology, Washington University. St. Lou- is. MO: and Norton Zinder, Rockefeller University. New York (* denotes mem- bership in the national Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee, RAC).

nology and Medical Microbiology. Uni- versity of Florida College of Medicine: Richard Goldstein.* Department of Mi- crobiology and Molecular Genetics. Har- vard Medical School: Jean L. Harris.* Secretary of Human Resources. Com- monwealth of Virginia: Patricia A. King.* Georgetown University Law School: Myron M. Levine.* Center for Vaccine Development. University of Maryland School of Medicine: Herman W. Lewis. Division of Physiology. Na- tional Science Foundation: James 0. Mason.* Utah State Department of Health: Elena 0. Nightingale.* Institute of Medicine. National Academy of Sci- ences: Sue A. Tolin. Science and Educa- tion Administration. Cooperative Re- search. U.S. Department of Agriculture: Luther S. Williams.* Department of Bi- ology, Washington University. St. Lou- is. MO: and Norton Zinder, Rockefeller University. New York (* denotes mem- bership in the national Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee, RAC).

Fredrickson Leaves NIH

Donald S. Fredrickson. who directed America's biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health in Bethes- da. MD, under the administrations of Ford, Carter. and Reagan, resigned I July, citing personal reasons. An interna- tionally known authority on lipid metab- olism and its disorders. Fredrickson re- ceived his medical degree in 1949 from the University of Michigan.

During his research in plasma lipopro- teins. Fredrickson discovered two genet- ic disorders: Tangier disease and choles- teryl ester storage disease. a lysosomal enzyme deficiency. A system to classify blood-lipid abnormalities, introduced by Fredrickson and his coworkers in 1965. was accepted by the World Health Orga- nization and is now used by laboratories around the world.

Succeeding Robert S. Stone in 1975. Fredrickson accomplished some major developments as NIH director:

Fredrickson Leaves NIH

Donald S. Fredrickson. who directed America's biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health in Bethes- da. MD, under the administrations of Ford, Carter. and Reagan, resigned I July, citing personal reasons. An interna- tionally known authority on lipid metab- olism and its disorders. Fredrickson re- ceived his medical degree in 1949 from the University of Michigan.

During his research in plasma lipopro- teins. Fredrickson discovered two genet- ic disorders: Tangier disease and choles- teryl ester storage disease. a lysosomal enzyme deficiency. A system to classify blood-lipid abnormalities, introduced by Fredrickson and his coworkers in 1965. was accepted by the World Health Orga- nization and is now used by laboratories around the world.

Succeeding Robert S. Stone in 1975. Fredrickson accomplished some major developments as NIH director:

* introduction of consensus develop- ment conferences aimed at bringing together and reducing controversies on biomedical and technological developments:

* appointment of the NIH Recombi- nant DNA Advisory Committee (RAC) in 1975 and Office of Recombinant DNA Activities (ORDA) in 1976 to guide intra- mural and extramural DNA research:

* appointment of the NIH Nutrition Coordinating Committee to stimulate re- search on the impact of nutrition on early development, aging. and other aspects of human life: and

* construction of the 13-story Ambu- latory Care Research Facility to be dedi- cated this October. The ACRF will be able to accommodate 300.000 patients a year. tripling the current load of outpa- tient research by the clinical center.

Pending the appointment of an acting director by President Reagan, Fredrick- son's post is being filled by Deputy Di- rector Thomas E. Malone.

* introduction of consensus develop- ment conferences aimed at bringing together and reducing controversies on biomedical and technological developments:

* appointment of the NIH Recombi- nant DNA Advisory Committee (RAC) in 1975 and Office of Recombinant DNA Activities (ORDA) in 1976 to guide intra- mural and extramural DNA research:

* appointment of the NIH Nutrition Coordinating Committee to stimulate re- search on the impact of nutrition on early development, aging. and other aspects of human life: and

* construction of the 13-story Ambu- latory Care Research Facility to be dedi- cated this October. The ACRF will be able to accommodate 300.000 patients a year. tripling the current load of outpa- tient research by the clinical center.

Pending the appointment of an acting director by President Reagan, Fredrick- son's post is being filled by Deputy Di- rector Thomas E. Malone.

Hunt Institute Gets 200-Year-Old Biodrawings

Hunt Institute Gets 200-Year-Old Biodrawings

The Hunt Institute for Botanical Docu- mentation has purchased the original col- lection of 2000 watercolor drawings and sketches of plants and animals made during the Spanish exploring expedition of 1787 to 1803. The institute, which is part of Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh. PA, will mount a selection of the sketches at its fall 1981 exhibition.

The botanical and zoological illustra- tions were made during the expedition to the Caribbean, Mexico. and Northern

*: t

t .., .. e ' er

The Hunt Institute for Botanical Docu- mentation has purchased the original col- lection of 2000 watercolor drawings and sketches of plants and animals made during the Spanish exploring expedition of 1787 to 1803. The institute, which is part of Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh. PA, will mount a selection of the sketches at its fall 1981 exhibition.

The botanical and zoological illustra- tions were made during the expedition to the Caribbean, Mexico. and Northern

*: t

t .., .. e ' er

Central America under the command of! Martin de Sesse y Lacasta and Jose- Mariano Mocifio. According to histori- ans. when the expedition returned to Spain. the political climate had changed and the trip's results embodied in speci- mens. manuscripts. and the drawings could not be brought to fruition. The former were sent to Madrid. but Mocifio. who had to flee the country on foot, took the drawings-reportedly in a wheelbar- row-to the botanic garden in Geneva. He remained there for several years while the drawings were being studied by botanists and zoologists.

The illustrations have not been fully identified yet, but those presented here are believed to be of an iguana and members of the Gramineae (below left) and Myrtaceae (below right) families. When Mocifio returned to Spain. A. P. de Candolle. director of the botanic gar- den in Geneva, was concerned about the future safety of the sketches. He hurried- ly had as many as possible copied by an "assembly line" of Geneva ladies, be- fore returning the originals to Mocifio. Mocifio died soon thereafter. before he was able to organize any production from the expedition results. No one knew where he was buried, and it was feared that the collection of drawings

Central America under the command of! Martin de Sesse y Lacasta and Jose- Mariano Mocifio. According to histori- ans. when the expedition returned to Spain. the political climate had changed and the trip's results embodied in speci- mens. manuscripts. and the drawings could not be brought to fruition. The former were sent to Madrid. but Mocifio. who had to flee the country on foot, took the drawings-reportedly in a wheelbar- row-to the botanic garden in Geneva. He remained there for several years while the drawings were being studied by botanists and zoologists.

The illustrations have not been fully identified yet, but those presented here are believed to be of an iguana and members of the Gramineae (below left) and Myrtaceae (below right) families. When Mocifio returned to Spain. A. P. de Candolle. director of the botanic gar- den in Geneva, was concerned about the future safety of the sketches. He hurried- ly had as many as possible copied by an "assembly line" of Geneva ladies, be- fore returning the originals to Mocifio. Mocifio died soon thereafter. before he was able to organize any production from the expedition results. No one knew where he was buried, and it was feared that the collection of drawings

had been lost. They were found only] recently in the private library of a fam-1 ily in Spain. Experts say that. notwith- standing the artistic excellence of the drawings, the chief value of the collec- tion lies in its scientific and historical significance. I

had been lost. They were found only] recently in the private library of a fam-1 ily in Spain. Experts say that. notwith- standing the artistic excellence of the drawings, the chief value of the collec- tion lies in its scientific and historical significance. I

I I

BioScience Vol. 31 No. 7 BioScience Vol. 31 No. 7 492 492

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