NEWS OF THE WEEK tion," according to Schreiber. Schreiber attributes the success in unraveling the pathway to the "time resolution" of chemical genetics methods, in which small molecules perturb proteins to (2002)}. This protein was already deduce their funcSING SMALL-MOLECULE Microarrays, scientists at Har- known to be involved in nitrogen tion. In traditional genetics methvard University have dis- metabolism. Using chemical ge- ods, the gene is removed and the covered a previously unknown netics methods, in which small organism develops without it, ofglucose-sensing pathway in yeast. molecules perturb the function ten compensating in ways that Further research is indicating that of proteins, the researchers es- mask the gene's true function. The Harvard researchers are a similar pathway exists in mam- tablished that this protein is alnow applying the small-molecule malian pancreatic islet cells and so involved in glucose sensing. The scientists identified a com- microarray approach to other maybe related to type 2 diabetes. The team, led by Stuart L. pound, which they dubbed ure- components of this glucose-sigSchreiber, professor ofchemistry tupamine, that selectively binds naling pathway "We can instanand chemical biology and How- toUre2p. 'The really stunning fea- taneously modulate the function ard Hughes Medical Institute in- ture of the small molecule we re- of many different components vestigator, used the microarrays port is that it modulates only the now," Schreiber says. "My hope is to identify compounds that mod- ghicose-sensing function of Ure2p that this will soon become one of ulate the function of the yeast and leaves intact its previously un- the best understood signaling netprotein Ure2p [Nature, 416,653 derstood nitrogen-sensing func- works in biology"-CELIA HENRY
SCIENCE
CHEMICAL GENETICS SUCCESS Small-molecule microarrays uncover a new glucose-signaling pathway in yeast
Uretupamine
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BUSINESS
GENENCOR SLATES BIOPHARMA PLANT Enzymes firm joins Novozymes and Dow in pursuing protein production
E
NZYMES PRODUCER GEN-
encor International is the latest company to see opportunity in a projected shortfall in biopharmaceutical manufacturing capacity The firm, which is developing a health care portfolio to complement its traditional industrial enzymes business, intends to build a 22,000-sq-ft facility for the production of human therapeutic proteins. Debbyjo Blank, chiefbusiness officer for health care, says Genencor expects to be making clinical-trial quantities ofproducts in its pipeline within 24 months. HTTP://PUBS.ACS.ORG/CEN
The first is a hepatitis vaccine, in development with .the fiveyear-old vaccine firm Epimmune, that would be produced via microbial expression—the method used to make enzymes. The second product is expected to be one of several monoclonal antibodies in development with Seattle Genetics. It would be produced in mammalian cell culture. Genencor also intends to produce for third parties in need of capacity "We hope to be able to form alliances with a small number of companies where we bring manufacturing expertise to the table. We don't want to be a
straight contract manufacturing organization," Blank says. In contrast, contract manufacturing is the goal of Novozymes, Genencor's chief rival in the enzymes business. Last August, Novozymes unveiled aprogram to develop microbial routes to biopharmaceuticals traditionally made with more expensive mammalian cell techniques. Contract production is also the goal of DowChemical, which entered the biopharmaceutical business in November 2000 with the acquisition of a small microbial facility in Smithfield, R.I. Dow wants to add to the site—including mammalian cell capacity—but has run into opposition from neighboring offices. Last month, the company said it would file an application to amend local zoning ordinances so it can expand.— MICHAEL MCCOY
SEASONED Genencor wants to apply its fermentation expertise to biopharmaceutical production.
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