kïtiWMJÊIMMMMAWiIêmiWMzMiœ Science Human IgE receptors expressed in cell line A receptor that binds human immunoglobulin Ε (IgE) has now been expressed in transfected cells (cells into which foreign DNA has been inserted). Binding of IgE with this receptor plays a central role in initiating allergic reactions. However, little is known about the receptor because obtaining suffi cient numbers of the human cells on which it is found has been impractical and because no stable cell lines have been found capable of expressing it. Now, Larry Miller, Ulrich Blank, Henry Metzger, and Jean Pierre Kinet of the National Institute of Arthritis & Musculoskeletal & Skin Diseases, Bethesda, Md., report expression of the IgE-binding subunit of the receptor in transfected cells and say that binding properties of the expressed subunit are simi lar to those of IgE receptors in normal human cells [Science, 244, 334 (1989)]. According to the group, "Knowledge about the structure and function of the human receptor will be critical for determining whether this protein can serve as an appropriate target for new therapeutic approaches to allergy/'
Protein has regulatory role in cell cycle Synthesis of a specific nuclear protein regulates en try of cells into the S (synthesis) phase of the cell cycle, during which DNA replication occurs, say researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center [Biochemistry, 28, 2967 (1989)]. Because prolif erating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) stimulates DNA polymerase in vitro, and because its synthesis in creases with cell proliferation rate, it was suspected to be a regulator of entry into the S phase. Now, Sayeeda B. Zain and colleagues at the center have shown that PCNA synthesis increases severalfold in the G-l (gap-1) or early S phases of the cycle, but generally is invariant in the S, G-2 (gap-2), and M (mitosis) phases. In addition, introduction of an antisense oligonucleotide complementary to PCNA messenger RNA (to inhibit PCNA synthesis) effective ly prevented entry of G-l cells into the S phase. The study suggests that PCNA synthesis is a prerequisite for initiation of DNA replication and that a thresh old concentration of PCNA is necessary for entry into the S phase. The study of regulation of DNA replication is important in part because oncogene function may be associated with production of regu latory proteins that enhance proliferation of cellular populations.
Education Connecticut opens new materials center A new research center to study materials surfaces has opened at the University of Connecticut, Storrs. Called the Center for Surface & Interface Research, it
is located in the Institute of Materials Science, along with the Electrical Insulation Research Center and the National Center for Liquid Crystalline Polymer Research. The new center brings together 10 Con necticut faculty from chemistry, chemical engineer ing, metallurgy, physics, and the institute. Among topics receiving attention are the scientific basis of adhesion, plasma processing to modify organic sur faces, ion implantation for selective semiconductor processing, and laser-glazing of metals and ceramics for hardening and wear resistance.
Technology Collaboration sought on materials processing Materials scientists at the National Institute of Stan dards & Technology (NIST) are seeking researchers interested in participating in collaborative programs on the intelligent processing of materials. This con cept involves new, computer-based approaches for producing advanced polymer, ceramic, and metal alloy materials that are superior to those used today because of microstructures designed and built into them during processing. In addition to ongoing pi lot projects on rapidly solidified metal powders and hot isostatic pressing of titanium aluminide, NIST's long-range plans call for similar collaborative pro grams in polymers and ceramics processing and thermomechanical processing of metals. For informa tion on research opportunities, contact Office of Non destructive Evaluation, B344 Materials Bldg., NIST, Gaithersburg, Md. 20899, or phone (301) 975-5727.
DECHEMA databases to be made available Chemical databases from Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Chemisches Apparatewesen, Chemische Technik und Biotechnologie (DECHEMA) will be distributed through Technical Database Services Inc. of New York City. Under an agreement between the two organizations, Technical Database Services will host DECHEMA's data files on its Numerica information system and will market, sell, and support on-line services, tapes, and diskettes worldwide. DECHEMA— a West German organization concerned with the general promotion of chemical apparatus and equip ment, chemical engineering, and biotechnology— publishes technical literature, references, and criti cally evaluated data. The first computerized pack ages to be available under the new agreement in clude the DETHERM-SDR data retrieval system with numerical physical property data abstracted from the world literature; the DETHERM-SDC data calcu lation system for computing properties and phase equilibria for pure substances and their mixtures in the nonideal liquid and gaseous states at user-specified conditions of temperature, pressure, and concentra tion; and the DETHERM-SDS data synthesis system for creating new pure component data for subse quent calculations with DETHERM-SDC. April 24, 1989 C&EN
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