The Alchemist Newsletter: December 29, 2010

Taxing terpenes

The first X-ray crystal structure of taxadiene synthase, an enzyme key to terpene and terpenoid biosynthesis in many living organisms, confirms a theoretically predicted link between two enzyme classes in the evolution of potentially hundreds if not thousands of diverse compounds, including the natural product anticancer drug Taxol, and many chemicals that give flowers and foods their color, taste, and odor. The X-ray work reveals that the enzyme taxadiene synthase has a class I domain similar to that seen in another enzyme, pentalenene synthase and other class II regions that resemble those seen in the enzyme squalene-hopene cyclase. The research not only improves our understanding of terpene and terpenoid evolution but could be exploited in engineered microbes to make synthetic terpenes for medicine and agriculture.

Enzyme's Dual Nature Revealed

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Sticky solution for DNA chips

Mussels can stick well to almost any surface whether wave-lashed rock, the metal supports of a pier or the wooden hull of a fishing boat. Now, this well-remarked adhesive ability has been mimicked in the laboratory with a catecholamine polymer allowing US researchers to attach DNA firmly to a substrate for microarray applications that side-step costly adhesion techniques that can only be used with one substrate. The new technology allows DNA and other biomolecules to be attached firmly to almost any surface, lending mussel muscle to biotech and biomedical research. The adhesive can be used for glass substrates, as well as less common substrates such as gold, platinum, oxides, semiconductors, or other polymers, without interfering with the activity of the biomolecules being anchored.

Mussel Adhesive for DNA Chips

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Metal methane

Chemists have finally succeeded in adding a metal atom to a methane gas molecule, so creating a class of organometallic compound that could reinvigorate the chemical industry, especially in the area of organic synthesis. Researchers at The University of Arizona have also determined the precise structure of their metal-methane hybrid molecule, made with zinc, and confirm theoretical calculations that suggested such a species might be feasible. The so-called metal-methane insertion required to make this hybrid is not a complicated chemical reaction but nor is it something that is likely to happen in nature. "There is a big push in the chemical industry and in chemistry in general, to make use of fairly common organic compounds such as methane and turn them into something that can serve as a source for a product," explains team leader Lucy Ziurys. This milestone could be the big push the industry needs to move forward.

Milestone: A methane-metal marriage

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Pressing scientific memo

The White House has issued a memo to all heads of departments and agencies to help enforce President Obama's March 9, 2009 didact on scientific integrity. This latest memo from John P. Holdren provides further guidance to Executive Branch leaders as they implement Administration policies on scientific integrity. The new memorandum describes the minimum standards expected as departments and agencies craft scientific integrity rules appropriate for their particular missions and cultures, including a clear prohibition on political interference in scientific processes and expanded assurances of transparency. Responsible heads have now got about 4 months to respond on their progress in fullfiling these rules.

Scientific Integrity: Fueling Innovation, Building Public Trust

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