Sangamo BioSciences Reports On-Line Publication of Gene Regulation Data In the Journal of Biological Chemistry
RICHMOND, Calif., Jan. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: SGMO -
news) today reported that an article entitled ``Regulation of an Endogenous Locus Using a Panel of
Designed Zinc Finger Proteins Targeted to Accessible Chromatin Regions: Activation of Vascular
Endothelial Growth Factor A'' has been published on-line in The Journal of Biological Chemistry.
The article describes the use of Sangamo's proprietary zinc finger DNA binding proteins (ZFPs) to
regulate the production of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF), a naturally occurring
protein that plays a critical role in the formation of new blood vessels, and may be useful in the
treatment of certain forms of cardiovascular disease.
Within every cell is an enormous amount of genetic information. In response to this, nature has
evolved a way of organizing DNA so that cells can accurately and efficiently access the precise
information needed to perform specific cellular functions. This packaging system employs a
structure called chromatin to render certain areas of the genome inaccessible. As reported in this
paper, Sangamo scientists used their knowledge of chromatin structure to accurately select multiple
accessible sites for activation of VEGF. Sangamo researchers also showed that a combination of
different ZFPs could produce increased levels of VEGF activation.
``This research reflects the growing breadth and utility of Sangamo's gene regulation technology,''
said Alan Wolffe, Ph.D., the company's chief scientific officer and a co-author on the paper.
``Using highly specific, engineered ZFPs, targeted to different locations, allowed us to answer a
number of important questions related to the activation of VEGF. Using rationally designed ZFPs
resulted in significantly enhanced levels of expression of the chromosomal gene and its protein
product.''
Sangamo scientists, in collaboration with colleagues at Edwards Lifesciences Corporation are
working to develop new treatments for cardiovascular disease. By activating the naturally
occurring VEGF gene, Sangamo intends to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels. For patients
afflicted with heart disease, these vessels would have the potential to bypass blocked arteries
thereby restoring blood flow to oxygen-starved heart tissue. Sangamo is currently evaluating these
ZFP-Therapeutics(TM) in preclinical models that mimic human heart disease.
Other researchers are exploring the therapeutic use of VEGF, either delivered directly as a protein
or as a DNA clone. In these approaches, only a single form of VEGF is administered. This is a
critical limitation as VEGF, in its natural state, has multiple variants that are involved in the normal
physiological response. In this publication, Sangamo researchers reported that they were able to
stimulate the production of all of the VEGF splice variants, and in the same proportions normally
observed.
The Journal of Biological Chemistry is published by The American Society for Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology. The Sangamo article can be accessed online at www.jbc.org. Authors include:
Pei-Qi Liu, Ph.D.; Edward J. Rebar, Ph.D.; Lei Zhang, Ph.D.; Qiang Liu, Ph.D.; Andrew C.
Jamieson, Ph.D.; Yuxin Liang, Ph.D.; Hong Qi, Ph.D.; Pei-Xiang Li, Ph.D.; Bingliang Chen;
Matthew C. Mendel; Xiaohong Zhong; Ya-Li Lee; Steve Eisenberg, Ph.D.; Kaye Spratt, Ph.D.;
Casey C. Case, Ph.D.; and Alan P. Wolffe, Ph.D., all of Sangamo.
About Sangamo
Sangamo is focused on the research and development of novel transcription factors for the
regulation of gene expression. Sangamo's Universal Gene Recognition(TM) technology enables the
engineering of transcription factors known as zinc finger DNA binding proteins, or ZFPs. By
engineering ZFPs so that they can recognize a specific gene, Sangamo has created ZFP
transcription factors that can control gene expression and, consequently, cell function. The
company intends to establish Universal Gene Recognition as a widely used technology for
commercial applications in pharmaceutical discovery, human therapeutics, clinical diagnostics,
agriculture and industrial biotechnology. Over twenty leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology
companies have utilized ZFPs. In addition, Sangamo has a strategic alliance with Edwards
Lifesciences Corporation to develop novel therapeutics for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
For more information about Sangamo, visit the company's web site at www.sangamo.com.
This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to
the safe harbors created by those sections. Those forward-looking statements include statements
related to the ability of Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. to continue to meet marketing, technology, and
customer demands as it relates to its products within the gene regulation market. Actual results
may differ materially due to a number of factors, including numerous technological, operational and
financial challenges associated with the regulation of genes. The matters discussed in this press
release also involve risks and uncertainties concerning Sangamo's products and services described
in Sangamo's filing on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In
particular, see the risk factors described in the company's Prospectus on Form S-1 and its most
recent 10-Q. Sangamo assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained
in this press release.
SOURCE: Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. |
