Tuesday August 15, 4:19 pm Eastern Time
Press Release
SOURCE: Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.
Sangamo BioSciences Reports Activation of EPO
Gene
Novel Gene Regulation Research Reported in The Journal of Biological Chemistry
RICHMOND, Calif., Aug. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: SGMO - news) today reported that an
article entitled ``Synthetic Zinc Finger Transcription Factor Action at an Endogenous Chromosomal Site: Activation of the
Human Erythropoietin Gene'' is scheduled for publication in The Journal of Biological Chemistry. The article describes the use
of Sangamo's proprietary zinc finger DNA binding proteins (ZFPs) to activate the expression of the therapeutically important
protein erythropoietin (EPO).
``This peer-reviewed publication provides important validation of Sangamo's ability to identify a specific human gene and
control its activation or repression within the natural chromosomal environment,'' said Alan Wolffe, Ph.D., Sangamo's chief
scientific officer and a co-author of the paper. ``This is the first published demonstration of our unique approach, which
integrates knowledge about gene structure and how it influences gene function.''
Sangamo scientists report that achieving maximal protein production is highly dependent on a number of variables, including
determination of the optimal chromosomal location for binding the ZFP to the gene. In addition, binding capacity is profoundly
influenced by the ZFP's ability to access specific regions of the gene -- areas inaccessible under normal conditions due to the
presence of structured chromatin. By precisely locating accessible sites, Sangamo scientists have shown that it is possible to
create ZFPs capable of controlling gene expression within the cell's natural chromosomal environment.
``As our understanding of the detailed mechanism of gene regulation continues to deepen, the potential of our ZFP technology
platform is extended,'' said Edward Lanphier, president and chief executive officer of Sangamo. ``The ability to regulate
virtually any gene has important commercial application in the discovery and development of a new class of therapeutics, as
well as for use in diagnostics, agriculture and industrial biotechnology.''
Genes, which direct the production of proteins, regulate all cellular activity within the human body. Located on chromosomes
within the nucleus, they are naturally controlled by transcription factors. However, due to the massive amounts of genetic
information stored within every cell, these transcription factors must be capable of identifying and stimulating a relatively small
section of the genetic code. ZFPs are a unique class of transcription factors that Sangamo scientists have engineered to regulate
the activities of specific genes.
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.com. Authors include: Lei Zhang, Ph.D; Kaye Spratt, Ph.D.; Qiang Liu,
Ph.D.; Brian Johnstone, Ph.D.; Hong Qi, Ph.D.; Eva E. Raschke, Ph.D.; Andrew C. Jamieson, Ph.D.; Edward J. Rebar,
Ph.D.; Alan P. Wolffe, Ph.D.; and Casey C. Case, Ph.D. all of Sangamo.
Sangamo's ZFP transcription factors are currently being used in drug discovery applications in a number of different therapeutic
areas. Leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies utilizing ZFPs include: AstraZeneca, Bayer Corporation,
Bristol-Myers Squibb, DuPont Pharmaceuticals, Genset SA, Glaxo Wellcome, Hoffmann-LaRoche, Immunex, The R. W.
Johnson Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco, Merck KGaA, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Pharmacia &
Upjohn, Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, Schering AG, SmithKline Beecham, Warner-Lambert, and Zaiya. In addition,
Sangamo has a strategic alliance with Edwards Lifesciences Corporation to develop novel therapeutics for the treatment of
cardiovascular disease.
About Sangamo
Sangamo is focused on the research and development of novel transcription factors for the regulation of genes. 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. 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. |
