JAMES E. BROWNELL

James E. Brownell, age 34, discovered a biochemical trigger for an important genetic function that lets genes turn on and be expressed -- do what they are supposed to do. Basically, scientists knew the structure of DNA and how it is packaged within the cell; it is wrapped around proteins called histones to form a DNA-protein complex called chromatin. The strong electrostatic attraction between the DNA and histones makes chromatin very stable and an efficient way to store the genetic information. However, genes buried in chromatin cannot be directly expressed. Scientists had determined that a process called acetylation weakens the electric charge between the DNA and histones, allowing chromatin to ease up so that transcription factors -- which allow the genes to be expressed -- could get through to the DNA. Scientists had come to suspect a certain enzyme as being responsible for making this happen; Brownell showed that this was indeed true, providing the first direct link between acetylation and gene expression.

Although Brownell graduated with his Ph.D. from Syracuse University, where he had started out, he actually performed part of his research in Rochester, New York. He explained, "When my adviser, Dr. David Allis, moved his lab to the University of Rochester midway through my degree program, I moved there also to continue working on my project, although I remained a Syracuse student."

Brownell is now an associate scientist for Genentech in the Analytical Chemistry Department. "So far in my career," said Brownell, "I have had the opportunity to work in several excellent labs, both in academia as well as in industry. What I enjoy most about science is working in the lab, asking questions, and designing and running experiments. A major reason for my accepting a position with Genentech is that I have the opportunity to do these things here."

Brownell is looking forward to the awards celebration in Sweden, not only because he considers it a tremendous honor to have his work recognized this way, but also because he has never been to Europe. Moreover, he and his wife have invited his parents to join them on the trip. "Part of the program is to see Nobel laureates lecture; my father will get a kick out of it." Brownell reported this his father, a physician, and his mother both had a big impact on his interest in science. "Scientific accomplishments were always discussed and praised in my family." He said their attitude, as well as help from various mentors along the way, brought him to where he is today.

Back to "Science Magazine And Amersham Pharmacia Biotech Honor Young Biologists" release