Our microchemical facility at Caltech has exceeded all expectations in being able to sequence small quantities of protein and synthesize small or large fragments of genes. Several gas phase microsequenators are now functional and each has the capacity to sequence 20 or so residues a day. We have a DNA synthesizer with a three column system that has the capacity to synthesize simultaneously three oligonucleotides with a 14 min. cycle time. Thus, the microchemical facility has the considerable ability to sequence proteins and synthesize genes. These abilities have been turned to a variety of projects that are directly related to the cancer problem. Microsequencing done in this facility on platelet derived growth factor demonstrated for the first time the serum polypeptide hormone appears to be strikingly homologous to the primate oncogene. We are now in the process of analyzing the sequences of a series of other growth hormones and will have the opportunity to determine whether additional similar correlations can be made. We have also started to analyze the gene structure organization and rearrangements of genetic elements in coding the T cell receptor. Once again this receptor molecule plays a central role in facilitating the immune response against foreign invaders including tumors. The microchemical facility has been used to synthesize a wide range of DNA probes that have been used to clone the corresponding genes (partially documented in the Progress Report). Indeed, the DNA synthesizer has been used to synthesize an entire functional E. coli serine tRNA gene. The computer facility has added valuable backup and data analysis capacity to these and many other projects. The cell sorter is functional and has provided valuable data for a number of different laboratories. Within the next year we expect to have a fully functional automated peptide synthesizer and be well along in developing an automated DNA sequenator. Thus, this complement of instruments will allow us to both sequence and synthesize genes and DNA in a sensitive and rapid fashion. This year the microchemical facility has been used by more than 15 professors at Caltech and a much larger number of investigators outside the Institute.
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