We are now beginning to use cloned globin DNA sequences for this purpose — 
a method which is far simpler, faster, more reliable, and cheaper than 
those previously employed. 
It should also be strongly emphasized that many biologically impor- 
tant human genes will be mapped in man only by using recombinant DNA 
technology in concert with the somatic cell genetic procedure. There is 
no question in my mind that our understanding of human genetics and its 
development depends importantly on the use of recombinant DNA methodol- 
ogies. It also follows that the reduction of containment of human and 
mammalian DNA to PK2/EK2 from P3/ or P4/EK2 will make a huge difference 
in our rate of progress in human genetics. 
There is another scientific development which is pertinent to our 
deliberations here today. Recent experiments performed at Columbia 
University have shown that it is possible to transform mammalian cells-- 
that is to say, to introduce functional genes into cells--by simple 
exposure to mammalian DNA. This will provide a means of purifying 
particular kinds of human genes using DNA-mediated transformation as a 
bioassay. Alternative techniques for achieving the same purpose make 
use of deleted animal viruses such as SV40. It is clear to all that the 
availability of cloned mammalian genes will provide a very great impetus 
to our knowledge of the human gene map and the control of expression of 
human genes. Also, the isolation of human genes by cloning represents 
the first step in the pharmaceutical production of therapeutic proteins 
such as insulin, blood clotting factors, interferons, and a host of 
additional medically important products. 
The rapidity with which such products become available to the public 
will be significantly influenced by the stringency of the recombinant DNA 
guidelines. It seems ludicrous that some of our most productive and crea- 
tive scientists have felt it necessary to carry out their investigations 
in Europe because of the unrealistically stringent regulations now in 
effect. This practice if continued will only serve to weaken United 
States biomedical science. Certainly, the reduction of containment levels 
for eukaryotic cells and for animal viruses is very much in order. 
There is one additional point I would like to make. In connection 
with the transformation experiments which I mentioned previously, we have 
been isolating in our laboratory a small segment of the Herpes simplex 
virus chromosome containing a particular gene. We are forced to do this 
by growing up large quantities of the live virus. This practice is expen- 
sive, time-consuming, and cumbersome. We would prefer not to deal with 
large amounts of live virus because of the risk of possible exposure of 
laboratory personnel. It would of course be possible to clone the Herpes 
chromosome fragment of interest using existing recombinant DNA techniques. 
Such a practice would be far simplier, faster, and cheaper than growing 
the intact virus. From a biosafety viewpoint, I would judge the recom- 
binant DNA cloning of the Herpes fragment to be in itself innocuous and 
certainly far safer than growing the virus. This kind of cloning 
[ 405 ] 
