THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78712

 

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The Cell Research Institute

April le, 1979

Dr. Joshua Lederberg
Office of the President
The Rockefeller University
1230 York Avenue

New York, NY 10021

Dear Joshua:

It was good of you to see me the other afternoon, and as soon as I
can solve some of my local problems I will progress to something like the
pattern we outlined briefly. My own course I do not wish personally to
comment on.

As you know, I started out in the middle of Mendelian genetics and
then sidetracked into an attempt to demonstrate differences in gene action
at the ultrastructure level. Not surprisingly, I have come full circle
and I am now back, as I told you, trying to deal with some specific
aspects of factors beyond the DNA-protein sequence that control genetic
expression, especially at the surface membrane of the cell. This
involves an interpretation of some developments in the Golgi apparatus
which has been a much confused, rarely adequately interpreted component
of the cell, but which (and I believe we have more than ample proof)
plays a critical modulating role between the DNA and the structure of
glycoproteins and gangliosides which act as both specific and general
determinants on the cell surface.

Incidentally, the paper I told you I had sent you went out of here
a long time ago. So you must either have it or the United States Postal
Service is living up to its usual reputation.

I shall, of course, keep in contact and try my best to support you
and my other colleagues at Rockefeller. But the time between our first
meeting and the present has been very long and I feel badly pressed to
get my particular white horse to the finish line or prove to myself that

I cannot and give up somewheres along. With my high regard and very best
wishes,

Cordially yours,

rdon Whaley |