When the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory (MDIBL) was established by John Sterling Kingsley in 1898, science was entering a new era in the wake of Charles Darwin – the cataloging of all species known to man and the beginnings of research into the function of organs and cells. These early scientists were truly pioneers, discovering much of what became the foundation of knowledge in anatomy and physiology.

As the oldest biomedical research institution in Maine, MDIBL is proud of its rich history and of the significant contributions its scientists have made to 20th century biology and medicine. Many of the world’s most distinguished scientists and physicians have traveled to the coast of Maine seeking the unique marine resources of MDIBL in their quest to improve human health.

The laboratory is internationally known for basic discoveries leading to advances in cardiovascular, lung, liver and kidney diseases. For example, early scientists at MDIBL were the first to discover how the kidney functions, and subsequently developed kidney function tests for humans. More recently, investigators at MDIBL identified a substance in the dogfish shark called Squalamine which has proven effective in treating lung cancer in recent human trials and is expected to be marketed for cancer treatment within the next two years. Squalamine is also being targeted as a possible treatment for a rare disorder known as FOP (Fibrodysplasia Ossifcans Progressiva) caused by the mutation of a single gene that sporadically transforms muscles and tendons into bone (see Bangor Daily News article, Dec. 30-31, 2000). Research at the laboratory also led to the development of a highly effective drug used to treat glaucoma.

We are now entering a new era of biology in the wake the recent sequencing of the human genome. This great advance of 20th century science is ushering in a age in biology – the age of “information-based” science. MDIBL has boldly embraced this new era by establishing the nation’s first Center for Marine Functional Genomic Studies. This year-round research program will focus on sequencing portions of the genome of the dogfish shark and other marine species and identifying the function of these genes.

The center will incorporate high-throughput DNA sequencing technology and bioinformatics (an emerging discipline that combines the power of biology, mathematics and computers) to assist scientists in discovering – from species in the sea – the genetic information, the technologies and the new drugs that will advance human health throughout the next century. This effort will be aided by the internationally recognized leadership of The Jackson Laboratory which is discovering the secrets of another model genome, the laboratory mouse.

Although marine animals are well known to Mainers, the value of marine species in genetic research has largely been overlooked. By establishing this center, MDIBL is uniquely positioned to become a leader in providing scientists around the world with alternative models in which to compare and contrast what is being discovered in the human genome. It is these contrasts that will help us to identify the functions of many genes that are presently unknown and to determine which genes are targets for new therapies for human disorders.

To further increase Maine’s capacity to attract federal research funds, the state’s five nonprofit biomedical research institutions (the Foundation for Blood Research, the Maine Medical Center Research Institution, The Jackson Laboratory, and the University of New England and MDIBL) recently joined together to form the Maine Biomedical Research Coalition. Members of the coalition are working to establish new research collaborations that build upon the strengths of each institution. The Coalition is also partnering with Maine’s academic institutions to develop strategies that encourage talented young students to pursue their careers here in Maine.

In 1999, in response to a bill sponsored by the Coalition, the state Legislature appropriated $10 million to support Maine’s non-profit biomedical research institutions. The effects of this investment are already being seen across the state. For MDIBL, these funds play a critical role in our ability to expand our research programs by recruiting top-level scientists to MDIBL. For other members of the Coalition, these funds are being used to construct new state-of-the-art research facilities, purchase highly specialized equipment and expand existing research programs. Moreover, the promise of these funds has allowed members of the coalition to get commitments for more than $53 million in outside grants, primarily from the National Institutes of Health.

Over the next five years, the Center for Marine Functional Genomic Studies will recruit world-class investigators to MDIBL and create at least 20 to 25 new jobs in Hancock County. This cutting edge research program will also increase Maine’s ability to compete nationally for further federal research dollars.

It is clear that Gov. King and the Legislature understand the importance of investing in Maine’s future by expanding state support for its independent biomedical research institutions. By increasing the research capacity and facilities of Maine’s nonprofit research laboratories, many well-paying new jobs will be created in the state. Maine will then be well positioned to make biomedical discoveries that will advance 21st century medicine.

John N. Forrest Jr., M.D. is the director of Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory.