LOS ANGELES--Officials at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) have asked Dr. Martin Cline to step down temporarily as chief of the hematology and oncology division pending an investigation of Cline's genetic engineering experiments.

Cline is the first known scientist to perform genetic engineering techniques on humans. He treated two women this summer in Italy and Israel for a rare blood disease called betathalessmia by introducing healthy genes into the patients' blood.

Cline performed both operations in July while awaiting approval to perform the same technique at UCLA. The university's health officials have since denied approval.

Unrelated to Changes

"The request that Cline step down as administrator is not related to any charges of wrongdoing," Allen Barber, vice chancellor for research information, said yesterday, adding, "We just want time to look into it."

Barber said he is preparing a report based on information from sources at the hospitals in Italy and Israel where Cline performed his operations.

"If we find a violation, we will take some form of university action," he added.