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The
Life Sciences Project Bulletin
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New
Projects in Plant
Biotechnology and Tissue Culture from
Israel and the Netherlands | |
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No.20
– December 2004 |
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Projects
3.
Use of
clean vector technology and cis-genesis for crop improvement by an
accepted gmo approach 4.
Discovery of genes controlling fruit quality traits
and disease resistance 5.
A Method
for Preparing Transgenic Plants Resistant to Crown Gall
Disease 6.
New fungi
as biological acaricides and fungicides
(biopesticides) 7.
Development of new technologies for the Agro biotech
industry 8.
Construction of Plants Resistant to Viral Infection
9.
Clonal Propagation Through Somatic EmbryoGenesis in
Bioreactors 10.
Transgenic Lines of Resistant Melons In the
News
1.
Two
Israelis win Nobel Chemistry
prize 2.
Israelis among top
innovators 3.
Evogene announces soybean collaboration with Mertec,
LLC 4.
Development of Recombinant Edible Vaccines for
Veterinary Purposes Advertorials
2.
Programs that integrate the proprietary AFLP® and
cDNA-AFLP technologies 3.
Evogene to evaluate plant-based production of Compugen
therapeutic protein
candidates 4.
Sigma-Aldrich Corp. conducts research and
development 5.
Health-Invest: The New Dutch magazine for Life
Sciences 6.
The SunGreen method for growing vegetables in a clean
white environment Announcements
1.
Welcome
to the Israel Bio-Tech 2005 the 4th national Conference and
Exhibition 2.
EOI's
for the Sixth Framework |
Coming
up in the next bulletins: Advanced
technologies from
Israel and the Netherlands Projects from the previous
Bulletins For
more information contact Optin’s Director Drs. Jennifer Peersmann, or Optin’s Life
Sciences Manager Drs. Eli Guetta
or
call +31-70-3643260 Events Brainstorming
Workshop Wednesday,
19th January 2005 Rabin
Center for Culture and Education, The Hague, The
Netherlands 27th
January 2005 Naturalis
Museum of Natural History, Leiden, The
Netherlands The
4th National Conference and
Exhibition 24-26 May
2005 David
Intercontinental Hotel, Tel Aviv, Israel Sponsors The Embassy of The
Netherlands MXCard: Profetional Marketing and
Customer Teva Pharmaceutical Industries
Ltd Contributors Yissum /
The Hebrew
University Yeda / Weizmann
Institute
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Projects
Plant improvement by genetic
manipulation of genes encoding plant chaperones of the FKBP (FK506 binding
proteins) family
The
research in my lab has been focused on the characterization of members of
the large co-chaperone family, the FKBPs. This name is an acronym derived
from the ability of these proteins to bind the immunosuppressive drug
FK506 used in immunotherapy. We have found that plant FKBPs are heat
stress induced and developmentally regulated. By modulating their
abundance in plants we can affect various traits with importance for crop
improvement. For example, over-expressing part of the FKBP gene can induce
male sterility in rice and Arabidopsis, and over-expressing the full FKBP
can induce resistance to pathogens and heat stress. In previous work in
the lab we characterized wheat FKBPs, demonstrating that wheat plants
over-expressing the FKBP germinate faster and have higher amylase activity
in the seedlings. The FKBPs that we are studying bind several major
cellular regulators such as Hsp90 and Calmodulin. By using recombinant DNA
technologies, genetic mutants and genetically engineered plants, we expect
to contribute to plant improvement in major crops such as rice and wheat,
after establishing the genetic and molecular tools in Arabidopsis. Male
sterility and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses are major targets
for crop improvement. Our
goal is to understand the molecular basis of how the FKBP chaperones are
involved in providing heat thermo-tolerance and to apply those findings to
crop plants such as rice. We are interested in financial support, R&D
collaboration and information exchange. Chlorophyllase Gene and Recombinant
Protein and Their Use in Medicine, Pharmaceutics, Agriculture and
Molecular Genetic Markers
During the last
two decades, the utilization of photosensitizers for cancer therapy has
been introduced. In this technique known as "photodynamic therapy" (PDT),
singlet oxygen, oxygen radicals and superoxides or peroxides are produced
by in situ photosensitization of previously applied chromophores and
intoxicate the malignant cells. There has been an increasing interest in
using porphyrines and in particular chlorophyll derivatives as PDT agents.
The synthesis of these Chl derivatives involves a first step of enzymatic
transesterification with the enzyme chlorophyllase which is presently
extracted from plant chloroplasts as acetone powder along with many other
protein contaminants. With the isolation of Chlase gene and the production
of the recombinant protein which was shown to have high enzymatic
activity, we are able to produce unlimited quantities of pure highly
active recombinant Chlase for the production of Chl derivative for
PDT. There are also
applications in Agriculture aimed at prevention or prolonged delay of Chl
breakdown. In addition, with the Chlase gene it is possible to generate a
non-lethal genetic marker for use in molecular biology, particularly for
plant transformation. Use of
clean vector technology and cis-genesis for crop improvement by an
accepted gmo approach
Marker-free
genetically modified crops confer several advantages over transgenic crops
equipped with e.g. genes coding for antibiotic resistance. Firstly, the
European Union encourages “avoiding or minimising the inclusion of
superfluous transgenes or sequences” and promotes the use of clean vector
systems. Secondly, stacking of genes within the same transgenic line is
difficult once a selectable marker gene has been introduced. If these
marker genes can be removed, the subsequent introduction of the next
gene-of-interest is greatly facilitated. Hence, At Plant Research
International a system has been developed for specific elimination of any
introduced DNA/gene sequences using site-specific recombination combined
with selection for successful removal using a negative selection system.
Completely marker-free transgenic plants have been obtained using a model
vector, both in an efficient transformation system (strawberry) as well as
in a non-efficient transformation system (apple). Frequencies were more
than adequate. Presently, a versatile vector set providing a choice of
several selectable markers and carrying a multiple cloning site for
receiving cassettes of the gene-of-interest is available. Further, we
enhanced the expression of a native resistance gene (PGIP) in strawberry,
by combining this gene with another promoter from strawberry (promoter of
an expansin gene). As no gene or promoter from outside the strawberry
species was left after the genetic modification, using the clean gene
technology, we named the strawberry not transgenic but cisgenic. Consumer
interviews indicated that cisgenic crops are more acceptable than
transgenic crops to the public. Discovery
of genes controlling fruit quality traits
and disease resistance
The
focus of the research of my group at Newe Ya’ar is the genetics of melon
(Cucumis melo L.) and other cucurbits, with major topics being the
molecular analysis of fruit ripening, the genetic mapping and the
assessment of genetic variability of these crops. A genomic study is
directed towards the discovery of genes controlling fruit quality traits
and disease resistance. Application of these genes in cucurbits breeding
and fruit quality improvement is a main goal. A Method
for Preparing Transgenic Plants Resistant to Crown Gall Disease
A method of
preparing plants resistant to crown gall disease caused by the soil-borne
bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens, based on the delivery and expression
of an antitumorigenic plasmid gene. University project. Licensing
sought. The soil-borne
phytopathogenic bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens induces tumors (crown
galls) on more than 1000 species of dicotyledons, including many
economically important plants. The most serious damage is caused in
grapevine, some ornamental plants (rose, aster and chrysanthemum, to name
a few), fruit trees, raspberry, etc. The pathogenicity of the bacterium is
due to the presence of Ti (tumor-inducing) plasmids. During crown gall
tumor induction, a specific segment (T-DNA) of the Ti-plasmid is
transferred and integrated into the host-cell genome. The T-DNA possesses
several onc genes which are expressed in transformed plants and are
involved in phytohormone synthesis. The research team have shown that
R-plasmids of the IncW and IncQ groups suppress oncogenicity of various
types of A. tumefaciens strains. The minimal region of the IncQ R-plasmid
RSF1010, responsible for its ability to inhibit oncogenicity of the host
Agrobacterium strain, was identified. The corresponding locus of the
RSF1010 plasmid was designated ita (inhibition of tumorigenicity of
Agrobacterium). Based on these data, a method of preparing crown
gall-resistant plants was proposed. The central idea of the method is that
introduction and expression of the ita locus in plants sensitive to A.
tumefaciens infection will lead to the formation of transgenes resistant
to crown gall tumor formation. A working prototype is now available,
consisting of transgenic lines of tobacco, tomato and aspen plants in
which the ita locus of plasmid RSF1010 under the control of a eukaryotic
promoter has been integrated into genomic DNA. New fungi
as biological acaricides and fungicides (biopesticides)
Our research team
has developed a new (to science) fungus that, based on our preliminary
data, has the potential of controlling both mites and powdery mildews (and
perhaps also other fungal plant diseases). Advantages: A biopesticide that concurrently
controls major pest mites (spider mites and rust mites) as well as
important plant diseases (powdery mildews); a new (to science) fungus
that, based on our preliminary data, has the potential of controlling both
mites and powdery mildews (and perhaps also other fungal plant
diseases).
Development of new technologies for the Agro biotech
industry
An
Israelis biotech company RAHAN MERISTEM from Northern of Israel works on
tissue culture plants, highly selected banana clones, transgenic plans,
recombinant plants and micro organisms, RT -PCR for diagnostics of plant
pathogens, recombinant vaccines for veterinary purposes has developed new
technologies for the Agro biotech industry. Founded in 1974 by members of
Kibbutz Rosh Hanikra, with the encouragement and support of the academic
community in Israel, RAHAN MERISTEM was the first operating commercial
tissue culture laboratory in Israel. It was established as an extension of
an existing well-recognized fruit trees nursery in Israel. Initially,
RAHAN's workers developed new procedures for large scale, in-vitro, clonal
propagation of over two hundred plant genera including ornamental,
industrial, fruit and vegetable crops. By the mid 1980's the company
focused on a smaller variety of plants, and in-vitro propagated banana
plants became the leading product. Combined with the high level of
pre-existing expertise of banana agrotechnology on Kibbutz Rosh Hanikra,
RAHAN became a center of research and consultation for the banana industry
throughout the world. A formal R&D department was established in 1991
in order to provide technical support to the different branches of the
company and develop new products and technologies, as well as other
technical services. The areas of expertise include molecular and classical
genetics, plant cell and
tissue culture, plant biochemistry and physiology, bacteriology and
industrial biotechnology. The department researchers have developed
excellent working relations with the academic community in Israel as well
as abroad. The interaction with the academia includes joint research
projects, participation of RAHAN scientists in training of graduate
students, classroom teaching and publication in scientific journals. The
main R&D emphasis is banana germplasm improvement using a broad
spectrum of genetic tools i.e. selection, induced mutagenesis and
recombinant DNA technology. Another important activity of R&D is directed
towards improvement of industrial tissue culture technologies such as
development of methods for the control of contaminating microbes, early
detection and elimination of somaclonal variation, reduction of labor and
fixed costs in production etc. In recent years the department has been
engaged in two projects of production of medicinal products in transgenic
plants. Reflecting RAHAN's international stature, a significant part of
the R&D activities are carried out jointly with companies and academic
institutions outside Israel. RAHAN
MERISTEM remains committed to the continuous leadership in the
Agro-biotechnology industry in decades to come.
RAHAN's
product base includes in-vitro and hardened dessert banana and plantain
plants for the international export market, strawberry
mother plants, fruit trees for various climatic conditions i.e. date palm,
citrus, olive, mango, avocado, stone fruit
and their rootstocks; mother plants and field plants for cut-flowers
production, as well as plants for industrial use such
as
pineapple, jojoba, sugar-cane, and others. RAHAN MERISTEM is considered to
be one of the world leading companies
for the production of quality tissue culture plants having developed
protocols for more than 200 plant genera over
the
last 20 years. Expertise: * Plant propagation by means of tissue organ and
cell culture; * Selection and breeding; * Molecular and cellular biology;
* Microbiology - diagnostics and vector development. Equipment: * Full research laboratory
equipped and set up for plant and microbial biotechnology applications. *
Growth room for in Vitro culture & Growth chamber (conviron).
Construction of Plants Resistant to
Viral Infection
Introduction into
plants of genes, controlling elements and other DNA structures, by means
of genetic engineering technology, in order to produce virus-resistant
plants. University project. Licensing sought. Virus-resistant
transgenic plants were engineered by a research team and some of them are
in the process of cloning. Three types of the cloned genes were used: (a)
genes originated from viruses; (b) genes belonging to the defence system
of the plants; (c) foreign genes. In the first class of genes, the team
produced resistant transgenic plants expressing non-structural (non-coat
protein) genes of PVY (NIa, helper component, and others) and, also, CMB
resistant, coat-protein-bearing transgenic plants. In the second category,
they started the cloning of the plant genes for the antiviral proteins
gp22 and gp35, which were studied along many years as AVF. In the third
category, they have cloned the gene for human interferon (beta and alpha)
into plants. Initially, the plants seem to be protected from virus
infection. Some of the transgenic plants have been patented. Resistant
plants carrying various viral genes have been made and brought to a
homozygous, non-segregating, stable stage. Clonal
Propagation Through Somatic
EmbryoGenesis in Bioreactors
Our research team
has developed clonal propagation of parental lines for breeding purposes,
which can shorten the time required to produce seeds of desirable new
hybrids for marketing, as compared to existing breeding programs. The
technique of clonal propagation through somatic embryogenesis, as opposed
to conventional methods, enables large-scale production and a many-fold
increase in the ratio of multiplication. Clonally- propagated plants can
produce uniformly superior seeds, improve progeny evaluation of breeding
and show improved vigor and quality. In addition, clonal propagation can
produce disease-free germplasm for international shipment, and thus
decrease time-consuming labor and production expenses of hybrid
seeds. Transgenic
Lines of Resistant Melons
A technology for
the production of cucumber and melon lines, resistant to downy mildew,
based on cloning of a unique protein, P45, produced in wild resistant
types of melon. University project. Patent pending. Licensing / strategic
partners sought.
Downy mildew of
cucurbits is one of the most serious diseases of muskmelons and cucumbers
in temperate regions of the world. A unique protein, P45, was shown to be
constitutively produced in wild resistant types of melon. P45 was found to
be co-inherited with resistance of melon to downy mildew. Susceptible
melon lines do not show the P45 protein. Transgenic melon plants
overexpressing P45 show resistance to downy mildew. The present innovative
technology, relates to novel nucleic acid sequences that control plant
resistance to downy mildew. Cloning of P45 genes into other crops is being
carried out.
In the
News
Two
Israelis win Nobel Chemistry prize
Israelis Aaron
Ciechanover and Avram Hershko and American Irwin Rose won the 2004 Nobel
Prize in chemistry on Tuesday for their work in discovering
ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation. Ciechanover, 57; Hershko, 67; and
Irwin Rose, 78, were honored by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences for
their work in the 1980s that discovered one of the cell's most important
cyclical processes, regulated protein degradation. "Thanks to the work of
the three laureates it is now possible to understand at molecular level
how the cell controls a number of central processes by breaking down
certain proteins and not others," the academy said in its citation.
"Examples of processes governed by ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation
are cell division, DNA repair, quality control of newly-produced proteins,
and important parts of the immune defense." Associated Press,
THE JERUSALEM POST Oct. 6,
2004 Israelis
among top innovators
For the first
time, two Israelis under 35 - one at the Technion-Israel Institute of
Technology in Haifa and the other at the Weizmann Institute of Science in
Rehovot - are on the list of the world's "Top Young Innovators." The two
Israelis are Dr. Kinneret Keren of the Technion and Ya'acov Benenson, a
29-year-old Weizmann Institute doctoral student. Selected from among
almost 650 candidates from around the world, they will be honored, along
with others on the list, at the Technology Review 2004 Emerging
Technologies Conference at MIT on September 29 and 30. Benenson is also a
candidate for "TR 100 Innovator of the Year" and the "TR 100 Humanitarian
Award", which will be announced at the conference.
The Second Annual
conference is expected to attract 1,000 participants representing
business, technology and science from over 40 countries. The list is
compiled by Technology Review, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's
"magazine of innovation." Chosen by the magazine's editors and a panel of
judges, the TR 100 consists of 100 people under the age of 35 whose
innovative work in technology has a profound impact on today's world and
will shape the future of the way we live and work. chemistry. This year's
nominees are recognized for their contributions in transforming the nature
of technology and business in industries such as biotechnology and
medicine, computing, and nanotechnology. Keren, who is in
the middle of doing post-doctoral work at Stanford University in
California, studied at the Technion with Prof. Erez Baron and Prof. Uri
Sivan of the physics faculty. Last year, the research team succeeded in
finding a way to produce the first molecular transistor made out of DNA.
Reports on this pioneering development were published in the prestigious
journal Science and a variety of other print media. The Jerusalem-born
researcher - whose father is a mathematician, mother was a computer
scientist, and three siblings are all scientists - said that work at the
Technion was very demanding, but also very rewarding, "because we invented
something that was completely new and did not exist before. Science is
usually composed of 90 percent frustration and 10 percent celebration.
When you start from an idea, you experiment and often don't succeed. But
there are those rare wonderful moments when they do succeed and something
new is created." Benenson works
with Prof. Ehud Shapiro of the Rehovot institute's department of computer
science and applied mathematics, and its department of biological
chemistry. Inspired by the world-famous Shapiro's vision of a "doctor in a
cell", Benenson joined Weizmann in 1999 at age 24 and began to tackle the
challenges of DNA-driven computing solutions for disease diagnosis and
treatment. Benenson received the Wolf Foundation Prize for Excellence in
Graduate Studies six years ago and is currently on the Dean's List of the
Feinberg Graduate School at Weizmann for his achievements in PhD studies
and research. He co-invented
the world's smallest biological computing device - a bio-molecular
finite-state automaton made from DNA strands and DNA-manipulating enzymes.
The automaton, about a trillionth the size of a drop of water, was listed
in the 2004 Guinness Book of World Records as the smallest biological
computing device. Recently, this device was enhanced to detect and
diagnose molecular symptoms of cancer in vitro and, in response, to
release a drug to treat the cancer. Benenson's breakthrough in this area
of research exceeded earlier progress predictions by Shapiro and others.
Shapiro praises
Benenson for being a "key innovator and leading experimentalist in the
biological computer team. It is very gratifying to have his contributions
acknowledged by MIT's Technology Review editors and the distinguished
panel of judges for the 100 Top Young Innovators of 2004 award."
Benenson
commented that "nature invented intricate molecular tools to detect and
repair malfunctions in cells and organisms. Ultimately, our research may
lead to the use of biomolecular computers to supplement and enhance
existing natural defenses." Judy
Siegel-Itzkovich, THE JERUSALEM POST
Sep. 22, 2004 Evogene announces soybean collaboration
with Mertec, LLC
Evogene Ltd.
announced today an agreement with Mertec, LLC for the development and
marketing of soybean seeds with improved traits. The two companies will
bring newly developed traits from Evogene to the market in soybean
varieties developed by Mertec. Mertec will market the co-developed soybean
varieties using their strong industry channels. Financial terms were not
disclosed. Joseph H. Merschman, Mertec's President, said: "We are excited
about our partnership with Evogene. This collaboration strengthens our
ability to deliver innovative products to our dealers and farmer
customers." Dr Hagai Karchi,
CEO for Evogene, stated: "We are very pleased to have the opportunity to
collaborate with Mertec, an industry leading soybean germplasm and seed
supplier. Soybean is the most widespread biotechnology enhanced crop
globally, and we are confident that certain traits in our existing
development pipeline will provide the basis for significant improvements."
About Evogene
Ltd: Evogene's mission is to become a leading developer of improved traits
in plants. The Company's high-throughput platform combine state-of-the-art
computational genomics, molecular biology and advanced classical breeding
methods in order to accelerate, direct and mimic the natural evolution
process. Evogene's current product development efforts are focused on
enhanced fiber in cotton; abiotic stress tolerance and nitrogen use
efficiency for various crops; and a unique plant platform for the
production of therapeutic proteins. For additional information, please
visit Evogene's Website at www.evogene.com. About
Mertec, LLC: Mertec, LLC,
based in West Point, Iowa, is a leading breeder and developer of soybean
germplasm for the seed trade. Mertec has an extensive line-up of soybean
germplasm for the maturities in the United States. Mertec has entered into
strategic relationships with biotech and life science companies to deliver
the latest traits and technologies to farmer growers in Mertec's high
yielding soybean germplasm. Evogene: Ofer
Haviv, COO & CFO, ofer.haviv@evogene.com , Tel:
+972-8-931-1905 Mertec LLC:
Joseph H. Merschman, COO & CFO President, joem@merschmanseeds.com,
Tel: +1-319-837-6111 Contact
person:
Julien
Meissonnier, Business Development, Evogene Ltd., 13 Gad Feinstein, P.O.Box
2100, Rehovot 76121, Israel. Tel & Fax: +972-2-534 4614, Evogene
Office: +972-8-931 1900, Mobile: 054 475 536 E-mail: julien.meissonnier@evogene.com
; jmeissonnier@bezeqint.net
; Website: www.evogene.co.il
Rehovot,
Israel - 16 November 2004 Development of Recombinant Edible
Vaccines for Veterinary Purposes
Our
objective is to develop and bring to market recombinant empty viral
particles as vaccines in recombinant plants and microorganisms. In phase I of the development we
are focusing on vaccines for the veterinary market while in phase II we
plan to broaden the development to human health-care applications. We are
seeking partnership between a European company, Rahan Meristem and Shafit
Biological Laboratories for completion of the R&D phase I, production
and merchandising of the products. We predict a 24-month lead-time before
an initial prototype will be available for marketing. The
advantages are: 1) Avoiding the risk involved in production and use of
live or attenuated viruses. 2) Significant reduction of production cost.
3) Almost no need for manufacturing facilities for edible vaccines and
negligible material cost
(appendix, table 1). 4) Simplifying the procedures for registration
and licensing. 5) Elimination of mammalian cell culture will reduce the
risk of contamination with other disease causing agents (HIV, Hepatitis C,
etc.). Veterinary
application: Recombinant vaccines directed against Gumboro (IBDV) disease
in poultry and Foot and Mouth disease (FMDV) in mammalian farm animals.
Involved are: 1. Commercial and research companies - Rahan Meristem (1998)
LTD and Shafit Biological Laboratories. 2. Research groups - the Animal
Virology Group at the Kimron
Veterinary Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Plant
Virology group at the Hebrew University. The
Gumboro (IBDV) recombinant full virion, expressed in bacterial systems,
was proven a successful immunogen.
The IBDV genome was inserted in transgenic potato plants and used
as an oral vaccine. We have patented the technology in the USA and filled
for PCT and local patents additional patents are in preparation. The
project is financed by the industrial partners and by competitive grants
from the Chief Scientist of the Ministry of
Agriculture. Marketing
plan forecast involves a 10 year penetration process starting in the year
2004 ending up in 15% penetration in year 2010. Current competitors for
veterinary vaccines include two major (above 100 million USD) companies:
Rhפne Merieux and Intervet, medium size companies e.g. Malinncrot, Fort
Dodge, Pfiezer, Sanofy and Vineland (10-100 million USD) and several
smaller companies. Currently, non of the above companies offer
non-conventional (biotech) vaccines. Advertorials
Israeli
agro-biotechnology company FertiSeeds is offering a novel solution for
production of hybrid seeds based on molecular genetic
technology
An
Israeli agro-biotechnology company FertiSeeds is offering a novel solution
for production of hybrid seeds based on molecular genetic technology.
FertiSeeds was founded in 2000 , has demonstrated the core technology, and
is presently working on commercial crops and business development. The
company is owned and funded by prominent private investors and has several
strategic research and development collaborations focused on accomplishing
its mission. Mission
Statement:
FertiSeeds mission is to establish a broadly applicable, universal
hybridization technology to improve value for growers and provide
intellectual property protection for germplasm and technology
suppliers. FertiSeeds
Technology:
FertiSeeds has developed a method, patented as “Exogenic Allelism”, to
position two genetic components precisely across from each other on sister
chromosomes. These components complement each other to cause male
sterility in the hybrid parent generation. In the F1 offspring, the
components segregate naturally. Since each component is inactive alone,
when the FertiSeeds mother is crossed with any other parent variety of
choice, the resulting F1 offspring is a fully fertile, high yielding
hybrid crop. Competitive
Advantages:
The advantages of this technology are that it offers full male sterility
in the parent line and full fertility in the F1 hybrid generation.
Fertility is restored through natural segregation of the male sterility
components, thus there is no need for restorer genes. Pollen donors can be
any commercial varieties of choice or superior combiners, thus extra
versatility in breeding and faster product-to-market is
provided. The
transgenic male sterile trait mechanism is inactivated naturally, via
segregation, thus eliminating environmental impact or pollen flow into
wild species. Intellectual
property protection is provided the natural way for germplasm and traits
of other technology providers and for FertiSeeds technology.
Business
Development:
FertiSeeds' vision is to serve seed companies and agricultural
biotechnology providers by supplying a competitive advantage through
profitable hybrid production and IP protection. FertiSeeds will capture
the value it adds through a market-focused system of variable fees that
relate directly to the benefits it generates. Partnering:
FertiSeeds is actively seeking collaborators to complement its technology
and research competence. We propose exchanged value with the following
partners: Seed
companies seeking hybrid development Technology
providers seeking IP protection through
hybrids Technology
developers seeking co-development Programs
that integrate the proprietary
AFLP® and cDNA-AFLP technologies
During the last
14 years, Keygene has been very successful in developing the AFLP(r)
molecular marker system and a wide range of related services for (plant)
breeding companies. Their shareholders and main customers have become
market leaders in several high-yielding vegetable crops the last years.
Most of Keygene
services are based on AFLP(r), the most cost effective marker technology
available. For many crops Keygene executed large programs and assisted in
the development of extensive genetic knowledge for their customers. For
instance; in Capsicum, Barley, Corn and other species large integrated
genetic maps are build. Keygene can be
divided into two major departments, the first, Gentics, is specialised in
services like identification of varieties, marker assisted back cross
programs, marker development projects (mono- and polygenic traits),
genetic (fine) mapping, allele / chromosome haplotyping and development of
specific breeding tools like mentioned in our article "Breeding by
Design(tm)" which describes the potential possibilities of markers in
breeding. Please contact
Keygene to receive more
information regarding this revolutionary
concept. Keygene Genomics,
the second department, is specialized in innovative contract research.
With in-depth vision and extensive research facilities Keygene Genomics
provides state of the art contract research programs with emphasis on
structural and functional genomics.
Programs that integrate the proprietary AFLP® and cDNA-AFLP
technologies with a broad spectrum of other genomics tools, Keygene
Genomics offers total genomics solutions to its customers. Application of
the powerful technology platform in many different sized programs is now
targeted towards the generation of marker (AFLP®/SNP) sets, gene isolation
and the elucidation of complex (QTL) biological
questions. In summary
Keygene offers companies in the life science industry a wide range of
services for the development of specific breeding tools, genetic software
packages and genetic contract research for more complex genetic
problems. For information
please contact Arjan van Steekelenburg avs@keygene.com or tel: +31 317 466
866 Evogene to
evaluate plant-based production of Compugen therapeutic protein candidates
Evogene Ltd., a
pioneer in plant biotechnology, announced today an agreement with Compugen
Ltd. (Nasdaq: CGEN), a genomics based drug and diagnostics discovery
company, to evaluate the production of three of Compugen’s therapeutic
protein candidates using Evogene’s proprietary “Plant Made Pharmaceutical”
(PMP) platform. Under the
agreement, Compugen will supply the sequence information of three
therapeutic protein candidates. The proteins were discovered through the
use of its powerful predictive models and discovery engines, and underwent
further in-house wet validation. Evogene will study the feasibility of
producing these therapeutic protein candidates using its proprietary
plant-based protein production platform. The advent of recombinant DNA
technology has resulted in numerous breakthrough biopharmaceutical
products in areas such as cancer, autoimmune disease and cardiovascular
disease. More than ninety approvals or new indications for
biopharmaceuticals have been granted by the FDA since 2000, and more than
1000 protein-based therapeutics are at various stages of development, with
200-300 in late stage clinical trials. Currently, mammalian cell culture
is the dominant method for the manufacture of biological products, but
mammalian cell culture production is complex and costly. It is
characterized by long process development and scale-up times (3-5 years),
high and rigid capital requirements ($250M -$500M) and elevated operating
costs. The use of modified plants for human protein production is an area
of great interest in the industry, and a number of companies are
attempting to create platforms for this purpose. Production of human
proteins in plants potentially has substantial economic and qualitative
benefits, including reduced health risks from pathogen contamination (such
as prions responsible for mad-cow disease) and mammalian viruses (such as
HIV and Hepatitis B), lower capital requirements and operating costs,
faster scale up and much greater production flexibility. In addition to
providing these potential advantages of protein production in plants,
Evogene’s proprietary platform addresses two of the major bottlenecks
inherent in most plant protein production platforms now in development by
others: harvesting and extraction of the target protein and its subsequent
purification. The uniqueness of Evogene’s platform is that it is based on
utilizing the existing machinery of a specific plant tissue that naturally
produces a very high concentration of a native protein, and the plant
tissue allows easy harvesting and extraction of the protein. An additional advantage is that
the plant platform has been designed to be grown under containment
conditions. Ofer Haviv, COO & CFO for Evogene, stated: “We are pleased
to have the opportunity to validate the development of our plant based
protein production platform on Compugen’s novel therapeutic protein
candidates with real application potential.” Evogene Ltd. mission is to become
a leading developer of ‘improved trait plants’ via a proprietary platform
combining state-of-the-art computational genomics, molecular biology and
advanced classical breeding methods. This objective is accomplished
through the development of high-throughput, economically efficient
platforms that accelerate, direct and mimic the natural evolution process.
Evogene’s current research efforts are focused in three areas: key trait improvements in cotton;
gene discovery for abiotic stress tolerance and plant nutrient uptake; and
a the development of a proprietary platform for the production of
therapeutic proteins in plants. Initiated in 1999
as a division of Compugen (NASDAQ: CGEN); Evogene was established as a
separate company in 2002 by Compugen and founders Drs. Hagai Karchi and
Rafi Meissner. Sigma-Aldrich Corp. conducts research
and development
The company, a
wholly owned subsidiary of Sigma-Aldrich Corp. conducts research and
development, manufacture and distribution of a broad range of biochemical,
organic and inorganic chemicals, immunochemicals, tissue culture and
molecular biology reagents, diagnostic reagents and related products. In
addition, the company distributes laboratory equipment and supplies for
centrifugation, chromatography, electrophoresis, filtration and
distillation as well as computer products and scientific books.
The Jerusalem
facility (formerly Makor Chemicals) develops and manufactures fermentation
products such as antibiotics, microbial toxins, lipo-polysaccharides,
nucleic acids and polynucleotides; synthetic organic compounds such as
purines, pyrimidines, sugars and derivatives, steroids, neuroactive
compounds and plant growth stimulators; proteins and enzymes extracted
from microbial, plant and animal sources, lectins and conjugates,
glycoproteins involved in cell adhesion, growth and differentiation
factors, signal transduction reagents and transcription factors for
molecular biology research; lipids and their conjugates totaling more than
1,700 products. SIGMA-ALDRICH
ISRAEL LTD. Mr. Moshe
Rashi General
Manager 3 Menahem Plaut
St., Park Rabin Rehovot
ISRAEL, 76326
Telephone:
08-9484222; 02-5893666 Fax: 08-9484200
Email: mrashi@sigma.co.il WEB site: http://www.sigmaaldrich.com Health-Invest: The New Dutch magazine for Life
Sciences
Health-Invest is
a new magazine with popular scientific articles about the newest
developments in Life Sciences in The Netherlands: health, new medicine and
food. The magazine also includes fashion, carrier and financial business.
Health-Invest wil highlight various subjects through combining Life
Sciences and Life Style. Attention wil go to stormy developments in the medical
sciences, for innovative medical research and company profiles, as wel as
developments in the general health and prosperity of society.
Health-Invest is a Dutch language, internationaal orientated magazine
about health and prosperity made for a large audience: from starters in
Life Sciences, to those interested in health-care, the food sector,
students, and especcially investors and eveyone interested in his own
health. The next issue of Health-Invest will come out in January 2004 and
wil focus on: Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is today seen as the most important industrial revolution
of the 21st century. In the next 25 years an enormous market will develop
for products made with the help of this technique. Besides the information
technology the medical profession wil also profit from nanotechnology. Our
body is made up of cells and a technology that works on that level is much
beter suited for treating sick cells than the treatments now available.
The Netherlands has in this area a very good starting position in order to
become an important partner
in this enormous nanotechnology market. Health-Invest will focus further
on this issue. For more
information contact: www.health-invest.nl E-mail: info@health-invest.nl The
SunGreen method for growing vegetables in a clean white environment
The
SunGreen system, developed over the last 10 years, is based on extensive
experience with detached substrate production in small containers. It is a
system for growing vegetables in a clean white environment, utilizing the
suns rays and their reflection from the white surfaces
that: -
Increases
the plants
activity -
Protects
against pests such as flying insects that are dazzled by the radiation and
keep away from the growing area -
Prevents
the irrigation water in the drip system from heating. Hot water harms the
roots -
Keeps
the greenhouse area clean The
system incorporates the following: 1.
A
greenhouse covered with strong plastic that filters UV
radiation 2.
Ventilation
outlets with insect proof netting (50 mesh) for random wind born
insects 3.
Canals
between the rows for drainage of excess water 4.
Heavy
gauge nylon black on one side and white on the other for the greenhouse
floor. The black is face down to prevent 5.
seeds
growing. - the white is face up to reflect the suns
rays. 6.
A
reliable drip irrigation system 7.
Individual
Anglebase containers 8.
Suitable
substrate to fill the containers (Perlite or
other) 9.
Anglebase
funnels, one for each container 10.
White
rope for support trellising The
10 liter container has a sloping inner floor so that any excess water
collects at the bottom. The horizontal base is structured with a honeycomb
sculpturing to enable firm positioning on the
ground. The
container has a vertical slit in the centre of the curved wall that
terminates above the container floor. This is the only
outlet. The
Anglebase funnel has been developed specially for use with the
container. Water
drains into the funnel, and is carried directly to the root area of the
plant where it is needed. Accurate
penetration of
fertilizer nutrients
and other organic substances as required Individual
treatment for selected plants Heating
or cooling of the substrate close to the
roots Use
of slow dissolving solids without blocking the
system. The
superiority of the ANGLEBASE system: 1.
Growing
with Anglebase meen to grow Kleen 'without
pollution 2.
Save
more then 50% water.
3.
Save
50 % off fertilizing.
4.
Have
the possibility to grow the same nom'of plants you want. The same gape from
line to line you wants.
5.
You
have the possibility to grow without
gas disinfecting.
6.
From
end growing to the new seeds or plaints: one day to
week. 7.
No
ground training' no fixing
levelling the entire field.
8.
Use
your droop system you
have.
9.
It
is possible to grow in open fields ' net houses' greenhouses ET. With good
success with highest qualities and
quantities. 10.
You
have the ability
to grow at; salted soil' slope fields' infected ground' or field in bad
conditions. 11.
We
have the ability to grow beautiful flowers or the best vegetables:
Without to be connected to
electric.
Announcements
Welcome to
the Israel Bio-Tech 2005 the 4th national
Conference and Exhibition
It
is my pleasure to invite you to participate in the Israel Bio-Tech 2005
the 4th national Conference and Exhibition of the Israeli Life Science and
Technology Industry. Israel-Biotech 2005 will be held under the auspices
of the newly formed ILSI - Israel Life Science Industry and INNI - Israel
National Nanotechnology Initiative. Israel biotech 2005 is expanding its
scope to include the well established medical device segment and emerging
technologies such as Nano-Bio and Cell therapy in addition to the
traditional biotech industry. Each day will begin with a plenary
presentation by a world renowned scientist. We are looking foreword to an
inspirational experience. The organizing committee has decided to create a
new format to Israel Biotech 2005. Our objective as providers of
health-care solutions is to address the unmet needs in a more
comprehensive manner by merging different approaches and technologies to
improve the Human condition. In that light the conference will focus on
four disease areas: cancer, cardiovascular diseases, CNS and Metabolic
disorders. Leading researchers from academia and industry, from Israel and
abroad, will present their understanding and vision of future developments
from the perspective of basic science, pharmacological interventions,
device and device-drug interventions. Finally, Israeli start-ups active in
this areas will present their activities. This will give participants and
audience a comprehensive state-of-art and vision of such disease areas.
Special attention will be given to the financial and economic environment
of the Israeli Life Science Industry through the participation of leading
representatives of government and the V.C community in Israel and abroad.
I am sure that Israel Bio-Tech 2005 will be a conference especially suited
to the large Israeli Life Science and Technology community. It will be an
opportunity to present our achievements to the many visitors form abroad
and create new contacts. Let me urge each one of you to participate in
this exciting event. Aharon
Schwartz, Ph.D. Chairperson Bio-Tech
Israel 2005 Conference EOI's for
the Sixth Framework
Tel
Aviv university has published the EOI's for the Sixth Framework on the
web, and invites interested partners from the
Previous
Bulletins
To
see the previous bulletins click on Projects at our web site http://www.optin.nl/ : Projects in the
fields of nanotechnology, drug discovery, genomics, proteomics,
metabolomics, tissue engineering, functional foods, protein design, drug
delivery, vaccine design, cancer therapy, neurological disorders, medical
diagnostics, molecular imaging, fermentation and many more. For more
information about Life Sciences in
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