The ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrative
Legume Research (CILR) at Queensland University, Australia, has lodged
a complete patent application for compounds to treat cancer.
CILR researchers screened legumes (plants which obtain useable nitrogen
from soil bacteria in their roots) for biological activity and they
identified a number of compounds which could potentially prevent the
formation of a blood supply to tumours. Without an adequate blood supply
tumours stop growing and ultimately can regress.
The research has attracted major international interest for intensive
collaboration and joint development.
The discovery has resulted in a formal research collaboration which
is currently underway with French “CSIRO-equivalent” Centre
National de la Recherche Scientifique. Co-investment discussions are
also in progress with a New Zealand company. The CILR formed a commercialisation business “Meristomics” last
October to commercialise plant research discoveries. CILR's partner
universities (the University of Queensland, Australian National University,
University of Newcastle and University of Melbourne) passed on their
commercialisation rights to Uniquest Pty Ltd, the University of Queensland's
main commercialisation company.
Meristomics Chief Executive Officer Ian Harris said successful completion
of this patent demonstrated that Meristomics was an effective model
for commercialisation involving multiple partner universities.
“ Through UniQuest, Meristomics had immediate access to
substantial commercial expertise and is looking to build on its patent
success
by attracting further funding to progress the research,” Mr
Harris said.
The anti-cancer molecules are produced by legumes during the early
symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria known as rhizobia. Rhizobia
induce legumes to form tiny new root organs called “root nodules.” The
bacteria live in the nodules and provide the plant with useable nitrogen
it can convert into proteins.
CILR Chief Investigator Professor Chris Parish's group, based at ANU's
John Curtin School of Medical Research, developed the bioassay used
to identify the compounds as potential therapeutic agents.
“ We have identified several compounds derived from the legume
interaction with rhizobium bacteria that show strong anti-angiogenic
activity.
_ They are promising therapeutic
molecules which clearly warrant further investigation,” Professor
Parish said.
CILR Director Professor Peter Gresshoff said the current research
success highlighted the importance of a critical mass of multidisciplinary
biological scientists working together.
“ The CILR was formed in 2003 through the Australian Research
Council (ARC) Centres of Excellence scheme to create the scale and
focus required to build on existing research strengths through collaboration,
and to be internationally competitive.
_ ARC core funding and major support
through Queensland Government Smart State research funding has been
vital in building capacity. It
has enabled this marvellous research outcome,” Professor
Gresshoff said.
The CILR is a research network of plant scientists conducting high
quality, cutting-edge research into legumes and other plant species.
Legumes comprise the third largest group of flowering plants in the
world with more than 18,000 species. Examples of legumes include garden
peas, peanuts, clover, lentils, chickpeas and various beans such as
soybean and green beans.
The CILR is currently hosting the Third International Conference on
Legume Genomics and Genetics at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition
Centre April 9 – 13 2006. The conference theme is “Genes
to crops”.
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