VisiMetrix - Gene reporter in vivo systems for compound screening and for the monitoring of physiological and disease status

Dr. E.L. Kaijzel

Summary

'Visimetrix is developing a biologically-relevant test for testing new drugs for animals and humans as to their operation and toxicity. To do so, Visimetrix is creating a device with which a number of reporter genes can be applied accurately to the skin of an anaesthetised animal, and that emit light when they react with a chemical. Based on the difference in light intensities of the reporter genes, we can deduce the possible effect of the chemical to be tested. In doing so, Visimetrix is replacing the traditional testing method, which uses cells in bottles, by a more biologically-relevant model.’

4See Diagnostics

Wouter de Laat

Summary

Determining accurately the genetic deviation that is the basis for a clinical picture is becoming increasingly important in patient diagnostics as the basis on which a patient is treated. The current standard techniques for this are either very expensive, inaccurate, or even unsuitable for detecting specific, common deviations. We have developed a new technology, called 4C technology, which can rapidly, affordably and accurately detect various sorts of genetic deviations. In this project we will draft a detailed business plan for setting up a service company that, based on this technology, will detect genetic deviations in patient material provided by researchers and doctors.

MicroLife Solutions (MLS): novel solutions for fungal infections and antibiotic resistance

Professor Dr A. Brouwer

MicroLife Solutions: new possibilities for combating viral infections and antibiotic resistance in plants

Summary

Around the world, plant disease results in a considerable loss of crops of around 20-40% per year. There are no effective means of combating many of the pathogenic microorganisms, or the methods available are based on applying chemical herbicides that, as a result of their environmental pollution and health risks, will soon be prohibited. There is also the growing issue of resistance in the use of chemical herbicides and the introduction of new plant diseases resulting from climate change. The estimated annual economic loss in reduced yield in crop production around the world is in the order of a few hundred billion Euros. The costs for using chemical herbicides to combat plant disease are around 25 billion Euros globally each year. As a result, there is an urgent need for developing new, effective antimicrobial products with few or no negative impact on the environment. The research team at MicroLife Solutions is working on this using the billions of soil bacteria that produce an almost inexhaustible source of new antimicrobial chemicals. Until recently, however, it was possible to only isolate some 3-5% of these soil bacteria, and the lion’s share could not be cultivated under laboratory conditions. The MLS team has developed a new, effective method, Metascreen™, for which we have applied for a patent, which makes it possible to isolate all soil bacteria and the antimicrobial products they generate. We have already discovered a new anti-fungal from the Collimonas soil bacteria.
The Pre-Seed Grant will be used to investigate the technical feasibility of Metascreen™ as well as the economic feasibility of producing new antimicrobial means for the Agro sector.

TCLASS, a new way of diagnosing cancer

Dr H. Lichtenbeld

Summary

At the moment, cancer is diagnosed by means of a lengthy and costly combination of hospital visits and investigation. Cancer metastasis throughout the body without finding the primary tumour is one of the types of cancer for which improved and faster diagnostics is urgently needed(*). TCLASS uses molecular chip technology that classifies tumour cells of metastases. The method determines the type of tumour with 90% accuracy, and thereby makes it possible to optimise the best personal treatment per patient.

(*) www.nytimes.com.

Therosteon: Developing innovative therapeutics for bone diseases

Professor Dr J.P.T.M. van Leeuwen

Summary

Osteoporosis is characterised by a loss of bone mass resulting from increasing bone decomposition that in turn leads to weaker bones and results in fractures, such as hip and/or vertebral fractures. The problem is that the bone loss cannot be diagnosed until the bone loss has occurred and that the current therapies are aimed at slowing down further bone loss and not at restoring the bone that has been lost. Therosteon is looking to develop therapies that stimulate bone formation and thereby restore the strength of the bones. Using the NGI Pre-Seed Grant, we will be looking to:
1) develop our main programme towards pre-clinical studies;
2) validate 2-3 new therapeutic pretexts we have identified;
3) optimise our strategy and business plan.

High Throughput Analysis of Intestinal Microbiota for Pharmaceutical Applications

Professor Dr W.M. de Vos

Summary

Our alimentary canal is colonised from birth by a dynamic community of microorganisms, previously known as microflora and nowadays called microbiota, which contributes to our wellbeing but also plays a role in disease. Using genomics-based methods, one can quickly gain an understanding of the composition and function of our intestinal microbiota. The objective of the new activities is to investigate the pharmaceutical applicants of these methods and to valorise. For further information please send an email to pharmabiota@cs.com

Diagnosis of Ischemic Heart Disease by use of specific RNA expression patterns in circulating progenitor cells in the blood

H.J. Duckers

Summary

Ischemic heart and vascular disease are the most common form of morbidity in the Western world as a result of the increasing age of the population and lifestyle (limited movement and high food intake). The variable and flighty character of the affliction interferes with an ad hoc diagnosis. Moreover, a clear diagnosis is only possible at the moment that there is actual ischemia (circulation disorder) with chest pains. The current diagnostic tools (such as the electrocardiogram (ECG) and exertion tests) are limited in their sensitivity and specificity and are not suitable for all target groups.

Using various in vivo models, we have been able to identify genes that are regulated in the natural reaction to ischemic heart and vascular disease. These genes can be used to diagnose a patient who has undergone an ischemic period or to check whether the therapy has achieved the intended effect (improved circulation in the heart). BioTxs aims to set up a test that analyses the gene profile of heart and vascular disease patients that can be used to identity these patients.

Swan Diagnostics, test-to-tell; Development of over-the-counter home diagnostics tests

Dr J.H.L. Velthuis

Summary

Swan Diagnostics develops innovative diagnostic tests for home use. The first product FertiGO is a test for male fertility. Approximately one quarter of all couples who try to get pregnant struggle to do so. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), male sperm has to have a certain amount of active sperm cells to be effective. In cooperation with academic hospitals and fertility centres, Swan Diagnostics is developing a test that shows easily and reliably whether the male is fertile. Based on this technical concept, Swan Diagnostics will be developing further home tests for new applications.

Commercial development of ubiquitinated peptides and screening assays produced by high throughput robotic peptide synthesis

Dr H. Ovaa

Summary

Ubiquitin is a small regulatory protein that controls many biological processes. Since this regulation is involved in many diseases, there is a strong interest in molecules which have been derived from ubiquitin. To satisfy this demand, the researchers will automate a recently developed technology to these so-called ubiquitin conjugates. In addition to the stimulation of research, this will also enable the development of novel and powerful screening-assays; an important step in the direction of new medicines.