Genome Canada has partnered with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to launch a funding opportunity to support a national network that will help maintain Canada’s leadership in enabling clinical geneticists who are identifying rare disease gene mutations to collaborate with model organism researchers with expertise in the cognate gene’s function, and to develop the capacity to study genes for which no suitable models can be identified in Canada with other countries with similar networks.
This opportunity builds on the success of the Research Catalyst Network: Rare Diseases program, launched in 2014. That funding led to the development of the Rare Diseases Models and Mechanisms Network (RDMM), a national consortium that enabled clinical geneticists identifying rare disease gene mutations to connect/collaborate with model organism researchers with expertise in the cognate gene’s function. This second edition of the program aims at maintaining Canada’s leadership while developing the capacity to study genes for which no suitable models can be identified in Canada with other countries with similar networks.
In particular the network will:
- Identify instances where Canadian model organism expertise is relevant to a newly discovered disease gene. When such instances are found, a research project would be initiated to explore the functional characterization of the gene. On an annual basis, it is anticipated that this network would catalyze between 15-20 catalytic research projects per year.
- Establish partnerships with and support the development of programs in other regions/countries that are modelled on the Canadian “Rare Diseases: Models & Mechanisms” Network funded through the first iteration of this program. These partnerships should allow genes for which no compatible model can be identified in Canada to be studied in other countries, and allow genes identified by clinicians in other countries to be studied by Canadian biomedical scientists.
- Develop and implement innovative knowledge translation strategies/activities to link the clinical genetics and model organism research communities together.
More details can be found here: Research Catalyst Network funding opportunity.
On the digital side of things, Bill Peck of Twist Bioscience described his company’s work with Microsoft in digital data storage using DNA and how this will help handle the deluge of data being generated. The AI panel moderated by Alison Paprica, VP of Health Strategy and Partnerships at Toronto’s Vector Institute alongside the speakers Brenda Andrews of the University of Toronto Donnelly Centre, Nathan Magarvey of McMaster University and Adapsyn, and Ratmir Derda of 48 Hour Discovery explored the intersection of AI and synthetic biology and the potential to solve fundamental biological problems as well as in discovering new therapeutics. A common barrier addressed by the panelists was the availability of quality, standardized data that is essential inputs to AI technologies.
Stephen Chambers, CEO of the UK organization SynbiCITE, a national synthetic biology accelerator, summed up synthetic biology succinctly: “Engineering biology to make useful stuff”, an apt description given the focus throughout the day on manufacturing of products. In his keynote, he described why the UK selected synthetic biology as one of eight great technologies to propel UK growth and the metrics he is judged on- jobs and wealth. He stated that the UK government didn’t aim to pick winners, but to bet on the right race and synthetic biology is one they think they can win. He described a level of coordination and collaboration that is enviable, making the UK an ideal model and partner for Canada.
The panel on climate change and synthetic biology, chaired by Catalina Lopez-Correa, CSO and VP Sectors at Genome BC, stressed Canada’s bio-advantage from ample biomass and the critical role synthetic biology plays in converting that into valuable bio-chemicals at commercial scale. Speakers covered the innovation pipeline from academic research shared by Steven Hallam on mining microbes, to David Bressler and Murray McLaughlin of Bioindustrial Innovation Canada discussing scaling technology, to commercial successes shared by Rasmus Jensen of LanzaTech and Cathy Hass of BioAmber. BioAmber is a Canadian success with manufacturing operations in Sarnia, where they produce bio-succinic acid with more than a 100% reduction in greenhouse gases over the petroleum-derived counterpart.
Dr. Molly Shoichet, Ontario’s first Chief Scientist, moderated the panel on human health and synthetic biology. Exciting science was discussed, including a cross-Canada network to manufacture CAR-T cell therapies for cancer treatment presented by Rob Holt of UBC, genetic circuits used for stem cell treatments discussed by Peter Zandstra, and engineered probiotics for GI diseases presented by Krishna Mahadevan. Dr. Shoichet also emphasized the responsibility that rests on everyone in attendance to promote a culture of science in the general community, and especially to engage the public on topics like Engineering Biology to ensure benefits are realized.
While the conference focused on numerous areas of Engineering Biology, a recurring theme was the key underlying technology underpinning applications – DNA synthesis and assembly. Adam Clore shared Integrated DNA Technologies’ work in enabling applications including CRISPR and Francis Ouellette, VP Scientific Affairs at Genome Quebec chaired a panel on writing whole genomes. The panel included Leslie Mitchell of NYU and member of both the synthetic yeast project (Sc2.0) and GP-Write, Bogumil Karas of Western University, working on storing and moving large fragments of DNA, and Vardit Ravitsky who is building ethical and social perspectives (GE3LS) into large projects like GP-Write. The panel concluded with a call for a Canadian Genome Project-Write Consortium by Vincent Martin of Concordia University. To this end, a planning meeting is scheduled for August in Montreal with interested researchers invited to contact Vincent Martin and Bogumil Karas, the two leaders of the Canadian effort.
The topic of GE3LS continued into the agri-food panel, where Jun Axup of Indie Bio moderated a panel where Neal Carter and Dave Conley talked about the Arctic (non-browning) Apple and AquAdvantage Salmon as Canadian success stories, with Jennifer Kuzma of NC State and Ian Affleck of CropLife Canada emphasizing the need for public engagement and a robust regulatory system to ensure acceptance of innovative products.
The afternoon also focused on the robust startup scene of synthetic biology, with early stage companies raising over $1.7B in 2017 globally. The investor panel moderated by Joško Bobanović of Sofinnova Partners included the largest private investor in synthetic biology, Sean O’Sullivan, who has invested in 9 Canadian companies through his Indie Bio and Rebel Bio accelerators, as well as other leading investors Jenny Rooke from Genoa Ventures, Andreas Jurgeit of M (Merck) Ventures, and Canadian investors JF Pariseau of BDC Venture Capital and Ken Nickerson of OMERS Ventures. It was a real treat to have these industry leaders lend their time, with some visiting Canada for the first time, and provide their outlook on the field as well as tips to the audience on how to get their investment (hint: use Fedex, not email!).
The lightning talks panel moderated by Anita Ludwar of Genome Alberta showed the bright future Canada has in Engineering Biology, and was a chance for companies to pitch their platform technologies to the investors. We heard about variant libraries and strain development (Ranomics and Designer Microbes) and products from water sensors for mining wastewater (FREDsense), cannabinoids for the pharma industry (Hyasynth Bio), natural flavors and fragrances (Ardra Bio), and educational kits for students (Amino Labs). HJ Wieden from SynBridge in Alberta talked about the importance of space and equipment for these companies as well as the benefit of programs like iGem to get students excited about entrepreneurship.
The Day ended with Yung Wu, CEO of MaRS Discovery District and conference partner, underscoring the importance of the field and MaRS’ role in supporting the startup ecosystem. Dr. Bettina Hamelin, President and CEO of Ontario Genomics, closed the day, summing up the highlights and ended with a forward-looking question:
Her comments emphasized that the day wasn’t just about learning. It was about mobilizing the community to come together, create opportunities for collaboration and partnership, and to develop a strategy for Canada to capitalize on this emerging area. This was done informally over coffee and the networking reception held in the Autodesk Community Space, but it continued into March 7 in a more intentional way through a day long workshop.