GTG acquires sports gene test rights from Sydney Uni

Melbourne genetic testing company Genetic Technologies (ASX:GTG) has acquired the exclusive worldwide rights to commercialise a test for a gene underlying athletics and sports performance from the University of Sydney.

The gene, known as ACTN3, or alpha-actinin 3, was identified by Prof Kathryn North, from the university's Neurogenetics Research Unit in the Department of Medicine, and subsequently found to have two variants associated with athletic ability. One variation of the muscle-expressed gene is associated with power and speed and is found in significantly higher frequencies in elite sprinters, while another form of the gene is associated with endurance, and is found in elite endurance athletes.

The gene is the subject of a paper by North and collaborators at the Australian Institute of Sport and ANU's John Curtin School of Medical Research in the September issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics.

"This is the first gene that has clearly been associated with being able to help predict the type of event a person is likely to excel in," said GTG director Prof Deon Venter.

"This now becomes one of several possible indicators we can use to look at optimising training and choice of events for people within a wide range of sports."

But Venter warned that the test would not be designed to discriminate against people or stop them from participating in sporting activities, but instead might be used to guide athletes to choose the best event for their muscle type. And more genes were likely to be identified by researchers that impacted athletic abilities, he said.

According to Venter, the company hopes to be able to offer a commercial test within a month or so. The test will be developed on the state-of-the-art Pyrosequencing instruments obtained through a strategic alliance with the Swedish company earlier this year.

The potential market for the test is likely to be huge, Venter said, and included sports institutes as well as other organisations including the sports-oriented colleges in the United States. The test may also have some uses in developing treatments for some muscle disorders.

GTG executive chairman Dr Mervyn Jacobson said the agreement with the University of Sydney would also allow the company to license the test out to other testing service providers, especially overseas. He noted that the university stood to benefit from sales and licensing of the test through royalties.

Sydney University recently became one of the first academic institutions to take out a research licence for GTG's non-coding DNA analysis patents. But Jacobson said the approach by the university with the ACTN3 test was not connected with the non-coding DNA analysis licence.

Scientific advisory committee

GTG has also appointed the first three members of its new Scientific Advisory Committee. University of Melbourne neuroscientist Prof Colin Masters, JCSMR human geneticist Prof Simon Easteal and Royal Melbourne Hospital director of oncology Prof Michael Quinn have all joined the committee, and more members are likely to be added as appropriate.

"These scientists will give ad hoc advice, but will also meet more formally on a regular basis," said Venter, who has coordinated the formation of the committee.

He noted that the committee would advise GTG on the development and prioritisation of genetic tests and services, and would alert the company to potential new opportunities and markets, and the application of genetics in a broader sense to human health.

Jacobson said the members of the committee all had different skill sets of relevance to the company.

"I see it as having a resource of eminent scientists, all of whom we can refer issues of commercial, scientific and medical relevance," he said. "We are looking to be a leader in our field and also to attract support of the mainstream."

Prof Masters is internationally renowned for his research into Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions, and will advise the company on the applications of genetic testing to neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia.

Prof Easteal heads the Human Genetics Group at JCSMR, and is internationally recognised as a geneticist and bioinformatics specialist. He will principally advise the company on genetic testing in humans, animals and plants, and also provide advice on bioinformatics aspects of genetic testing programs. His experience with forensic applications of genetics will also be put to use in the establishment by GTG of an independent forensic genetics testing facility. Easteal also collaborated with Kathryn North on the genetic basis of sports performance.

Prof Michael Quinn is internationally recognised for his research in oncology. He will advise GTG on clinical medical testing issues, particularly gynaecological cancers.

Venter said more scientists would be appointed to the SAC in due course, including international members from South-East Asia and other regions as appropriate.