Proteome Systems makes a sweet deal with Nestle

Sydney-based Proteome Systems has sweetened its chances of cashing in on its expertise in the promising field of sugar-coated proteins by signing a research pact with the world's leading food company, Nestle.

Glycoproteomics, or the study of sugars attached to proteins, is regarded as one of the important new frontiers in proteomics because of the role played by sugar modifications in controlling the function of the proteins to which they are attached.

The collaborative venture between Nestle and Proteome Systems will analyse how sugars modulate biologically relevant proteins in milk, with particular focus on how sugars can define the nutritional value of milk.

Proteome Systems' glycoproteomics group has been developing enabling technologies for determining the structures of sugars at the level of proteomic analysis under the direction of a world authority on very large proteins, Dr Nicolle Packer, executive vice-president, glycoproteomics.

The project with Nestle "emphasises the renewed interest of scientists in understanding the importance of what is added to the protein in defining what that protein does in biological systems," Packer said.

The transplantation of pig organs in human patients is a prime example of why greater understanding of the interaction between sugars and proteins is important. Humans can react badly to the type of sugars naturally attached to pig proteins so creating pigs whose proteins are free of those sugars improves the chances of heart transplant patients.

Although no financial details were released, it is understood the Nestle deal will result in a significant flow of revenue to Proteome Systems as well as positioning it to share in potentially beneficial outcomes from the research.

Proteome will contribute its researchers' skills to the collaborative venture plus technology platforms, specifically GlycomIQ, a toolset built around its ProteomIQ package.

According to Proteome Systems CEO, Dr Keith Williams, the project gives Proteome Systems "a toe in the water... in the exciting new area of 'sweet medicines' and reflects the start of the emerging interest in the importance of sugars in biology."

On a strategic level, it opens a path for Proteome to start leveraging the strengths of its basic proteomics platform in related areas as well as establish GlycomIQ's in the protein-attached sugars field.

It also points to the possibility of future alliances between Proteome Systems and Brisbane biotech Alchemia, a world leader in synthesising carbohydrates.

"We are the experts concerning sugars on proteins and they are into industrialising the process of sugar synthesis," said Williams. "So we are on the discovery end of the structures that Alchemia might want to make. Those are very complementary technologies and we have been in discussions about possible partnership opportunities."