Present Status and Future Planning of National Sci Tech Program

Present Status and Future Planning of National Sci-Tech Program for Agric. Biotechnology National Science and Technology Program for Agricultural Biotechnology (NSTP/AB) Director Su, C. J. , Prof. Emeritus November 28, 2003 Objectives and Planning Overall Objectives To build up a solid foundation and capabilities for the development of biotechnology-based agricultural industry through integration and coordination of manpower, capital and technology resources. To enhance Taiwan’s leadership and capability in agricultural biotechnology R & D among Asia-Pacific countries by capitalizing in local natural resources and technical strength. Manpower development through project implementation Research Programs/Disciplines 1. Flowers and Ornamental Plants 2. Plant Protection (including Biocides) 3. Aquaculture 4. Livestock/Animal Vaccines 5. High-value-added Plant Products (including Plants used as Bioreactors) 6. Environmental Protection (including Agricultural and Animal Waste Treatment and Utilization） 7. Medicinal Herbs and Health Foods Floral and Ornamental Plants Utilization of native germplasm resources Aquaculture Transgenic and broodstock development Utilization of Useful Genes in Plants Medicinal Herbs and Health Plants Mass propagation techniques from tissue culture Agricultural biotechnology R & D for industrial applications Development of new cultivars Virus certification Production of healthy seedlings Mechanism of senescence and chilling injury Bioactive ingredient applications Development of postharvest Diagnostic kits and vaccine technology Applications of antiStocking improvement and mass sensescence genes seed production Transgenic technology for Development and applications production of high-value of microbial products products Establishment of clinical pharmacy information Transformation of genetic engineering Extraction techniques of bioactive components Development of cultivation techniques Selection and specification of microbial strains Mass production and formulation development Cloning and applications of antagonistic genes Mechanisms and action of biocontrol agents Toxicity certification Vaccine and adjuvant development Encapsulation techniques development Degradation methods and disposal techniques for agricultural waste Development of biofertilizer Compost technology Establishment of microbial database for applications in environmental biotechnology Soil remedy by microorganisms Vaccine certification Transgenic and stock improvement Plant Protection Livestock/Animal Vaccine Environmental Protection The scope of research and development in the National Science and Technology for Agricultural Biotechnology in phase 2. Floral and Ornamental Plants Aquaculture Utilization of useful gene in plants Medicinal Herbs and Health Plants Functional genomics of medicinal plants related to health protection Applications of Agricultural Genomics Research Flowering and physiological Functional genomics related to Functional genomics of rice related genes of Phalaenopsis reproduction, development and and Oncidium: growth, immunity, and stress Functional genomics related to * coloration, appearance and post- harvest vegetables aroma of flower crops Functional genomics of patho*Disease-resistance, insectgenic microbials Functional genomic research on resistance and stress tolerance medicinal mushroom Mechanisms of flowering and Establishment of EST library cycling regulation Postharvest and anti-senescence genes of flowers Germplasm identification of medicinal plants using molecular biological techniques Functional genomics related to insect- and disease-resistance genes in crops or native plants Genomics of antagonistic microorganisms against pests and plant pathogens Functional genomics of stress resistance genes Genomics research on environmental microbes Functional genomics and proteomics of livestock Functions of multiple source genomes of soil microbials Removal biotechnology for soil heavy metals Development and applications of genetic markers in livestock Functional genomics and applications of pathogenic microbials Plant Protection Livestock/Animal Vaccine Environmental Protection The organization and the scope of research in the National Science and Technology for Agricultural genomes. Program Integration Mechanisms Discipline coordinators are responsible for integrated projects planning, development and coordination. Integration of three categories (Academic, Development and Manufacturing) of projects for enhancing technology transfer and industrialization. Research and management manpower development is achieved through project implementation. Integration and Operational Flow Chart NSC COA AS Upstream Middle stream Down stream Strategic and potential products, Key technology Nuclear projects R&D phase NSC COA Products with commercial applicability; Key technology Extension and Application project Production phase MEA COA Industry Marketable products, Key technology Marketing phase Project Development and Evaluation The Working Group is responsible for final project approval and overall program coordination and integration. The group consists of program director, vice-directors, associate director, executive secretary, discipline coordinators, several representatives from academic institutions, industrial sector, and funding agencies. Guiding principles, management, and evaluation of the Program implementation are all provided by the rules and regulations setup by the NSC. Goals Demands Guidance Committee Product/technology Policy-making Project approval Evaluation on the progress and accomplishments Implementation status report Progress report Governmental Authorities Feed back Extension and applications Advisory Committee Submittance of program planning Submittance of the status of Program implementation Chairman/Working Group Reviewing on the program Assistance on policy making Evaluation on program performance Request for project evaluation Ad hoc Advisory Committee Planning Progress report Patent Consolidation Coordination Management Assistance on project evaluation Evaluation on the progress and achievement Information exchange Request for Projects Research Groups Participation Technology Transfer ﹙Competitive Grant﹚ Project implementation R & D Industr y The organization of the National Science and Technology Program for Agricultural Biotechnology and the responsibilities of each committee. Communications and Interactions between Academia/ research Institutions and Industry Program Announcement meeting: call for proposals Forum: introduction of new technology and business opportunities and academic-business sector interactions News Media Conference : introduction on newly-developed technologies (called by NSC) Accomplishment Announcements of the Program: business promotion (at least once a year) Participation of Bureau of Industry, Ministry of Economic Affairs: assisting in technology transfer and developing positive environment for new ventures Strategic planning for biotechnology industrialization by the Taiwan Economic Research Institute. Scope of Work of NSTP/AB Related to Other National Biotechnology Programs Use of plants as bioreactors or applications of enzyme engineering: 1. Banana fruits as the carrier of oral vaccines 2. Taxol production thru hairy root culture of transgenicTaxus mairei. 3. Fine chemical production thru enzyme reactors or fermentation technology Pharmaceutical products as the down-stream of medicinal plants/health foods development: 1. Dendrobium huoshanense :ophthalmological pills 2. Bupleurum kaoi : hepatoprotective agents 3. Others: Cordyceps sinensis , Anoectochilus formosanus hayat, Dioscorea spp, etc. Findings of new antibiotics in the process of Biocides researches. Supply of raw materials thru stock screening, propagation , and plantation, to meet other National Programs’ needs. Budgets and Accomplishments Approved Budgets for the Program (Phase II, 2002-2004) (Unit：thousand NT$) Funding Agency NSC Yr 2002 160,000 Yr 2003 331,437 Yr 2004 383,872 COA 。 400,040* 35,000 10,000 182,849 40,000 16,366 317,500 45,000 13,600 AS BHA Total 605,040 570,652 759,972 NSC : National Science Council COA : Council of Agriculture; *includes a GMO safety verification facility building AS : Academia Sinica BHA : Bureau of Health Administration Support of Project Categories Agency NSC COA All types Basic and Development types, Core facilities Basic and Development types Types of Projects AS BHA BOI GMO food labeling technology Technology transfer, Information service, Logistic support for business development NSC : National Science Council COA : Council of Agriculture AS : Academia Sinica BHA : Bureau of Health Administration BOI : Bureau of Industry, Ministry of Economic Affairs Implementation Status of Technology Transfer Projects Project 2. Plant Protection Development and application of biomass production and formulation of Trichoderma virens stain R4-2. Mass production and apllication of orchid mycorrhizal fungi. Platform technology development of commercial scale production of bactericides, Streptomyces saraceticus SS31 and its applications Progess Status In Year 02 In Year 01 Under review 3. Aquaculture Applications of myostatin (double muscle) gene and antimicrobial peptide to improve aquacuture production. Applications of myostatin (double muscle) gene and antimicrobial peptide to improve aquacuture production. Application and development of nervous virus and iridovirus vaccines. The application of immunological methods for the production of NNV free grouper fry. Completed In Year 01 Under review In Year 01 Implementation Status of Technology Transfer Projects (coninued) Project 4. Livestock and animal vaccines The product development of the enteric microspheres of animal oral vaccines. Vaccine Development for Infectious Bursal Disease. In Year 02 Under review Progess Status 5. Plant gene utilization Improve chilling tolerance in tomato plants by genetic transformation techniques. Under review 6. Environmental Protection Biological treatment to remove the waste gases from the composting field and analysis microbial community changes during deodorous process. Under review 7. Health and Medicinal plants Development and application for the herbal plant- Dendrobium huoshanense C.Z. TANG et S. J. CHENG. The development study of plant Cultivation and biological activity on Bupleurum kaoi, a folk medicine endemic in Taiwan. The bioactive constituents of Cordyceps sinensis. Selection and Development on Multiple Lines and Processing Products of Yam (Dioscorea spp.) for Healthful Purpose. Development of Anoectochilus formosanus for hepatoprotective health food. Taxol production from hairy root culture of Taxus mairei. Completed In Year 02 In Year 02 Under review In Year 01 Under review Fora, Symposia, Accomplishment Announcements Organized and Sponsored by NSTP/AB Title Symposium for the industrialization of animal vaccines Symposium of herbal medicine industry The forum for flower industry Date Dec. 15, 1998 April 2, 1999 Nov. 24, 2000 Location #501 conference room, Central Office, Bureau of Industry , Ministry of Economic Affairs 2nd floor. Lecture room, Institute of Geological Science, Academia sinica. 1st floor, Applied Mechanics Building, National Taiwan University Symposium on the biotechnology of herbal medicine International symposium on agricultural biotechnology The forum for Environmental Protection The forum for Aquaculture The forum for the Utilization of Plant’s useful genes The forum for Plant Protection The forum for livestock and animal vaccines The forum for Flowers and ornamental plants The forum for health and medical plants 1st R&D announcement 2nd R&D announcement 3rd R&D announcement Dec. 9, 2000 Dec. 13-14, 2000 July 18, 2001 Aug. 31, 2001 Jan. 31, 2002 Aug. 1, 2002 Feb. 13, 2003 Oct. 31, 2003 Nov. 21, 2003 Feb. 27, 2001 Dec. 19, 2001 Jan. 23, 2003 International Conference Room, National Cheng Kung University Cheng-Shin Hall, National Cheng Kung University 3rd floor, Agriculture Exhibition Building, National Taiwan University International Conference Room, Institute of Fisheries Research, Council of Agriculture No. 1 Conference Room, Academic Activities Center, academia Sinica Institute of Drug and Toxicology , Council of Agriculture Animal Technology Institute Taiwan International Conference Room, Lantan campus, National Chiayi University Auditorium, Design Building, Chaoyang University of Technology 2nd Student Activity Center, National Taiwan University Academic Activity Center, Academia Sinica Academic Activity Center, Academia Sinica Flowers and Ornamental plants This research group has sharpened up its foci onto two orchid crops: Oncidium and Phalaenopsis Oncidium projects: – Transgenic development of flower shape – Flowering mechanism – Flowering time control – Cut flower shelf life – Flower branch development – DNA fingerprint – Transgenic vector – Micro propagation Oncidium and Phalaenopsis Phalaenopsis projects: –Transgenics of temperature tolerant varieties –Embryo development –DNA fingerprint for variety identification –Basic biotechnological studies. Results:  Development of disease tolerant Anthurium varieties Transferring blue color gene from soybean seed coat to lily  Establishment of virus-free Oncidium mother stock system  Development of Chrysanthemum varieties Establishment of tissue and cell cultural propagation technology of Oncidium plantlets Basic studies on flowering physiology, temperature tolerance and flower life on various flowering crops 1. Phalaenopsis Orchid The major product in the program, which is the most popular pot plant in the world market. 2. Oncidium Orchid The major produce in the program, which is one of the important export cut flowers from Taiwan. 3. Plant tissue culture is the necessary biotechnology to complete the recombination process between plant materials. 4. Plant cell culture is the first step needed for transgenic plant materials. Plant Protection Projects: Microbial pesticides Cloning of functional genes from antagonistic microorganisms and disease or insect resistant resistant plants for transgenic applications. Results: More than 200 strains of Actinomycetes were isolated from farm soils and agricultural wastes. Among these, the culture filtrate of Streptomyces padamus PMS-702 showed strong in vitro antifungal activity Fig. 1 Application of Streptomyces padanus PMS-702 for controlling peach fruit rot caused by Phytophthora citrophthora. Fig 2 Effect of the cultural filtrate of Streptomyces padanus PMS-702 on control of damping-off of cabbage caused by Rhizoctonia solani RST-04. Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZTMV) and papaya ringspot virus W type (PRSV-W) are the most important virus diseases of melon in Taiwan. Several transgenic lines of melon harboring the coat protein gene of either ZYMV or PRSV-W were shown to resist the virus Transgenic plants challenged with ZYMV A transgenic plant of melon line 8-1 showing resistance to ZYMV after mechanical challenge with ZYMV (right) as compared to an untransformed control (left) A novel plant defensin, named VrCRP (cysteinerich protein of Vigna radiata), has been isolated from a bruchid resistant isogenic line of mung bean Vigna radiata VC6089A. VrCRP cDNA was also cloned and used for generation of insectresistant transgenic tomato and other crops Artificial mungbean seeds with insect resistant protein Tomatoes having VrCRP are insect resistant Results (Continued):  Several multi-disease resistant transgenic lines of tomato have been established.  A Bacillus strain was isolated and was shown to strongly inhibit the growth of pathogens Botrytis cinerea and B. elliptica. A chitinase gene was also isolated and characterized from this strain. Aquaculture Projects:  Biotechnology approaches to enhance aquacultural production by generation of transgenic finfish and crustacean.  Technology development on controlled reproduction and seed production of economically important marine fishes.  Practicality of white spot syndrome virus PCR detection kit in field.  Selective breeding of specific pathogen free strains of Penaeus monodon  Production of recombinant insulin-like growth factor for growth enhancement of snapper. Results: Transgenic silver sea bream carrying rainbow trout growth hormone cDNA showed more than 50% of growth enhancement. A white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) PCR detection kit has been developed and successfully used in screening carriers in shrimp larvae and parental spawners. White Spot Syndrome (WSS)  affects most of the commercially cultured shrimp species  can cause up to 100% mortality  can have a serious economic impact on cultured shrimp  By the implantation of synthetic gonadotropinreleasing hormone analogues (GnRHA), vitellogenesis of groupers and grey mullets was satisfactorily induced, and the oocyte maturation and the development of mature brood stock were also achieved. Results (Continued):  The survival and reproduction of female brood stock of specific pathogen free (SPF) F2 were significantly improved than F1  Addition of the recombinant insulin-like growth factors enhanced the growth of snapper Animal Production and Vaccine Development Projects:  Development of new vaccines: Lactobacillus reutert plasmid vaccine, oral vaccine for bursitis caused by infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), DNA vaccine for porcine foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccine adjuvant, viral subunit vaccine for infective pancreatic ulcer of fish, DNA vaccine for fish, and oral microcapsule vaccines.  Generation of cloned pigs carrying lactoferrin gene, heat shock protein gene or human factor Ⅸ gene. Results:  The program of oral microcapsule vaccines now has industrial partners. The technology transfer is underway.  Patent applications for some of the developed vaccines are pending.  Cloned pigs were generated from cultured skin fibroblasts derived from a double transgenic (human factor Ⅸ and porcine lactoferrin) three year old sow. 雙基因轉殖複製豬-酷比1號、2號 及3號背上之斑點分布均類似 Useful Genes from Plants Projects: Functional genomics of rice double stranded RNA (dsRNA)-mediated gene silencing method and TDNA insertion mutagenesis. Senescence associated genes and post harvest biotechnology. Transgenic plants as bioreactor. Results: Transgenic broccoli carrying either isopentenyl transferase (ipt) gene or ethylene response sensor mutant gene (mERS) have been shown to exhibit retarding senescence on leaves and florets. Transgenic broccoli expressing IPT gene delays floret yellowing I. Transgenic broccoli expressing IPT gene delays floret yellowing Several transgenic lines of banana were established and banana fruit ripening was delayed by the expression of an antisense ACC synthase gene. Expression of a bacterial amylopullulanase gene in transgenic rice seeds establishes novel approaches to alter starch composition and to accelerate bioprocessing of starches and production of a high-protein flour from rice seeds. Environment Protection Projects:  Biological nutrient removal in piggery wastewater treatment.  Development of multiple function biofertilizers  Degradation of agricultural chemicals in soils.  Preservation of potentially useful microbes for environmental biotechnology.  Genomics of environmental microbes.  Construction of soil metageomic libraries . Results: Immobilized cell reactors – Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria immobilized reactor: 100% H2S removal – Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria immobilized reactor: 97% ammonia removal H2S removal efficiency (207 days operation) NH3 removal efficiency ( 207 days operation) Results (Continued)  Anaerobic-anoxic reactor was established for nitrate, nitrite and phosphate removal from piggery wastewater.  Bacteria with phosphate-solubilizing, cellulolytic and nitrogen-fixing activities were isolated.  Mineral phosphate solubilizing (MPS) microbes (Pseudomonas cepacia) were isolated, the gene responsible for MPS was cloned and characterized.  A total of 112 strains of microbes for environmental protection use have been collected and deposited at the Culture Collection and Research Center (CCRC).  Chlorinated compound decomposing bacteria eliminated residues of agricultural chemicals in the environment. Medicinal Plants Projects: Anoectochilus formosanus Hayata (Orchidaceae)A threatened ethnomedicinal herb Micro propagation and biologicl activity studies on Dendrobium spp Comparative antioxidative enzyme activity studies of different Dioscorea spp Transgenic cultures of Taxus maizei for the production of taxol Isolation, cultivation and biological activity studies on marine algae for health food development Results: Suspension cells and hair roots induced from Taxus mairei explants have been successfully cultured in both airlift and stirredtank bioreactors A threatened ethnomedicinal herb Anoectochilus formosanus Hayata (Orchidaceae) was shown to possess hepatoprotective, antihyperglycemic, and antioxidant activities Herb extract stimulates murine splenocyte proliferation An active fraction from medicinal plant extract exhibited anti-tumor cell activity Results (Continued) Extracts of Dendrobium caulis promoted phagocytic activity and productions of nitric oxide (NO) and hepatocyte growth factor (HFG). 30 Dioscorea genotypes have been cultivated, analyzed and evaluated at Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute. Water and methanol extracts of yam (Dioscorea spp.) were found to exhibit potent activity against breast cancer cells. Present status and Future Planning for International Cooperation Present Status The component of international cooperation has not been incorporated into the Program in the current year. The Program activities relevant to the international cooperation are however listed as follows: 1. Site visits and scientific exchanges abroad (completed or in progress) (1) Sept. 1998, visited Singapore Molecular Agricultural Biotechnology Institute for scientific exchanges, led by Director S. F.Yang. (2) Feb. 1999, visited Texas A & M University, USA for site visit and held discussions on the scientific cooperation, led by Director S. F. Yang. (3) Feb. 2002, site visit for GMO biosafety certification and facilities in Japan, led by Director C. J. Su. (4) June 2003, site visit to Bhutan for technical exchange and discussions on the possible subjects of cooperation, led by Director C. J. Su. 2. Participation of an International Feed Company in the extension project of NSTP/AB :Applications of myostatin and antimicrobial peptide genes for increased production of aquatic organisms (in progress) 3 .Assistance to organize the International Symposium /Conference : International Symposium on Agricultural Biotechnology (completed). Future Planning Inclusion and implementation of following projects in NSTP/AB are strongly recommended. 1. Development and strengthening of agricultural biotechnology R &D projects with international academic and research institutions, and industrial sectors. 2. Mutual exchanges of information and material databases, development of information exchange channels to fully utilize technologies and research resources. 3. Promotion of international cooperation for developing innovative technologies/products. Future Planning (cont’d) 4. Establishment of GMO safety platform technologies and safety verification facilities for animals, plants and aquatic organisms which meet international criteria. 5. Development of international inter-laboratory calibration and certification systems for GMO. 6 .International cooperation for manpower development and training : technological and management personnel for research and technology transfer. 7. Active participation in the international conferences and symposia on the subjects relevant to agricultural biotechnology. Future Planning (cont’d) 8. Enhancement of information exchange and cooperation on functional genomics of cultivars. 9. Solicitation of distinguished and reputed biotechnology companies to establish R & D base in Taiwan. 10. Make suggestions to the International Cooperation Divisions of NSC and COA to promote and establish higher level international cooperation programs with advanced countries. Planning at Present Topics for cooperation with technologically advanced countries: 1. New techniques of gene transfer ( not using antibiotic resistance as a selection marker or the marker mat be removed after gene transfer ) 2. Application of stress resistant genes 3. Exchange of gene inactivation mutant library of rice 4. All aspects of safety verification technology for GMO Planning at Present (cont’d) 5. R & D on genes and proteins related to the resistance of crops and aquatic organism toward pest and disease 6. Use of transgenic crops for the production of high-value products (Use of plant as bioreactor) 7. R & D on Chinese medicinal resources: preventive and therapeutic effects of herbs and herb extracts 8. Livestock cloning and transgenic technology Planning at Present (cont’d) Topics for cooperation with developing world 1. Agricultural technology demonstrating program for providing field training and assisting manpower development. 2. Development and exchange of germ bank Thank you for Your advice and comments