Plant Natural Products Group
The Plant Natural Products group investigates secondary metabolite production. These natural products do not have a direct role in plant growth and development and appear to have evolved in defense against biotic and abiotic stresses. They are typically found only in one species or in a group of closely related species. Some of these substances can affect functions in other organisms. For example, some plant metabolites can suppress cell division, a trait that makes them useful in treating cancer in human patients. These plant products also have a wide variety of different uses, such as for health and other industrial applications.
Searching for new medicines
Screening for cyclic peptidesCyclic peptides are ring-shaped molecules with a broad range of pharmaceutical applications. Those produced by cow cockle (Saponaria vaccaria), for example, mimic the hormone estrogen and show antibiotic activity.
New medicines are being sought by screening plants for these molecules. Work centres on Rubiaceae, Cucurbitaceae and Caryophyllaceae species. These major plant families include coffee, cucumbers and carnations, respectively.
Contact: Dr. John Balsevich at John.Balsevich@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Phone: (306) 975-5275.
Growing remedies
Phytochemical profiling of cow cockleCow cockle, a member of the Caryophyllaceae family, produces saponins, currently used for a wide variety of industrial purposes. They are used as astringents and display anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. They can kill diseased cells and help control high cholesterol. Saponins can also be used as expectorants and to stimulate the immune system.
In industry, they improve lathering in shampoos, put the foaminess in milk shakes and soft drinks, and act as preservatives.
Work is underway to isolate and identify cow cockle saponins and develop elite germplasm for high-yielding, vigorous plants. Performance and saponin level benchmarks are being established. This knowledge will be used to produce breeding lines that deliver consistent quality and performance. In parallel work, the genes involved in cowcockle saponin biosynthesis are being investigated.
Contact: Dr. John Balsevich at John.Balsevich@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Phone: (306) 975-5275.
Medicine from the mountains
Podophyllotoxin biosynthesisPodophyllotoxin is a plant-derived compound used to produce three related anti-cancer drugs. However, the best source of the substance is a rare Himalayan plant, Podophyllum hexandrum, limiting supply. Overharvesting may drive the plant into extinction.
The search is underway to find the genes involved in making podophyllotoxin as well as the chemical pathways the plant uses to make it. With this knowledge, another plant could be engineered to produce the drug, or production could be enhanced in one of the Podophyllum species per se.
Contact: Dr. Pat Covello at Patrick.Covello@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Phone: (306) 975-5269.
Combating Malaria
Artemisinin biosynthesis
Some species of Artemisia, the genus that includes sagebrush and the spice tarragon, produce an antimalarial compound called artemisinin.
Malaria affects over 400 million people worldwide and kills over two million annually. The blood parasite that causes the disease is becoming increasingly resistant to current drugs. Artemisinin works well against multiply-resistant strains.
Plants produce artemisinin in very low quantities and it is not economical to synthesize it chemically.
Studying and understanding the biosynthetic pathways involved in artemisinin production may lead to ways to increase its production in the plants.
Contact: Dr. Pat Covello at Patrick.Covello@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Phone: (306) 975-5269.
Easing the suffering of Parkinson's
Tropane alkaloid biosynthesisHenbane (Hyoscyamus spp.), produces tropane alkaloids that are used in anesthesia, ophthalmology and the treatment of motion sickness and the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. With the help of a gene silencing system adapted for henbane, the group is investigating tropane alkaloid biosynthetic pathways and the genes involved. This may lead to ways to enhance production of these alkaloids in the plants.
Contact:
Dr. Pat Covello at Patrick.Covello@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Phone: (306) 975-5269.
Dr. Jon Page at Jon.Page@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Phone: (306) 975-4187.
Plants as pharmaceutical factories
Secretory tissuesPlants form a host of chemicals that have found use as medicines, flavours and ingredients for consumer goods.
Many of these substances are produced in secretory tissues such as trichomes, resin canals or laticifers. For example, Cannabis sativa, also called hemp or marijuana, produces its active ingredient Δ9-tetrahydrocannibinol (THC) in such tissues on flower-like structures called bracts.
Understanding the developmental processes of how plants make secretory tissues, and how metabolites in them are stored and secreted could better allow plants to be used as factories for valuable natural products.
Contact: Dr. Jon Page at Jon.Page@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Phone: (306) 975-4187.
