North East Leads the Way in Groundbreaking Research

This three year project will bring together traditional scientific laboratory analysis techniques, with some of the world’s most advanced data analysis software in proteomics, and apply them in order to identify key proteins produced by a cell or organism. 

The research is being led by Northumbria University’s Professor Gary Black.  He says: “Proteomics has wide ranging applications for scientific advancement in everything from identifying cancerous cells, to the development of the most efficient forms of bio fuels.

“However, one of the drawbacks of proteomics to date has been the issue of accurately reproducing the data in the significant quantity required to have a real impact on its application in areas such as the biofuels industry and the healthcare sector.”

Now Northumbria PhD student Andrew Porter, 23, from Gateshead, will use traditional scientific laboratory culturing techniques to grow a bacteria commonly found in soil called Cellvibrio japonicus.  Working with Professor Black, he will isolate and analyse the proteins found within the micro-organisms, then test the results in state of the art laboratories at Northumbria University and at North East Proteome Analysis Facility (NEPAF) in the North East of England. 

His data will then be analysed using Progenesis proteomics analysis software at Nonlinear Dynamics, which will allow him to produce objective, reliable results and determine how easily the results can be reproduced.

The research has important implications for the future production of biofuels, which provide a cleaner, greener alternative to traditional fossil fuels, but which have traditionally relied on sugar beet as a base for producing the ethanol - diverting crops for food to fuel.

Many of today’s biofuels are now developed from lignocellulose - a structural material found in plants and trees – but this method requires intensive processing methods to break down the plant matter and release the sugars necessary for producing the ethanol.

It is a problem facing scientists around the world and Professor Black and his team are taking a completely different approach by tapping into nature and finding out how micro-organisms found in the soil tackle the problem.

Professor Black says: “We will be finding out which proteins a micro-organism uses when it is trying to degrade plants.  We know the micro-organisms in the soil have to do this efficiently, or they will die, and we believe we can learn a great deal from nature to determine which proteins are the most efficient and effective in degradation.  It is a painstaking process as we have to isolate the proteins and ensure it is not just a spurious event but something which is recurring.”

This important scientific research could have far reaching benefits for the biofuels industry once the all important proteins are identified and the partnership with Nonlinear Dynamics will challenge the findings to see how easily the results can be replicated.

The Newcastle-based company is one of the world-leading developers of analysis solutions in proteomics, which quantify and identify proteins of interest, tracking how they change. The company, which was set up 20 years ago, boasts all of the top 20 global pharmaceutical companies as clients and this brand new scientific research will enable them to hone and develop their own software – keeping them at the leading edge of this important niche market.

Paddy Lavery, from Nonlinear Dynamics, who is the Industrial Supervisor for this research project, says:

“Biofuel research is an exciting area for us to get involved in.  It can bring bright new opportunities for Nonlinear Dynamics and Northumbria University and add to the North East’s growing reputation as a place to deliver excellent science.  Ultimately, Andrew’s work can help make this alternative energy source a real alternative.  Quite topical, given what is happening in Copenhagen.

 “Nonlinear and Northumbria also have a big opportunity to be pioneers here.  If we’re successful, the results of this research will send out a powerful message.  That is, if you take the right approach, anyone can go from initial discovery research to validated results that can be reproduced in other labs.

“Current thinking within proteomics is converging on the idea that demonstrating cross-lab reproducibility is the solution needed to re-energise the important field of proteomics and deliver benefits to the wider world.  We aim to demonstrate how that can be achieved.”

The partnership will make Northumbria University a globally recognised site for fundamental research demonstrating proteomics reproducibility, which is a key constraint in this specialised field.

Professor Black says: “In this important collaboration, we are seeking to design experiments which will generate reliable results which can be reproduced.  This has enormous implications for the biofuels industry as we seek to develop sustainable fuels for the future.”

RTC North has helped fund this innovative project, after awarding two of this year’s four CASE studentship awards to Northumbria University. 

They helped bring together Nonlinear Dynamics and Northumbria University and believe the strong applied research aspect of the project, will offer high quality research, training and industry experience for Northumbria’s PhD student Andrew Porter, and will help benefit an industrial problem which is highly relevant to an SME in the region.

Terry McStea from RTC North says: “The CASE studentships are funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and are designed to solve a genuine scientific problem. 

“We are fortunate to be home to one of the world leaders in proteomics in Nonlinear Dynamics and Professor Gary Black’s groundbreaking enzyme research makes him ideally placed to lead a project with the potential to tackle and solve a genuine issue for industry.  We believe this project will deliver potential long term economic benefits for the North East of England and the biofuels industry.”