2019-06-013 - AQUATRAFFIC 02 - Protection of a novel protein trafficking domain for membrane channels

AQUATRAFFIC 02

2019-06-013

A novel protein trafficking domain that can specifically target the channel to the YP membrane. Can be used to engineer other water and solute channels directed to improve the permeability of the YP membrane

Environmental (E) Biodiversity conservation & ex situ safeguarding AQUATRAFFIC’s cryopreservation technology provides a genetic “insurance policy” for at-risk species by enabling the long-term storage of oocytes and embryos, in line with the updated GRI 101: Biodiversity 2024 standard on managing biodiversity impacts and access & benefit-sharing requirements Applies to amphibians, reptiles, birds & fish with high-yolk oocytes, reducing extinction risk by preserving genetic diversity Sustainable aquaculture & marine resource stewardship By enhancing cryopreservation of fish germplasm, the project supports UN SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through more resilient aquaculture stocks—easing pressure on wild populations—and contributes to UN SDG 15 (Life on Land) via conservation of freshwater & terrestrial egg-laying species Resource efficiency & climate resilience Improved water efflux and solute delivery in embryos minimizes freeze-damage, cutting wastage of biological material and energy in conservation programs—advancing best practices in cryobanking for biodiversity as highlighted by cryopreservation experts Social (S) Food security & rural livelihoods Enhanced fish embryo cryopreservation bolsters sustainable aquaculture productivity, aligning with UN SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by increasing reliable protein sources and supporting coastal and rural communities’ economies Human health innovation By facilitating delivery of cryoprotective solutes through membrane channels, AQUATRAFFIC underpins research into pancreatic cancer and diabetes therapies—advancing UN SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), specifically target 3.b on R&D of affordable medicines and technologies jointsdgfund.org Capacity building & equitable access Deployment of this platform can support knowledge transfer to public research institutes and conservation NGOs, fostering inclusive partnerships and educational outreach in biotechnology and species conservation. Governance (G) Compliance with Nagoya Protocol (Access & Benefit-Sharing) The use and exchange of genetic resources in AQUATRAFFIC is governed under the Nagoya Protocol, ensuring fair, prior informed consent and equitable sharing of benefits with source countries and indigenous communities OECD harmonised regulatory oversight Adherence to the OECD’s consensus documents on biotechnology risk assessment promotes science-based, transparent, and mutually recognised regulatory processes for novel protein trafficking domains Best practices for biological resource centres Implementation of OECD Best Practice Guidelines for Biological Resource Centres ensures robust quality management of cryobanked specimens and ethical governance in line with GRI 2: General Disclosures on organizational governance and policies

Conservation biology for endangered species: biodiversity positive impact and economical positive impact for local communities depending on the availabilty of species now in danger of extintion Commercial fisheries and aquaculture enhancements: 100.000 Milions US$ of potential impact due to the improvement of commercial species thanks to this new technology Therapeutic applications in treating pancreatic disease: economical impact not calculated yet

The major problem is the water trapped in the yolk-containing intracellular vesicles (yolk platelets, YP), surrounded by an impermeable membrane, which forms ice during freezing causing cell death. Solution: the AQUATRAFFIC domain can be inserted in any membrane channel to facilitate the transport of water and of solutes (cryoprotective polyols or sugars) in the yolk platelets, thus allowing the complete dehydration of these organeles and the protection of yolk during cryopreservation. Applications in human health may also be possible since this domain may be involved in the control of digestive enzyme secretion from pancreatic acinar cells.

58800000000

a) License to companies involved in fish breeding b) License to Human Helth companies involved in diseases whre new Aquaporine tecnologies can make the difference

Effective cryopreservation in diverse species with high yolk content can be technically challenging, requiring extensive research and testing. Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating the regulatory landscape for biobanking and cryopreservation technologies, especially in conservation biology and human health applications, can be complex and time-consuming.

Aquatic Organism Biobanking is a specialized market focused on the preservation and storage of genetic material from aquatic species, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. This market is crucial for conservation efforts, enabling the safeguarding of biodiversity and supporting the restoration of endangered species. The AQUATRAFFIC project's novel protein trafficking domain is a perfect match for this market, as it addresses the challenge of cryopreserving oocytes and embryos with high yolk content, which is a common issue in aquatic species. By improving cryopreservation techniques, the technology enhances the viability and longevity of stored genetic material, making it invaluable for biobanking applications. Additionally, the project's focus on optimizing technology for fish breeding aligns with the goals of aquatic organism biobanking, further solidifying its relevance and potential impact in this market.

80.0000 before abandonemnt

The AQUATRAFFIC domain can be inserted in any membrane channel to facilitate the transport of water and of solutes (cryoprotective polyols or sugars) in the yolk platelets, thus allowing the complete dehydration of these organeles and the protection of yolk during cryopreservation. Applications in human health may also be possible since this domain may be involved in the control of digestive enzyme secretion from pancreatic acinar cells

Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating the regulatory landscape for biobanking and cryopreservation technologies, especially in conservation biology and human health applications, can be complex and time-consuming. Funding and Investment: Securing the necessary financial resources beyond the initial 80,000 euros to support ongoing research, development, and commercialization efforts may be challenging. Intellectual Property Protection: Ensuring robust intellectual property protection and managing patent processes effectively to safeguard the technology and its applications. Market Adoption: Achieving widespread adoption in aquaculture and conservation biology sectors may require significant education and demonstration of the technology's benefits

More R&D is needed before designing a consistent roadmapt to bring this technology to the market.

EU patent applied and abandoned before publishing Second EU patent after new developments made by CSIC to be taken into consideration.

Technology still under development. Although the original patent was abandoned, potential companies interested in the further development of this project should contact the KTT officers mentioned bellow.

Using the combined transient expression of plasma membrane and YP targeted aquaporins in amphibian oocytes, we have demonstrated for the first time that this approach can remove the osmotically immobile water within the YPs, in order to avoid the lethal intracellular ice formation during cryopreservation