Background

The progression of cells is regulated by a network of gene products and factors. These factors exert their influences on cell cycle machinery via various pathways. At the centre of the machinery lies an enzyme complex which regulates the essential process of cell division, consisting of a cyclin-dependent protein kinase (CDK) and a regulatory subunit, cyclin, The progression of cell cycle events is achieved by the sequential association of CDKs with different cyclins.

A new aspect of regulating CDK activity was discovered with the identification of CDK inhibitors. CDK inhibitors are small proteins that bind stoichiometrically to negatively regulate the activity of CDKs.

Technology

Scientists at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), in collaboration with the University of Saskatchewan and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) have developed and patented (pending) a method of using CDK inhibitor genes to modify the growth and development of plants. The method enables modifications of specific plant tissues and organs, and improvement of plant morphology and architecture. The invention also provides methods of identifying nucleic acids that encode CDK inhibitors that are active in plants.

The invention has wide application and is capable of providing a platform leading to novel strategies for producing plants with better quality, higher yields and optimal performance.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), University of Saskatchewan, National Research Council of Canada (NRC)

Business Opportunity Available

AAFC on behalf of its research collaborators is looking for a private frim in the plant biotechnology field interested in licensing this technology.