Platform introduced for cell metabolism research in cancer treatments

The press conference for the establishment of Probegen Lifetech (Suzhou) Limited Liability Company was held on 17th October 2018, in Worldhotel Grand Dushulake Suzhou. The company is co–founded by Prof. James D. WATSON, the world eminent scientist, regarded as "Father of DNA"，Prof. Yi Yang, China famous life scientist and Mr.Jingwei Zhao, Chairman of Tangpu Investment. Watson Cell Metabolism Research Center announced its establishment meanwhile, aiming to discover new cancer agents in more effective and economical way for China and worldwide.

Prof. Watson is one of the discoverers of DNA double helix structure. In 1953, Prof. Watson and Crick discovered the DNA double helix structure and for the first time, the nature essence of "gene" was elucidated on the molecule level. Because of this, they were awarded Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine in 1962. Dr.Watson, regarded as "Father of DNA structure", is an active advocate and implementer of the international human genome project (HGP). The discovery of DNA double helix is recognized as one of the greatest scientific achievements of twentieth century.

As co-sponsor of the project, Mr. Jingwei Zhao, Chairman of TangPu Investment, stated that the drug market of critical diseases in China is in the age of modern Big Maritime Navigation with surging power comes from potential scientists' stimulation of innovation and market demands guidance, as well as capital injection and policy guarantee.

He also stated, TangPu Investment is committed to building a four in one integrated ecosystem consisting of research, clinical, industry and capital based in Suzhou medical and health industry incubator center by continuous efforts in developing and constructing the best closed loop of scientific service platform and industrialization of research achievements.

Zhao also expressed that the platform in Probegen Lifetech is expected to be the first fluorescent molecular probe technology based, high-throughput, high-sensitivity, real-time and rapid monitoring platform for cell metabolism worldwide. It is hoped that the platform will not only provide advanced services for the vast number of biological research institutions, but also play a positive and dominant role in promoting the formation of drug R&D chain of major diseases related to cell metabolic in China.

On behalf of Prof. Watson, Dr. Maoye Ji, CEO of Cold Spring Harbor Asia, Asia Pacific consultant of Watson Center, introduced the origin of the whole project. He said, Prof. Watson very concerned about how to solve the problems of the slow pace of innovative drugs development and current high drugs cost. These issues are more critical to worldwide cancer treatment. In recent years, a method of inducing cell apoptosis by stimulating the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in cancer cells is highly recommended by Watson. He even positively anticipated that this might be the next most valuable scientific achievement after the discovery of the DNA double helix structure, because of its possibility to win the battle against cancer in a way "short and fast".

In recent years, Professor Yang Yi, a Chinese biologist, has made a series of significant achievements in the field of ROS, which have been recognized by international peers including Professor Watson. Various cell metabolic probes invented by him have been reviewed by authoritative international journals as revolutionary technologies in the field of biological REDOX.

On the basis of these achievements, Professor Yi Yang screened only around 5500 small molecules , and found target compounds that specifically stimulates cancer cells to produce large amounts of ROS, which show selective cytotoxicity in multiple tumors cell and animal models.

According to Professor Yi Yang, cell metabolism regulation is not only the core part of biological production, but also key targets for drug discovery. A monitoring system on cell metabolism with high-resolution and high-throughput , will accelerate the research of drug biosynthesis, as well as new drug discovery related to metabolic diseases. Because metabolism is the essential characteristic of life, the development of almost all the major human diseases are closely related to the imbalance of cell metabolism, metabolic molecular probe technology can not only analyze the regulation of cell metabolism and the mechanism of disease occurrence and development, but also provide new technologies and methods for diseases diagnosis and new treatments.

It is reported that the Watson Center for Cellular Metabolism will develop molecular probes for the detection of cellular metabolites, as well as single-cell and in vivo metabolic analysis techniques to provide technical knowhow and services for biomedical research and Bio- engineering research globally.

Probegen Lifetech (Suzhou) will carry out business mainly in three fields, large-scale new drug compounds screening and discovery for cellular metabolism; Preclinical and clinical research for promising lead compounds; Providing third party testing services for cell and in vivo metabolism.