Genome BC, the research centre in Vancouver that decoded the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus, is now working to discover more about the genes of bacteria that could be used to devour toxic chemicals such as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls).
It's called microbial envirogenomics and this programme focuses on Rhodococcus, an organism picked for its apparent ability to break down complex toxic chemicals - not unlike worms turning organic waste into compost.
Dr Julian Davies, professor emeritus of microbiology at the University of British Columbia, is the project leader in applying genomics technology to understand how Rhodococcus can adjust its "metabolic lifestyle" to changes in the environment.
"So we are determining the entire genome sequence, analysing the genome and finding out how the organism can shift to meet different challenges, and how these shifts can produce useful results, in terms of bioconversion and bioremediation."
It is already known that Rhodococcus can de-sulphurise coal, for example - though the coal would have to be ground to dust and placed in water for this to happen.
"Microbes degrade many other materials because they want to eat them," according to Dr Davies. "There are consortia of microbes that work together to carry out the various phases of degradation. But they take time to clean things up."
Dr Gavin Arthur, Genome BC's business development manager, says Rhodococcus RHA-1 has "a lot of potential for cleaning up contaminated sites" because its use in digesting chemical residues would be "much cheaper than excavating it all".
Dr Arthur, who is from Fortwilliam, in Scotland, says RHA-1 is "packed with enzymes that are commercially relevant" and he expects applications in four to five years.
Genome BC has received 120 million Canadian dollars (€75 million) in federal government funding for its research programmes, which also include exploring the "science of wine" in a joint project by Canada and Spain.
Why do some grapes ripen faster than others? Why do others produce more acidic wine? To answer these questions, the grape genomics project will study their genes with a view to improving viticulture practices and enhancing wine quality.
Catherine Ducharme, the research institute's director of communications, is at pains to point out that none of its projects involve genetic modification. That's in answer to those who think its work must have something to do with Monsanto. "That's one of the key messages - it's only about breeding and understanding," says Ducharme. She's originally a Smyth whose parents come from Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin. Her uncle is Father Shay Cullen, the well-known missionary priest in the Philippines.
More information from www.genomebc.ca
