In association Driving genetic Alight at the end with Trinity research forward of the tunnel College Dublin Aworld leader Page 3 Working to cure blindness Page 7

TCDGeneticsat50 ASPECIAL REPORT

THE IRISH TIMES www.irishtimes.com Editor: Madeleine Lyons Phone: 01 675 8000 Fax: 01 675 8037 email: [email protected] THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2008 Solving the secrets of life through genetic research Asculpture of the double helix by Brian King that stands outside the Smurfit Institute of Genetics at TCD With DNA-based thinking becoming an ever- JAMES WATSON increasing prerequisite for modern “life, Trinity can take great comfort Trinity College has played acritical role in that it saw the future early unravelling the mysteries of DNA since its Department of Genetics was established in 1958 scientific plant and Later, Morgan organised the key animal breeding pro- 1996 gathering of genome scien- grams. Later, Vincent Con- tists in Bermuda that made the far- nolly of the Agricultural sighted decision to make all DNA HE ESTABLISHMENT whose father was aTrinity doctor, Institute came on board to sequence data available on the of the Department of would have shared the 1962 Nobel teach plant genetics. web as soon as it was obtained. Genetics in 1958 at Prize in physiology or medicine Equally far-reaching was his Through this meeting, public own- Trinity College was akey had we all not changed our intellec- appointment to the staff of Peter ership of human DNA sequences Tstep in helping Ireland tual goals after our 1946 read- Smith Keary, who taught with was assured. emerge as aknowledge-based ings of What is Life? by Dawson achallenging undergrad- Trinity scientists have played economy, as opposed to an agricul- the 1933 Nobelist uate degree program in genetics. key roles in sequencing and ana- ture-based economy. With DNA- Erwin Schrödinger, Together they led atiny lysing genomes of bacteria, yeasts based thinking becoming an ever- the inventor of group of students in and plants, as well as the genome increasing prerequisite for wave research on muta- of humans. The vast amount of modern life, Trinity can take great mechanics. tions in bacteria. sequence data generated by comfort that it saw the future early Before a Under them, genome-level DNA sequencing and ran with it. Trinity John projects has lead to the emergence Ireland had amajor role in College Atkins and of the fast-moving discipline of Bio- modern biology that long predated audi- Shahla informatics. At Trinity, Paul Sharp the 1953 discovery by Francis ence in Thompson took on this challenge working Crick and me of the double helical 1943, he began their with McConnell on one of the first structure of DNA, the chemical gave extraordi- known genomes, that of the bacte- that carries the genetic informa- three nary work rial virusT7. tion of chromosomes. lectures on Later, Sharp moved on to the Key to tackling the essence of that soon frameshift evolution of the HIV virus. Now in biological macromolecules like formed the mutations Edinburgh, his legacy is ateam of proteins and the nucleic acids, heart of ahighly that alter the outstanding Trinity graduates, DNA and RNA, was the develop- influential little reading of the who focus on how DNA has ment of X-ray crystallographic book. Then arefugee Genetic Code. evolved since it first emerged as methodologies for determining from Hitler’s Austria at Dublin’s From Trinity, Atkins the primary genetic molecule sev- the 3-D arrangement of their Institute of Advanced Studies, he went to study protein synthesis eral billion years ago. atoms. looked at life from the viewpoint of in Cold Spring Harbor before At Trinity, Peter Humphries The extraordinary, Tipperary- aphysicist –concluding that its returning to his lifelong obsession and Jane Farrer used some of the born John Desmond Bernal was essence must be an information- with the Genetic Code at Salt Lake first human genetic markers to the first to jump in. In the late bearing molecule residing in chro- City and now at Cork. locate agene behind retinitis pig- 1920s, as an undergraduate at mosomes that had the form of an When the recombinant DNA mentosa, soon following up their Cambridge, he established the mul- aperiodic crystal. methods for isolating genes breakthrough to find several more tiple symmetries through which After their independent read- became available in the 1970s, mutant genes that lead to human molecules came together in crys- ings of What is Life?,Crick gave up Trinity was already positioned for blindness. tals. physics to study cells in culture at its biotechnology application Trinity much enhanced its Then, as amember of the staff Cambridge, while Wilkins moved through the presence of its grad- future in genetics when Sir of its already famed Cavendish from physics to DNA research at uate, David McConnell, whose Michael Smurfit provided funds to Laboratory,heand his student King’s College London. There, in years abroad at the California Insti- endow achair in Medical Genetics, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin its new biophysics lab, he used tute of Technology and Harvard currently held by Seamus Martin. obtained, in 1933, the first X-ray X-ray methodologies to show let him be among the first to make Now radically changing the way photos of crystalline proteins. that DNA did indeed have aquasi Rosalind restriction enzymes and sequence genetics will be done over the Under his supervision soon after crystalline-like structure. Franklin, long stretches of DNA. future are the rapidly diminished was the Austrian-born, young Hearing of this bombshell at a had passed Hayes write his Soon, worldwide cries for costs of DNA sequencing. Previ- chemist Max Perutz, whose life- small May 1951 meeting in Naples, on to him a magisterial The moving DNA sequencing from ously inherently intractable prob- long objective became the study of I, until that moment apure biolo- hitherto Genetics of Bac- In Dublin, genes to genomes (all the DNA of lems, like the gene changes behind theoxygen-carrying protein hemo- gist, saw the need to quickly reedu- gioreinItaly. That fall, at Hammer- undisclosed teria and their his first stu- dent, an organism) led to the initiation schizophrenia, cansoon be solved. globin. After the war, Perutz cate myself as acrystallographer smith Hospital, we began writing a X-ray photo Viruses by 1964. Stewart Glover, after further of the internationally organised Leading this challenge at St shrewdly headed the Cavendish’s through going to the Perutz-led research paper explaining unex- that unambigu- Bacterial genetics training in the US, moved to Human Genome Project in 1988. James’s Hospital in Dublin is MRC Unit for the study of Biolog- MRC Unit at Cambridge. There, pected patterns of genetic recombi- ously revealed an first came to Trinity London with Hayes and from there It aimed to complete the human Michael Gill, whose genetics ical Structures. Crick had come two years before nation underlying helical College through the to Newcastle where he became its DNA sequence by 2003, at acost career focuses on psychiatric disor- It leads the world in the number in search of life’s crystallographic in the bacteria E.coli. My conformation for arrival in 1950 of first professor of genetics. of $3 billion (around ¤2.1 billion). ders. of Nobel Prizes awarded to mem- mysteries. thoughts, however, quickly turned DNA. Only amonth George Dawson, Dawson’s focused infectious Playing akey role in its ultimate Genetics at Trinity, perhaps bers of its staff, including ones for Then akey player in the newly back to DNA through learning then passed before fresh from Cam- enthusiasm for genetics led to his success was the Trinity graduate through its new focus on neuroge- Perutz and his close colleague emerging discipline of bacterial that the great American chemist Crick and Ifound the bridge University, heading, in 1958, of Trinity’s in biochemistry, Michael Morgan. netics, will continue to move fast John Kendrew, whose research genetics was the recently London- Linus Pauling’s focus had turned Double Helix with its two where he learned how Department of Genetics. From the After joining the Wellcome and be far-reaching to the great focused on the much smaller based, Trinity-educated, medical from proteins to DNA. chains bearingcomplemen- to do microbial genetics from start, Dawson saw his department Trust in London as aresearch benefit not only of the peopleof oxygen-carrying protein, microbiologist William (Bill) Realising that Pauling’s new tary sequence information in its the Caltech –and Stanford-trained pursuing both pure and applied administrator, he oversawthe Ireland, but of the whole world. myoglobin. Equally important, nei- Hayes. Ifirst encountered his keen triple helix for DNA was wrong, I base pairs (A=T and G=C). David Catcheside, and was influ- genetics. In 1962, he appointed speedy construction of its massive ther Crick, nor I, nor the New Zea- intelligence and drive at aSep- went to London to tell Wilkins that The finding of the Double Helix enced by Ronald Fisher, the very Patrick Cunningham of the Agri- Sanger Center outside Cambridge. ■ James Watson is one of the land-born Maurice Wilkins, whose tember 1952 microbial genetics DNA was yet to be won. From him soon made bacterial genetics greatquantitative geneticist and cultural Institute to teach quantita- Over 30 per cent of the human co-discoverers of the double helix parents came from Ireland, and gathering at Pallanza on Lake Mag- Ilearned that his colleague, much easier to interpret, helping statistician. tive genetics, the underpinning of genome was assembled there. structure of DNA. Winning discoveries: Genetics and the Nobel prize Academic excellence attracts innovation NOBEL PRIZES show how In 1953 Watson and Crick non-coding sequences, that sciences emerge. Genetics discovered that the DNA genes can jump from one place developed slowly at first but molecule was adouble helix, to another on chromosomes, has expanded rapidly since the capable of carrying ahuge that genes jump between KARLIN LILLINGTON After the publication of Fore- such as the Wellcome Trust, from momentous discovery of the amount of code, capable of species, that genes can be sight,the establishment of Science bodies such as SFI and from structure of DNA in 1953. That dictating its own replication and programmed to mutate during IRELAND MAY be small, but it is Foundation Ireland (SFI) and Europe. opened up anew phase of capable of evolving by mutation. development (in the immune increasingly attracting an interna- growth in other research supports, In addition, individual philan- genetics, often called After 1953 there were about system), that the rate at which tional spotlight when it comes to life sciences were given an enor- thropists donate varying amounts. “molecular biology” or 30 momentous discoveries that genes evolve is driven by research and commercial activity mous boost. Life sciences and “You try to match their interests “molecular genetics”, in which mutation and drift, that DNA in the life sciences. Consider the evi- genetics research in particular and engage with the donor.” scientists study the behaviour of sequences could be used to dence: among European nations, have become a“significant” niche Within adepartment, excel- genes at the molecular level. date the origin of man, or that the state attracted one-quarter of sector for Ireland Inc, says Roben. lence also attracts excellence, says Molecular genetics led to infectious particles called all foreign direct investment in the Forthe Government, and agen- David McConnell, professor of “genetic engineering”, aset of prions have no DNA or RNA. life sciences last year. It has over cies like Enterprise Ireland, akey genetics at TCD and chairman of tools that are used in every Furthermore, none expected 170 companies in the sector, concern has been to convert The Irish Times Trust. branch of biological research that the basic human genetic employing over 35,000 people. Its research into commercial applica- “You start with the interna- today. These tools were the key code would be known by 2003, life sciences exports totalled close tions. “Thisiswhat it is all about – tional reputation of aperson on to modern biotechnology, which and that it only contains about to ¤40 billion last year. creating high-value jobs,” says the faculty who might have pub- in turn is revolutionising society 20,000 standard genes. Ireland has leading researchers Roben. lished something that comes to through its impact on medicine, This flood of discoveries is and research groups on the inter- Hence the increased focus public attention,” he says. Those agriculture and forensics. reflected in the awarding of the national stage. Trinity College’s within third level on supporting achievements help draw topstu- Until 1953 only five Nobel Nobel prize in medicine on more genetics and molecular biology researchers and helping them spin dents, postgraduates, researchers, prizes were awarded which than 30 occasions for work that researchers, forexample, have out companies that drive job and grants to the institution. related to genetics. was important in genetics. been ranked seventh worldwide in growth and further investment. Ireland’s life science sector is attracting increasing interest And in the caseofayoung com- We can count about 10 major In the same period the Nobel terms of citations in other publica- TCD’s genetics department has pany, ahigh-profile individual discoveries in that early period. affected the understanding of prize in chemistry has been tions. already seen two high-profile com- inward investment. researchers gives us the advantage helps secure interest from inves- Mendel identified genes in 1866, genes, how they work, how they awarded on 10 occasions for Not that this success has come panies move from its halls to the At home, great researchers, of showing great potential for tors and other supports. but we had to wait till 1901 for are transmitted, how they have work related closely to genetics. easy –until 1998, when the then global life sciences scene, Genable strong publications and asteady achievement –excellence attracts Every year TCD loses some of the discovery that genes are evolved and how and why they One prize in peace was government published its Fore- and IdentiGEN. stream of new companies helps funding,” she says. its bright sparks as they head into located on chromosomes. Then cause illness. awarded in 1970 to the sight report that changed the land- Having abase of well-regarded, the university attract funding. “That’s why it’s important for us the world of business with their it was discovered, in 1911, that Many of these discoveries geneticist Norman Borlaug, who scape of investment, promotion science-focused companies also “Strongresearchers help alot,” to have top scientists to demon- youngcompanies, he says. “But maps can be made of genes on were not at all predictable in masterminded the Green and funding of scientific research helps raise Ireland’s overall inter- says Zhanna O’Clery, associate strate vision, that have the ability what matters is how many brilliant chromosomes, that specific 1953. Few foresaw the evidence Revolution. More Nobel prizes in Ireland, only tiny amounts of national profile, adds Roben. And director of the Trinity Foundation, to communicate their ideas.” people are coming in.”In other genes code for specific proteins that some genes are repeated are keenly awaited –perhaps in support were available to the life that, in turn, makes the Irish Devel- which fundraises for the univer- Funding from multinational cor- words, it is today’s students, post- in 1941 and, in 1944, that genes many times side by side, that human genetics or even in sciences sector,says Paul Roben, opment Agency’s (IDA’s) job sity. “They are visionaries and you porations is relatively small, she graduates and researchers who are made of DNA. genes may be split by neurogenetics. Enterprise Ireland’s director for easier –asolid research and busi- can leverage funding on to the says. TCD receives major grants will be building tomorrow’s TCD – Bio in Life Sciences. ness profile helps attract foreign grants they get.Having top and donations from research trusts and tomorrow’s Ireland Inc. 2 THE IRISH TIMES Thursday, September 18, 2008

TCDGeneticsat50 ASPECIAL REPORT Support for genetics guarantees

Dr Michael Smurfit outside the Smurfit Institute of Genetics at alasting Trinity College Dublin. Photograph: Mac Innes Matching legacy evolution with

Over the past 50 years, Trinity’s Department of Genetics has benefited from the gifts of a adaptation distinguished and imaginative group of research supporters. Louise Holden reports on their TCD benefactor Michael Smurfit talks proudly of significant contributions the developments in genetics research via the Smurfit Institute and his belief that Ireland can continue to lead the field in this area

HE DEPARTMENT of as well as the Naughton Chair in Genetics at Trinity Col- Business Strategy at Queen’s Uni- THAS been through the biotechnology, has unquestionably lege Dublin has adistin- versity Belfast, and the National efforts and ingenuity of the played aprominent role in guishedlineage of bene- Gallery of Ireland. staff and students at TCD advancing the development of this Tfactors that can be traced His contribution to the establish- ‘I that genetics has become island nation. In the end, it is so back to a£15,000 donation by the ment of the Institute of Genetics in the resounding success it is today. much amatter of people, their Irish Sugar Company in 1957. On 1996 was one of the earliest exam- The Chair of Medical Genetics I education, their motivation, the initiative of Lt Gen Michael ples of his commitment to devel- endowed in 1989 in preparation imagination and judgment. The Joseph Costello, this funding oping world-class research in the for the quatercentenary of the Trinity geneticists have shown all allowed for the establishment of arts, sciences and social sciences college, on the suggestion of of these qualities and played a the 50-year-old faculty in the in this country. Provost Watts, had been agreat major part in the emergence of former home of St Mark’s Hos- Dr Smurfit is well-known for his success and so it was natural that biotechnology in Ireland. pital,Sir William Wilde’s Oph- philanthropic commitments to Ishould respond when Provost “In today’s highly competitive thalmic Hospital for Diseases of Irish academia –the UCD School Mitchell asked me to help to fund world, you either adapt or die. the Eye and Ear. of Business is named for him, and the new institute in 1997. Personally, Ibelieve that many of So it was remarkable that a he has been involved in supporting “Ten years on, Ifeel very much the companies which flounder are small group of blind and vision- the development of genetics the distinct honour of having this not in themselves unsustainable. impaired people, RP-Ireland research in Trinity for almost institute and the chair carry the What is unsustainable is the belief Fighting Blindness, led by Michael 20 years. Smurfit name. that good news is just around the Griffith, started to fund research The Wellcome Trust estab- “I first became interested in corner. Apersonal saying of mine in Trinityin1985 on the genetics lished acompetitive fund for cap- supporting genetics after over the last four decades has of retinitis pigmentosa. ital development in biomedical sci- speaking to Provost Watts and been: ‘Good news can always wait Prof David McConnell of the ence in Ireland; Trinity’s proposal other people about the area. I –manage the downside and the Institute of Genetics says that for the Institute of Genetics was soon realised that whether it is upside will look after itself.’ their support was critical in the generously supported. cardboard boxes or indeed “Whether you wish to be the development of genetics research Thanks to the generosity of biotechnology, many of the basic most successful packaging at Trinity. these four patrons, the new principles of strategy, individual company in the world or the most In 1987, they raised the then Smurfit Institute of Genetics came thinking and entrepreneurship highly-regarded learning colossal sum of £100,000 to pro- to be. Designed by Scott, Tallon have the same relevance and role. institution, it is of fundamental mote the research by Peter Hum- and Walker, and built by Bernard “While the institute’s role in importance that you adopt a phries and Jane Farrar. MacNamara, the 5,000-square research and teaching has given it In 1989, Dr Michael Smurfit, metre bespoke facility was opened recognition as one of the top Apersonal perhaps influenced by the success by the then taoiseach Bertie Ahern science research institutes in the in 1998. country and it ranks amongst the saying of mine The unselfish The unselfish support of scien- world leaders in genetics, what is tists and philanthropists continues The generosity of Trinity’s benefactors in genetics allows this work to continue to the present day. Photograph: Getty Images equally pleasing is how some of is: good news can wait – support of to bolster the work of the institute the practical applications of that manage the downside to this day. to benefit students today, with six in the US. This is very encouraging thecalibre of work there, TCD’s sculpture of the double helix, by crucial primary thinking have “ scientists and Prof George Dawson, one of the undergraduates travelling to the for them as they return to their genetics faculty submit strong BrianKing, to commemorate (in developed –Icould say mutated – and the upside will look philanthropists founders of the faculty, estab- US every year. studies for their final year at applications to the Government’s 2003) the 50th anniversary of into anew strain. “ lished the TCD Dawson Prize in The experience is valuable Trinity. Many decide to become main science research investment Watson’s and Crick’s discovery. “We have already seen the after itself continues to bolster the Genetics, awarded for the first insofar as it exposes students to researchers as aresult of their US body. Prof Laurence Roche gave a creation of anumber of start-up time in 2006 to Nobel Prize new ideas and avenues of enquiry. experiences,” says McConnell. The institute has also received painting by Dr Arnaldo Pomodoro, companies that not only offer a strategy that is consistent with work of the institute to winner Dr John Sulston. According to McConnell,ithas an Over the past four years, indi- donations towards the develop- and the artist himself presented a practical backdrop to the your resources and your this day The department flourished. In equally profound effect on their vidual research projects at the ment of clinical genetics from the set of graphic works to display in academic work, but also promote expectations. Sound 1975 it received aboost when Dr confidence in what they already Institute of Genetics have Adelaide Hospital Societyand the the new foyer. the role of the institute to anew businesspeople keep one eye on AWBVincent instituted the Vin- know. attracted considerable support National Children’s Hospital.The Dr Ronnie Tallon, the building’s and fascinated audience. Trinity the present and the other on the of the research on blindness, cent Scholarships to support third- “By travelling in the US, our stu- from Science Foundation Ireland building itself is ageing gracefully, architect, and George Dawson, College, more than most, has future. Ihave learned through my enhanced the standing of the year genetics students in summer dents tend to discover that their (SFI). Each project is considered thanks in part to theaesthetic sen- gave amost apposite gift –abust pioneered this transfer of contact with universities that it is department further when he studies in American laboratories. level of knowledge is as high if not by SFI on merit, but, given the sibility of key donors. by Melanie le Brocquy of Oscar expertise. the same for academics. endowed Trinity with the Smurfit Vincent’sscholarships continue higher than their contemporaries global status of the institute and Dr Beate Schuler donated a Wilde, son of Sir William Wilde. “One of the guiding principles “For continued success, our Chair of Medical Genetics, agift to of my career has been the desire highly-educated workforce and commemoratethe 400th anniver- to promote the Irishness of my rapidly evolving technology sector sary of theuniversity (1992). TRINITYBENEFACTORS VISIONARIES company and showcase the need to be matched with Ten years later, four major bene- talents that this nation boasts. It is enterprise in the fields of product factors made contributions which LT GEN MICHAEL JOSEPH an enduring satisfaction to know development, research, design matchedmoney from the EC, and COSTELLO (far left) that we, atiny island nation, with and innovation. And to achieve enabled the creation of the new Costello was instrumental in hardly any indigenous resources this we need our higher education Institute of Genetics, to be housed the donation of £15,000 by outside of our own wit, can boast to be of world-class quality. in acustom-designed facility on the Irish Sugar Company in an exceptional educational “I know that the geneticists in the old St Mark’s Hospital site. 1957, allowing for the pedigree. Trinity have had to go through Chuck Feeney, founder of establishment of the now “Ireland has evolved to the point some very tough times and this Atlantic Philanthropies, made the 50-year-old genetics faculty where education and innovation has prepared them really well to first gift. He later revolutionised have become prerequisites not only take advantage of the new research in Ireland when he CHUCK FEENEY (centre) in terms of career progression, but resources that are available for decided, adecade ago, to recruit Feeney, founder of Atlantic in many cases survival. The science in Ireland today, the Government as apartner in Philanthropies, was one of introduction of new technology, especially through Science launching the Programme for four benefactors who such as genetic engineering and Foundation Ireland.” Research in Third-Level Institu- matched money from the EC tions (PRTLI). enabling the creation of the Dr Martin Naughton is execu- Institute of Genetics at TCD Smurfit professor Seamus Martin tive chairman of Glen Dimplex, one of the world’s largest manufac- DR MARTIN NAUGHTON (left) PROF SEAMUS Martin’s work at turers of small electrical appli- Naughton’s contribution to the Institute of Genetics in TCD ances. the establishment of the holds considerable promise for Naughton is an imaginative sup- Institute of Genetics in 1996 the development of new cancer porter of research in Ireland, and was one of the earliest therapies. has supported the Naughton Insti- examples of his commitment Martin, the Smurfit professor tute for Nanotechnology at TCD, to developing world-class of medical genetics, along with research in this country his research team, has published aseries of papers in leading international journals Benefactor profile AWB Vincent Benefactor profile Wellcome Trust on the subject of programmed cell death. Recently featured in IN 1975, AWB Vincent (born THE WELLCOME Trust supports the work of at the University of Leicester and carried out his and others can be accessed by researchers all a Nature Reviews article, at Muckross House, researchers all over the world who work to post-doctoral research in the US. Upon his over the world. Martin’s work examines how Killarney) established the improve human and animal health. The Trust return to the UK, he helped to set up the New One-third of the human genome has been cells can commit suicide when Wellcome Trust awards for a Vincent Scholarships, awards £600 million (¤753 million) every year Blood scheme with the Irish sequenced at the Sanger injured or diseased. number of different projects. designed to support to arange of projects covering biomedical Government, to support the Institute as part of the Human The research also explores Martin was awarded afull third-year genetics research, technology transfer, medical work of young researchers here. Genome Project. how and why cancerous cells professorship at TCD in 1999. undergraduates at Trinity humanities and activities that promote abetter In the early 1990s, Morgan “When the human genome resist being killed by drugs He is an expert on apoptosis, or College Dublin to travel to public understanding of science. got involved in the Human was first sequenced it cost designed to eradicate them. programmed cell death. US laboratories to study in The trust was instrumental in the Genome Project, through his about $400 million [about Martin’s laboratory is ranked As an SFI chief investigator, the summer months. establishment of TCD’s Institute of Genetics, involvement with the ¤283 million],” says Morgan. in the top 10 international Martin and his colleagues in the This legacy continues to opened in 1998. The Wellcome Trust saw fit to Wellcome Trust. “Now we can do asequence research centres focused on Molecular Cell Biology enhance the academic support the establishment of the new institute, “The Wellcome Trust linked for less than $1 million cancer cell behaviour. His work Laboratory at TCD are using development of students. but already had awell-established funding with the Human Genome [¤700,000]. Eventually, we has been awarded funding from protein identification methods Every year, six relationship with TCD, according to Michael Project through the work of think it should cost around Science Foundation Ireland to chart alterations to cells undergraduate students Morgan (pictured right). John Solstun,” Morgan $1,000 [¤707]. (SFI). Martin completed his PhD undergoing apoptosis. spend three months “Irish researchers can apply to the explains. “Sir John Sulston, “As more individual research at NUI Maynooth in By understanding how cells studying new methods and Wellcome Trust for funding in the same way founder and director of the genomes are being 1990. normally behave during sharing expertise in leading genetics laboratories as their UK counterparts,” says Morgan, Sanger Institute in Cambridge sequenced, human genome He carried out his apoptosis, the research team across the Atlantic. formerly of Wellcome Trust. “Trinity has done University, argued that variation can be studied and post-doctoral research in hopes to uncover information Nowadays, these undergraduates have plenty to well in terms of competitive grants, because sequence data from the human linked to all sorts of potential University College London which can be used to devise offer, because the TCD Institute of Genetics ranks the standard of the research is outstanding. In genome should be freely health outcomes such as Medical School, before going on therapies aimed at among the leading genetics research centres in the addition to awarding the grant for the new available to international heart disease and obesity. It to study HIV immunotherapy manipulating apoptosis in world. Vincent was afounding member of the American institute, we have along history of awarding researchers, and should be released as quickly has to be an international process –not even and tumour therapy at the La disease situations. This has the Irish Foundation. The foundation partnered with Ireland grants to TCD to support the work of as possible.” the US has alarge enough sample to allow for Jolla Institute for Allergy and potential to open up new Funds in 1983, forming the American Ireland Fund. In researchers such as Peter Humphries.” Funding from the Wellcome Trust for the comparison. We need to share ‘biobanks’ all Immunology in San Diego. methods to attack cancer cells the meantime, Vincent extended his philanthropic work Morgan is aformer student of Trinity College Human Genome Campus in the Sanger over the world. An Irish biobank is at the As well as securing SFI and throw them into anatural into Germany, France and the UK. Dublin, who graduated in 1965 with adegree in Institute in Cambridge has ensured genome planning stage, Ihear.” funding for his work, Martin has “cell suicide” process. –Louise Holden biochemistry. He went on to aPhD programme sequence information generated by Sulston –Louise Holden successfully applied for –Louise Holden Thursday, September 18, 2008 THE IRISH TIMES 3

ASPECIAL REPORT TCDGeneticsat50

Profile Science Sweet success of sugar beet research Foundation Ireland

“BIOTECHNOLOGY AND nell, finished his undergraduate information and The history of Trinity degree in genetics. McConnell communications technology Bacterial completed his PhD at the Cali- represent the engines of future College Dublin’s fornia Institute of Technology and growth in the global economy. genetics was then returned to Trinity College Aworld-class research Department of Genetics Dublin in 1970, where he has capability in selected niches of is peppered with just coming on stream remained since. these two enabling from the US, and “The department was still tiny technologies is an essential fortuitous incidents – “ back then,” McConnell says. foundation for future growth.” Dawson must have been “There were only three students So concluded the report not least the decision when Igraduated.” commissioned by the by the Irish Sugar one of the first people to By the mid-1980s, there were Government in 1998, which led get involved –hewas six members of staff –including to the establishment of Company to give Prof Peter Humphries, current Science Foundation Ireland apioneer in bacterial head of the Department of (SFI), amajor supporter of funding for the support Genetics –and staff and students genetics research at Trinity of the humble sugar genetics were based in the former St College Dublin. Established in Mark’s Hospital. 2003, SFI has responsibility for beet, writes Dick Left: David McConnell, “Then agreat thing happened. administering Ireland’s Professor of Genetics at TCD. Provost Bill Watts was trying to Technology Foresight Fund. Ahlstrom Photograph: Mac Innes find benefactors who would endow “Out of our total budget of Photography professorships to celebrate the uni- ¤12.3 million, Trinity has been Above: Prof George Dawson, versity’s quatercentenary in 1992,” amajor recipient of funding,” founder of the department says McConnell. says Prof Frank Gannon, “Michael Smurfit agreed to director general of SFI. “Ken HE HUMBLE sugar beet By then Dawson had been endow achair in medical genetics Wolfe, for example, has played akey role in the joined on the faculty by Peter in 1989, and in 1990 Prof Stephen received ¤1.3 million for development of one of Smith-Keary, but fortuitously the Whitehead was appointed. This investigations into yeast the world’s most impor- then government had decided to was atremendous fillip to the genetics (see page 6).” T tant genetics research build up agricultural research, gen- department.” SFI funding is awarded on groups. Interest in improving erally. New funders stepped forward, foot of peer reviews of what was then one of Ireland’s key “An Foras Talúntais [the Agri- including the Wellcome Trust and individual applications. Trinity crops helped Trinity College’s new cultural Research Institute] was the research charity that has long is not afavoured institution; Department of Genetics at apiv- founded and Tom Walsh became supported Humphries’ work on SFI is not pushing any one otal time in its development. its first head,” McConnell says. the blinding disease, retinitis pig- research centre over another, The department has been “He was avisionary, and was mentosa –Fighting Blindness. Gannon insists. Rather the ranked seventh in the world in assembling ateam to set up agri- By the mid-1990s, Provost Tom quality of applications from key terms of the number of references cultural research units all over Ire- Mitchell was again in search of researchers at the institute is to research papers published by land. He appointed some brilliant funding, this time because the consistently high and getting members of auniversity genetics young scientists.” then government had offered to higher. department, says TCD’s Professor Among them were Dr Vincent pay half the cost of new research “The Trinity Institute of of Genetics, David McConnell. Connolly and Dr Patrick Cun- buildings being built on university Genetics is 50 years old, and is This is despite the fact that the ningham, now the Government campuses. now in seventh place in the department has only been in place chief scientific adviser. “George He suggestedareplacement for world in terms of genetics since 1958. persuadedthe institute to allow the old St Mark’s Hospital building research. The standard of Ultimately, the creation of the these two young men to give lec- and again received support, with a applications from Trinity gets department comes down to Prof tures in the department,” with £2 million donation from Michael higher every year, so it’s no George Dawson, aCambridge Cunningham lecturing from 1962. Smurfit, stg£2million from Well- surprise that the institute is graduate and research fellow who The first graduate from the come and funds from Chuck attracting so much funding applied in 1949 for avacancy in young department of genetics in Feeney and Dr Martin Naughton from SFI.” Dublin. Ironically, it wasn’t in 1961 was Adrienne Jessop, who (see page 2). The then taoiseach As aselected niche of genetics at all but in botany, the botany, he pursued adifferent line winfunding. “Eventually, he got Crick made their Nobel Prize-win- land’s most important and valu- went on to complete aPhD. Other Bertie Ahern opened the new biotechnology research, subject in which Dawson had of research. His special area of money from the old Medical ning discovery of the structure of able agricultural products at the early graduates were Shahla Smurfit Institute of Genetics in genetics is becoming a taken his BA. study while in Cambridge was bac- Research Council of Ireland,” the universal genetic code, DNA, time, and the head of the Irish Thompson and John Atkins, who 1998. DNA’s co-discoverer James recognised strength of the Irish His tutor had received aletter terial mutations. McConnell says. the molecule used by every living Sugar Company, Lt Gen Michael together made avery important Watson has been afrequent visitor research community. “In from David Webb, professor of “Bacterial genetics was just Dawson sent his research stu- thing to pass on genes to subse- Joseph Costello, decided that the early discovery about how proteins to the institute, says McConnell. economic terms, such an botany at Trinity, indicating that a coming on stream from the US, dent, Stuart Glover, to one of the quent generations. country needed abreeding pro- are synthesised by genes. He attended celebrations there outcome is obviously positive, junior lectureship had opened up and Dawson must have been one world’s leading centres for this The study of genetics had gramme to improve the crop. Dawson and Smith-Keary in 2003 to mark the 50th anniver- but the work of the institute is and asking whether there were of the first people in Britain to get work, Cold Spring Harbor Labora- reached aturning point and it He learned of the genetics work became the “twin pillars” of the sary of the discovery of the double not focused on commercial suitable candidates about. involved,” says McConnell. “He tory in New York. The research grew rapidly. Happily, says McCon- under way at Trinity, and agreed department, says McConnell, one helix, and is at Trinity this week as transfer,” says Gannon. “This is “Georgecame over to Dublin in was apioneer in bacterial goal was to map individual genes nell, Dawson was aspecialist in the with the university to provide providing amathematical under- the Department of Genetics cele- high-quality research for the 1949, had alook and liked it and genetics.” in the chromosomes. Dawson then field, which meant that Trinity £15,000 over three years to sup- standing of thegenetic processes brates its 50th anniversary. sake of knowledge and better was offered the job. He moved This was the time when sent another student, Edward would have an early entry to this port teaching and research in fun- and the other specialising in the George Dawson, the man who understanding of the way over in 1950,” says Prof McCon- researchers around the world Glanville, to Cold Spring. Later, groundbreaking science. damental genetics. molecular biology of genetic inher- started it all, retired in 1987, and genes work, for the good of nell. “He and Prof Webb taught sought to be the first to explain the Peter Smith-Keary took up the Money, as ever, was an issue, “The board decided to set up a itance. died in 2004, aged 77. But his human and animal health far the whole of botany at Trinity and mechanisms of inheritance. work in Dublin. but then the common sugar beet department of genetics, and it was Dawson became professor of legacy continues to live on, helped into the future.” George was an inspiring teacher.” Dawson brought this research It was about this time, in 1953, made its contribution to the story. started in 1958.” Who better to genetics in 1967, the year after the in its small but significant way by –Louise Holden But even as he lectured in effort to Dublin and struggled to that James Watson and Francis The sugar beet was one of Ire- run it than George Dawson? current holder of that post, McCon- the humble sugar beet. Passing on the genetic foresight to future generations Genetics in the21stCentury Whether laying the foundations for the discovery McConnell. “His mother and which HIV is read out. It involves father were born in Ireland, and the ribosome occasionally reading of DNA’s structure or revolutionising bacterial on his mother’s side he was related four base pairs instead of three to the great William Rowan Ham- base pairs,” explains McConnell. genetics, Irish researchers have played key roles ilton. Wilkinsis100 per cent Irish McConnell himself spearheaded in the development of modern genetics, writes in his genes.” amove towards isolating stretches Apart from the race to work out of DNA at Caltech in the late 1960s Claire O’Connell the structure of DNA, other and came to Trinity in the 1970s, genetic research was continuing building up expertise in chopping apace in the mid-20th century, out and sequencing stretches of and Rathfarnham-born physician genetic material. N1953, James Watson and formed, you could get these diffrac- Willam (Bill) Hayes was consid- Researchers here have since Francis Crick planted the Amer- tion patterns. That indicated that ered aleader in bacterial genetics developed particular expertise in Iican and British flags on acor- the proteins were in aregular whose work on E.coli mating rev- bioinformatics and molecular evo- nerstone discovery in genetics: the array, and within the proteins olutionised the field. lution that has persisted over the structure of the DNA helix. But Ire- the atomswere in aregular “Hayes made some of the decades. land and Irish researchers had a array implying that you most important discov- The output has included com- profound and recognised influ- could get the 3D struc- eries in genetics in the puter software such as the ence on the field in the lead up to ture of proteins.” 1950s,” says McCon- sequence-aligning Clustal, which that watershed moment, and they Bernal was nell. “He contrib- McConnell describes as “one of have run with the baton since, noted for his uted to our the mostuseful programmes in making world-class contributions wide-ranging under- the field of molecular evolution”, to the practice and understanding insights standing and the publication-alerting of molecular genetics. and of the service PubCrawler, which trawls One of the most influential attrac bac- through literature daily and works of the pre-helical genetic returns items of interest to indi- era arose from aseries of lectures vidual users. delivered in Trinity in 1943 by PubCrawler is hosted at TCD physicist Erwin Schrödinger. and is used by thousands of sci- Invited by Éamon de Valera to entists around the world work in Ireland, the Austrian- today. born physicist turned his Towards the end of mind to the differences the century, the race between living and was on to figure non-living systems. out the genetic Nobody knew sequence of what agene was, complex organ- but Schrödinger isms, and Irish sci- guessed that genes had entists got in at the to have certain kinds of ground floor, according properties, they had to con- to McConnell. “In the late Celebrating tain information and it was 1980s, we moved into genome coded in some kind of molecular sequencing and the first major 50 yearsofGenetics structure. genome project in the world which Schrödinger suggested that the was organised co-operatively was at TrinityCollege Dublin genetic material could be an “ape- yeast –wetook part in that right at riodic crystal”, and through his ted the beginning.” seminal What is Life? lectures at many Such pioneering activity led to Trinity in 1943 and abook of the prominent laterIrish involvement in studies same name the following year, he scientific col- of the human genome, and Trinity- inspired ageneration of scientists, laborators, Aspecially based scientists Ken Wolfe, Aoife International experts will discuss recent advances in geneticsand their impact including Watson. including future commissioned McLysaght and Karsten Hokamp Meanwhile, another figure was Nobel laureates Max portrait of were invited as analysts on the on medicine, law,agricultureand understanding thehuman condition. also influencing scores of minds Perutz and Dorothy James Watson human project and listed as about the nature of large mole- Hodgkin, and Rosalind by Robert Ballagh co-authors on the landmark 2001 Saturday20th September 11am-6pm D4 Hotels Ballsbridge Inn (formerly Jury's), Pembroke Road, Dublin 4 cules. Nenagh-born John Des- Franklin, akey player in the publication. mond Bernal pioneered tech- discovery of DNA’s structure. “We were up with this whole niques of X-ray crystallography at “He inspired avery large number terial chromosome, which is business –wetook on bioinfor- Prof.SteveJones,University College London Prof. Paul Sharp, University of Edinburgh Cambridge in the 1930s, bom- of people, people had ahuge made of DNA of course. And his matics, we became good DNA “Is human evolution over? -the view from the genes” “Tracing the origins of HIV” barding protein crystals with respect for him,” says McConnell. work helped to establish that those sequencers, good analysts and so X-rays to generate scattered “dif- “This was the man who showed chromosomes were made of cir- we were involved at an early stage BrianNaughton,Founding R&D Architect, 23andMe Prof. PatrickCunningham, TrinityCollege Dublin fraction” patterns. people that it was worthwhile cular molecules.” in these very big international “Geneticsgets personal: how to read your genome and and Chief ScientificAdvisertothe Government. trying to look at the structure of “Bernal turned people’s atten- Trinityresearchers John Atkins projects,” says McConnell. what it means for your health” “Feeding the world; geneticsinthe lead” tion to the possibility that you may large proteins and molecules and and Shahla Thompson also left “Broadly speaking, overthe last be able to find the structure of indeed DNA.” their mark on bacterial genetics by 50 years, we have somehow man- Another mind that Bernal discovering“recoding”, where the Rockne Harmon, SanFrancisco District Attorney’s Office Prof. Stephen Minger,King’s CollegeLondon very large molecules like proteins, aged to keep in touchover atime “ForensicDNA typing: are we realizingits fullpotential?” and he was aware that you could ignited was that of Maurice base-pairs or “letters” of the when the field of genetics was “Stem cells –anew frontier” get crystals of purified proteins, Wilkins, whose crystallography genetic code are read in an unu- developing very fast, and when- including[the digestive enzyme] work helped uncover the stucture sual way. ever any new field emerged as Allare welcome. Admission: €5. Tickets available at thedoor or at: http://www.genetics50.org pepsin,” says David McConnell, of DNA and earned him the Nobel “Pursuing the way the genetic important, we were either already Professor of Genetics at Trinity. Prizealongside Watson and Crick. code was sometimes read uncon- there or we became involved in it “Bernal discovered atrick: if Although born in New Zealand ventionally led to interesting dis- reasonably quickly and always, I you suspend the protein in the and educated in England, Wilkins coveries later, including thatitis think, making decent contribu- liquid in whichthe crystal was was genetically Irish, explains an important part in the way in tions,” McConnell says. 4 THE IRISH TIMES Thursday, September 18, 2008

TCDGeneticsat50 ASPECIAL REPORT

Timeline The growth of Solid, sound investment in biotech genetics at Trinity 1950 Bacterial genetics in botany Ireland is an international giant when it comes to Bacterial geneticist George Dawson (ex Cambridge) biotechnology –due to acombination of factors, appointed to Botany, Trinity. including astrong regulatory system, an 1958 attractive corporate tax rate and, not least, a Department of genetics Irish Sugar Company gives lasting link between top university research and £15,000 to establish a industry, writes Sandra Ryan department of genetics. 1959 Teaching in genetics Dawson and Smith Keary start degree course and pursue bacterial genetics.

RELAND EMERGED from tion (Ibec). According to Matt 1964 the bleak years of the 1970s Moran, director of the IBIA – Quantitative Genetics and 1980s as the breeding which was set up in 1996 to (Trinity and Agricultural ground for one of the fastest- prompt government investment in Institute) Patrick Cunningham Igrowing biotechnology and biotech research –the fact that Ire- (ex UCD, Cornell) and Vincent pharmaceutical industries in the land is now recognised as ahub for Connolly (exUCD, Birmingham). world.But who should get credit biotechnology is due to sustained for this massive change? planning from IDA Ireland, Sci- 1970 Schering-Plough and Wyethled ence Foundation Ireland (SFI), MolecularGenetics the way by locating here in the andbecause of universities like David McConnell (ex TCD and 1960s and 1970s; the Government Trinity College Dublin conducting Caltech); first DNA sequencing and Industrial Development high-quality research. (1976-7). Agency (IDA) Ireland (and, later, “Exports from the industry are Science Foundation Ireland –SFI), now at about ¤43 billion, which is 1975 determinedly plannedthe develop- 45 per cent of our total exports,” Yeast Genetics ment;and universities, like Trinity says Moran. Bruce Carter (ex Edinburgh, College Dublin, were involved in “There aren’t many areas Ire- Brandeis). the area from the beginning – land can ‘major’ in, but this is one. when there was no funding – We have some big investors here 1975 turning out high-quality science like Wyeth, Schering-Plough, Vincent Scholarships and medical graduates that are Pfizer, Eli Lilly, and also Genzyme Dr AWB Vincent founds now vital to the industry. and Centocor.” scholarships to support Back in the 1970s, according to The list goes on, and includes summer research projects. David McConnell, Professor of Merck and Co, which has just got Genetics at TCD, the problem was planning permission for anew 1979 not that there was no research ¤200 million site in Co Carlow, Genetic Engineering and being done, it was that they had no which will be astandalone vaccine Biotechnology money or real support to do it. plant, the first of its kind in the Bustin,Ollington and McConnell “Trinity College has been country. They will produce clonethe gene for amylase. involved in this since the begin- Gardasil, the vaccine used to pre- ning –inthe 1970s, we were doing vent the virus that causes cervical 1982 work here, studying genetics – cancer, Human Papilloma Virus Evolutionary Genetics with little or no support or (HPV). Paul Sharp (ex Edinburgh; now funding, of course,” he says. “I think it’s safe to say that, out- Ireland’s strong regulatory system is very important when producing drugs like Enbrel, for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (produced by Wyeth) or Gardasil, the Edinburgh). “We eventually had companies side of North America, we have vaccine to prevent the virus that causes cervical cancer (Merck and Co). Photograph: iStockphoto like Biocon in Co Cork, ahighly the highest amount of capital 1983 innovative company, supporting investment right now in this TNF, which is present in the joints regulatory system –very impor- which the US was looked at in the Medical Molecular Genetics us. And it was companies like this industry. We have managed to put of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers Outside of North tant when producing drugs –is 1960s and 1970s, and that it is now Peter Humphries (ex TCD, that attracted more support for ourselves in this position through and activates cells that cause pain America, we also adeciding factor. recognised as ahub of biotech- Strasbourg). the biotechnology industry.” sustained planning and invest- and inflammation. Enbrel works “If these companies are going to nology. “If we go back to the They also received great early ment,” according to the head of by disarming TNF. have the highest be making such big investments, 1980s, when what we had were 1985 support from the Guinness family, pharmaceuticalsand biotech at Centocor Inc, meanwhile, asub- amount of capital they need to know they can get the heroic scientists doing the work Human Molecular Genetic from Dr Tom Hardiman, and from IDA Ireland, Barry O’Dowd. sidiary of Johnson &Johnson, pro- “ product out quickly and properly, with no funding, and compare it to Mapping Danish company Novo-Nordisk. The first major biotechnology duces the drug Remicade at its investment right now in and to ahigh standard,” says nowadays, it paints an extraordi- RP Ireland Fighting Blindness As awareness of biotechnology investment in Ireland was plant in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork. O’Dowd. nary picture,” says Frank Gannon, funds apilot project to map and genetic engineering and what Wyeth’s, in Grange Castle in Remicade is used to treat auto- the biotechnology “Wyeth’s rheumatoid arthritis director general of Science Foun- genes for retinitis pigmentosa. it could do for people’s health Clondalkin, Dublin 22. immune diseases such as rheuma- drug, Enbrel, is agood example of dation Ireland (SFI). grew internationally, many people Wyeth –which already had sig- toid arthritis, Crohn’sdisease, and industry this –that is, a¤1billion-plus drug, “TCD was aleading hub for this 1987 in Ireland took note and began lob- nificant investment in Ireland at psoriasis, and is highly successful, and needs to be produced in a research, and became skilled at Plant Molecular Genetics bying for change, and for funding its pharmaceutical site in New- achieving sales of more than for example, and is recognised for good regulatory environment, approaching the EU for funding – Tony Kavanagh (ex UCD, to make the changes. bridge –invested ¤1.8 billion in the $1.3 billion (about ¤900 million) its work in this area. It also ranks which it is.” which meant the agenda was set Cambridge) starts plant In the late 1970s in the US, with project, which employsover 1,200 in 2003 –according to the com- very highly for the quality of its work He listed Ireland’staxation rate by whatever theEUprogramme molecular genetics in Ireland. the birth of synthetic human people, most of whom are edu- pany, it is the first biotechnology in genetics and has avery strong as anotherreason –our corporate was at the time. Which obviously insulin, the biotechnology industry cated to third-level degree or PhD “blockbuster” to do so. So why are base in neuroscience —Glaxo- tax rate is 12.5 per cent; not the was not ideal. 1988 was growing rapidly. level, and which produces Enbrel, these industry giants settling in SmithKline recently did adeal with lowest, but still very competitive. “And now, R&D is not an Genome Projects and Genome Each new scientific advance cap- alife-changing drug for rheuma- Ireland? the college, based on research Perhaps the real way to judge add-on or aluxury, but acorner- Frank Gannon, director general Evolution tured the attention of both the toid arthritis sufferers. Barry O’Dowd says one reason being done into Alzheimer’s dis- how strong Ireland has become in stone of our economy. of Science Foundation Ireland McConnell joins European yeast media and the public, and by 1988, Enbrel contains agenetically- is the the high quality of university ease. Thislink between industry the industry is to look at our repu- “SFI came aboutbecause it was genome project; Higgins (now five proteins from genetically-engi- engineered protein that blocks a research and scientific skill base. and the universities is important,” tation internationally –everyone recognised that we needed to agreed on by everyone, including UCD) and Sharp invent neered cells had been approved as natural substance in the body “Trinity College is number two in says O’Dowd. agrees that people look at Ireland focus on science and on devel- the then government and Mary CLUSTAL (1988); Trinity in drugs by the US Food and Drug called tumour necrosis factor, or the world for immunology citations, Ireland’s reputation for astrong differently now, in the way in oping the industry. This was Harney, then minister for Enter- teams that sequence the whole Administration (FDA). prise, Trade and Employment. genomes of yeast (1996), By the end of the 1990s, this “The real master plan –and we Bacillus subtilis (1997) and number had jumped to more Profile The IDA connection have achieved this –was to move Arabadopsis (1999). than 125. from apoint where we just manu- “As the industry grew, the IDA THE INDUSTRIAL Development Agency investment, and promoted exports. “The due to anumber of factors. “The quality of tax rate of just 12.5 per cent –isanother factureproducts, to one where we 1989 began to become very involved, (IDA) has been vital to the success of the best evidence of the growth that has the graduates leaving the universities is point of attraction and we have avery use the innovationand skill in this Smurfit Chair of Medical backing the whole idea of biotech- biotechnology industry in Ireland. Its occurred is to look at some of the important –most of the people needed to strong science base. “Trinity College is country to make, produce and Genetics nology and driving it forward in strategy for attracting business has paid companies developing here –like Merck, work in these developments are number two in the world for immunology research.” Steven Whitehead (ex Oxford, Ireland,” says McConnell. off –Ireland now attracts 31 per cent of which just got planning permission for a PhD-level graduates,” says O’Dowd. citations, for example, and is recognised The next step, according to Harvard) appointed (1991); “Again, we already had places all healthcare investment coming into ¤200 million site in Carlow,” says O’Dowd. “Another big reason we get the for its work in this area. It also ranks very Matt Moran, is growing and devel- Seamus Martin appointed like Schering-Plough in Co Cork, Europe and, in recent years, has had “Pfizer has just finished the validation investment is that when companies are highly for the quality of its work in oping indigenous companies out (1999). which was one of the the first sig- billions of euro invested by some of the process on their site in Dún Laoghaire – looking to invest, they are thinking of risk genetics and has avery strong base in of the research being done here, nificant GM pharma plants in the world’s biggest pharmaceutical and another huge investment, as is the management and mitigation, from a neuroscience —GlaxoSmithKline recently and also developing the compa- 1991 world, and gradually, other compa- biotechnology firms. Genzyme expansion in Waterford – corporate strategy point of view. did adeal with that department, based on nies currentlyhere and encour- Clinical Molecular Genetics nies were attracted here by the According to Barry O’Dowd, head of there’s an investment of ¤500 million in “They need to be sure they can build work they are doing into Alzheimer’s aging them to grow. (Trinity and St James’s skill that was available and the pharmaceuticals and biotech in the IDA, it total. Centocor and Eli Lilly also have where the product will be delivered on disease,” says O’Dowd. Pfizer, for example, now has its Hospital) Mark Lawler (exTCD), research that was being done.” was joined-up thinking that led, in large ongoing projects. Ithink it’s safe to say time and to ahigh standard, and where “The link with industry is important and own internal bank in Ireland, and as Humphries andSean McCann The IDA’s strategy was vital to part, to the area’s growth. In 1958, Ireland that outside North America, we have the their products will meet regulations. Ithink Trinity’s new biosciences building, biotechnology plants and products (St James’s Hospital). Ireland’s growth, as was lobbying introduced its first programme for highest amount of capital investment Ireland has an excellent regulatory due for 2010, will only strengthen this,” are developed, other, related compa- from the Irish BioIndustry Associa- economic expansion, which removed right now in this industry.” system in place,” he says. Ireland’s he says. nies follow –scientific software and 1992 tion (IBIA), part of the Irish Busi- protectionism, encouraged foreign direct How Ireland reached this position is favourable tax regime –with acorporate – Sandra Ryan device companies, forexample. The Ocular Genetics Unit ness and Employers Confedera- future can only be bright. Wellcome Trust funds the Ocular Genetics Unit.

1994 Profile Professor Martina Newell-McGloughlin Neuropsychiatric Genetics Realising the pharmaceutical (Trinity and St James’s) Michael Gill sets up ONE OF the leading experts on Institute of Health (NIH). So Neuropsychiatric Genetics. biotechnology in the United we’ve seen ahuge change in a States is awoman who short period of time,” she says. 1994 graduated in genetics from So has Ireland, and through her potential Ireland has to offer Genetic Anthropology and Trinity College in 1988, when continued involvement with TCD Ancient DNA she left the country –inwhich and SFI, Prof McGloughlin has Dan Bradley (ex Cambridge). opportunities were then scarce – witnessed this change to pursue her career abroad. first-hand. SANDRA RYAN “The decision to invest in Ire- 1995 Professor Martina “I remember in the late land really came about because of Mouse Transgenetics and Gene Newell-McGloughlin directs the 1990s, at the first meeting in THE STORY of how Wyeth, one of anumber of factors. One was tax Therapy UC Systemwide Biotechnology Limerick that eventually led to the biggest investors in biotech- reasons –Ireland had developed Humphries and Farrar. Research and Education the establishment of SFI, we nology and pharmaceuticals in the tax breaks for research and devel- Programme (UCBREP). She won agreed that the main priority in country, developed in Ireland is an opment [R&D] that are ahuge 1996 this programme away from UC Ireland should be on promoting interesting one. It highlights how advantage. Another reason was Human Genetics Degree Berkeley in 2001. excellence in science. SFI really the industry went from one in the quality of the people here –we Her programme was singled deserves alot of credit for how which people struggled to find needed about 1,250 qualified 1998 out as an example of how a much has changed,” she says. employment –atatime when uni- people who could build and Smurfit Institute of Genetics multi-campus research unit can Also in 1999, McGloughlin versities struggled for research operate the planned facility. Also Smurfit Institute of Genetics reinvent itself to address TCD graduate, Prof met Mary Harney, then minister funding –toone that now employs we needed an adequate site. established with support from evolving needs. Martina Newell-McGloughlin for Enterprise, Trade and thousands and generates millions “We found the 90 acres at the EC, Atlantic Philanthropies, She is also co-director of a Employment, when Harney of euro in revenue. Grange Castle in Dublin and it was Dr Martin Naughton, Wellcome National Institute of Health (NIH) “In the late 1980s, Ileft for visited San Francisco on a Wyeth first came to Sligo in basically ready for us –wecould Trust and Dr Michael Smurfit. Training Grant in Biomolecular the US and got ajob as an official visit. 1974 to produce SMA infant milk move in aweek after planning per- Technology, one of only four in assistant in the biotechnology “It was one of thebest things I products. At that time, says Wyeth mission was approved.” 2003 California. department at UC Davis –itwas ever did, meeting her –Ispoke Biotech communications director Of course, the fact that Wyeth Double Helix McGloughlin greatly abrand new job, exploring the to her and we listened to each Peter O’Brien: “People struggled already had successful plants in Wyeth runs abiotech plant, occupying 90 acres of land, at Grange (Brian King) Donated by Dr contributed to the formation of whole idea of how to integrate other and Iknew that if anyone to get jobs.” Ireland also helped –they set up Castle, in Clondalkin, Dublin, employing 1,250 people Beate Schuler to commemorate Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) the evolving biotechnology could change Ireland, she could. Over 30 years later, Wyeth runs their Wyeth Pharma division in the discovery of the double and is now amember of its industry with academic That has worked –now people amassive biotech plant, occupying Newbridge, Kildare in 1992, which came directly from Ireland, and of opioid use. “I think, to continue helix (1953). board of directors. Her research. speak of Ireland as the place to 90 acres of land, at Grange Castle, was their first pharmaceutical the 10 per cent we hired from over- the progress and innovation, it is reputation in the field spreads “I was basically working to go for research. in Clondalkin, Dublin –aninvest- investment in Ireland. seas, 50 per cent were Irish vital that science is continually 2002 further than just the US –the integrate research being carried “People often ask me about ment of ¤1.8 billion that employs The Newbridge site –like the people coming back to work here. funded in schools, at both sec- Neurogenetics Vatican recently asked her to out in the industry with Ireland, and many people are over 1,250 people and manufac- biotech plant –now has a In thelate 1970s and 1980s, these ondary and third level,” says Kevin Mitchell (ex TCD, join apanel of distinguished academic research –atthat seriously considering it for tures Enbrel, atreatment for rheu- co-located product development people left Ireland for jobs –there O’Brien. “If we improve on the Berkeley) (2002); Mani scientists to brief them on time, some academics looked research, the way they matoid arthritis and an excellent facility, and in total, the company were none here. This has obvi- number of people doing science, Ramaswami (ex Caltech, biotechnology, or, as they put it, down on the industry work as considered the US in the 1960s example of how genetic engi- now employs 3,300 people. ously changed.” we will ensure there are enough Arizona) (2006); Pablo Labrador on the “opportunities and something you only did if you and 1970s,” she says. neering can transform lives. The Grange Castle site reveals The site has five plants: one for people in the area to do research (ex UC Berkeley 2006). challenges” in the area. She will couldn’t get involved in the “I think there is more spent O’Brien explains why they some interesting statistics on vaccines,two fill-and-finish plants and develop new medicines. do this in May of next year, and academic side. per capita on R&D in Ireland chose Ireland to build the plant, employment in the industry. The for syringe and vials –where they “We also need to keep making 2006 remains admirably unaffected “When we first started than currently in the US.” which was opened by the Minister average age of employees there is manufacture and distribute pre- science fun and accessible for Trinity College Dawson Prize in by her immense reputation as a integrating both fields, people in She still travels back and forHealth, Mary Harney, in 2005. 33, and the ratio of male to female filled syringes and drug vials –an young people, so they stay inter- Genetics scientist. academia had no idea of the forth to Ireland, through her “It really started with the drug staff is approximately 50-50. Enbrel plant and alarge develop- ested in it. If not, there may not be First awardee: John Sulston. “The situation in Ireland was quality of the research being work with SFI and Trinity Enbrel, which we jointly own with “These are young, highly-edu- ment facility. enough people to work in the very different when Ileft the done by industry. College, and continues to Amgen, an American biotech- cated people;65per cent have a Four main products are devel- industry in years to come. 2007 country –none of us could get “There is now adedicated contribute to, and be proud of, nology company. In 1999, because third-level degree, 5per cent have oped on site –Enbrel; Prevenar, “And it is afantastic industry to Epigenetics and oncogenetics jobs and ahuge amount of emphasis on biotechnology the progress that has been we wanted to manufacture the aPhD and 15 per cent aMaster’s. thepneumococcal vaccine; Tyg- work in. You’re coming to work (Trinity and Tallaght Hospital) people left,” says McGloughlin, research here, and in other made. drug ourselves in Europe, we And 30 per cent have acertificate acil, an antibiotic; and Relistor, a knowing you are making medi- Adrian Bracken (ex UCD, TCD, from her home in California. universities –and in the National –Sandra Ryan began looking at anumber of loca- or diploma,”says O’Brien. recently approved drug to treat cines that will improve lives –it’s a Copenhagen). tions,” says O’Brien. “Ninety per cent of employees the peripheral side effects of brilliant motivation,” says O’Brien. Thursday, September 18, 2008 THE IRISH TIMES 5

ASPECIAL REPORT TCDGeneticsat50

Profile IdentiGEN: right time, right Trinity College now expects academics place for traceability to actively work towards acertain IDENTIGEN, Asuccessful “Within the department of level of tech spin-off company from Trinity genetics, there was avery transfer and not College Dublin’s department of favourable environment and just remain inside genetics, has, quite literally, strong encouragement,” he the walls of created profit from the dust of says. research centres old bones. The young company doing pure The company –which benefited enormously from research. enables asingle piece of meat having access to the college’s Photograph: Getty to be traced back to its source – laboratory facilities to start with Images emerged out of genetic –for ayoung start-up like research at TCD into the genetic IdentiGEN, the sheer cost of and evolutionary history of setting up such labs on their cattle breeds. own would have been a Using DNA that had been significant stumbling block to extracted from cattle bones, a the viability of their business research group, led by TCD plan, says Loftus. geneticist Prof Patrick Loftus also believes that the Cunningham –professor of constant contact with other animal genetics in the academics at TCD, and access Department of Genetics at TCD to research students have been and chief scientific adviser to ahuge help to the company. the Government –found that Having solid academic research cattle had been domesticated behind the company and not just once in the early history founders with published of mankind, as previously research “was helpful and lent believed, but twice. credibility” to their enterprise, DNA from ancient bones he says. revealed two different branches “We recently have for today’s domesticated established afacility in the US beasts, one that emerged in and we draw on the science and India and the other in the Middle the association with TCD for East, about half amillion years that centre, and also for special ago. projects,” says Loftus. The research team soon He also points out that most realised that the same type of venture capital firms “take But he has awide range of ideas analysis they were using could comfort in the fact that the on how to move commercialisa- give acut of beef or apiece of technology is derived from a tion forward and make the whole chicken in ashop or restaurant sound academic background” system easier for academics. perfect traceability. It would when considering making an Transfer of technology He’d like to see some sweeping provide away of linking the investment. changes to the broader business meat back to the animal or farm IdentiGEN has already and research picture in Ireland, from which it originated. achieved some international for astart. He thinks that Science With increasing concerns prominence. Its DNA Foundation Ireland (SFI) focuses about food safety and origins in “TraceBack” technology was too strongly on large multinational recent years, IdentiGEN and its used by the BBC Panorama involvement with research simple and inexpensive test for programme to show that Dutch to the real world projects rather than on small, confirming meat origin was the chicken producers were indigenous companies. right idea, in the right place and, injecting water and proteins Bringing in smaller partners is crucially, at the right time. from pork and cattle into of greater overall benefit to Ire- Ronan Loftus, IdentiGEN’s chicken meat to plump it up. Trinity College, with the support of Enterprise companies that have made it out and agrowth in the intellectual land and Irish business, and would director of global commercial From its US base in Kansas – so far have done so despite the property (IP) portfolio on the back give support to young companies, development and aTrinity in the heart of US cattle country Ireland, is continually working towards making system, rather than because of it”. of its funding of these new tech many of them campus spin-outs, genetics graduate who has –IdentiGEN hopes to expand In the past, tech transfer was a transfer offices, says Paul Roben, and create jobs within the country moved into business, says that even further in the services it research more productive than research papers more casual affair, with asingle Enterprise Ireland’s director for for IrishPhD students. Dr James Callaghan, associate the company owes much of its provides around the world. alone, writes Karlin Lillington person allotted to advise biotechnology in life sciences. He also says there’s acase to be director of TCD’s Research and origins to TCD. –Karlin Lillington researchers and departments “The continued funding is made for “bundling or aggregating Innovation office about getting laboratory work into dependent on further growth in IP across the universities”. This the open market. Now, supported tech transfer,” he says. “We’re would merge complementary tech- and because the IP was generated ness side and those that cross over ment team, including entrepre- by EI funding, the office has five putting funding in, in order to get nologies and research IP, making within its walls, Callaghan says. from academia into business can neurial chief executives, and that OP-NOTCH research is and research, and that there needs case workers, all with science PhDs results back out.” for astronger overall IP package. The issue of bringing in outside have atough time,” says Ronan is his office’s role, says Callaghan. always tough, but many to be more of agroup effort. and able to work with researchers But those goals are matched by As for what academics can management is key, as often aca- Loftus, aTCD Department of He is hoping agrowing number academics find the To that end, Enterprise Ireland through the entire patent and com- Callaghan’s zeal to increase com- expect, under the new system, a demics are not the right people to Genetics academic who made that of TCD geneticists and other greater challenge is to (EI)has established aprogramme mercialisation process. mercialisation from research. case worker is assigned to an aca- run acompany, he says. change himselftowork as director researchers will want to “give com- Troll pure research over to help fund expanded, dedicated “Tech transfer is no longer just “I want to build aculture where demic or group to carefully go He is critical that in the past, of global commercial development mercialisation ago.” into acommercial application that technology transfer offices within an administrative role, which we’re not afraid to spin out compa- through the work they feel is pat- academics have been expected to for successful genetics research “Innovation is amindset, acul- can spin out acampus company. third-level institutions to help makes all the difference with the nies,” he says. entable. If it looks promising, TCD play both roleswhile maintaining spin-off company, IdentiGEN. ture,and you have to take time to In the past, figuring out how to transform groundbreaking, crea- academics,” Callaghan says. “I also think we need to give a will bring in finance and amanage- teaching and administrative Loftus is one of the rare aca- build it and see if it works. make that transition easier and tive research into viable products, But he is clear that the process better return to the taxpayer than ment team for the company. duties. demics who has made that shift, “I’m just trying to put different more successful –and identifying services or stand-alone companies. is also not one where academics research papers alone.” TCD takes a15per cent stake in “Obviously there can be avery but most campus companies will people and things together, and theresearch that has commercial At Trinity College, this new might wander in on the off-chance In the past, TCD has spun out the company for its involvement steep learning curve on the busi- need access to apotential manage- make new things happen.” potential in the first place –has approach has meant an overhaul that their research might have two to three companies ayear, he been amajor issue for third-level of the technology transfer process some commercial benefit. says, and the intention is to institutions as well as the Govern- in Trinity’s Research and Innova- Instead, he says that TCD now increase this. “We should have ment agencies tasked with helping tion office, says new associate expects academics to actively companies going out every two to grow indigenous Irish businesses. director James Callaghan. work towards acertain level of three months.” Meanwhile, the Government He’s ready for aroot-and- tech transfer and not just remain The infrastructure is already in has also realised that commercial- branch transformation, he says. inside the walls of research cen- place, to some degree –TCD’s ising research and creating busi- “There are things we should be tres doing pure research, he says. Pearse Street business incubation nesses is not really acore strength doing that we’re not doing.” In part, that is because EI facilities are “the largest incubation of institutions focused on teaching He also acknowledges that “the expects to see arise in spin-offs centre in Europe”, Callaghan says. Protecting good ideas before they become public property FacultyofEngineering, Unique processes are being discovered daily Mathematics &Science by researchers –and protecting them through the patenting The Faculty of Engineering, Mathematics&Science offers a process is critical, wide range of internationally recognised courses. As one of the writes Karlin Lillington three faculties in the only Irish University within the top 100 universities in the world, the Faculty boasts world class teaching and research staff. HEN IT comes to pat- With eight Schools students areoffered avariety of exciting enting –protecting the Wintellectual property pro- choices including: duced by researchers –the aca- demic drive to publish and present •Astrophysics at conferences can be aresearch- er’s downfall. •Earth Sciences “You can only patent something if it hasn’t been made public,” •Human Genetics warns Dr Siobhan Yeats, director of the biotechnology directorate at •Mathematics the European Patent Office (EPO). Many academicshave made the •Medicinal Chemistry mistakeofspeaking about or pub- lishing their work before pro- •Theoretical Physics tecting it, enabling someone else to sneak in and file apatent ahead •Engineering with Management of them. Once an Irish patent has been issued, researchers can then approach the European Patent Office With adoctorate in genetics (above). Photograph: iStockphoto •Computer Science from Trinity College, Yeats is well If you’reconsidering pursuing studies in Genetics, exploreour positioned to understand the com- researcher’s home region, she own sets of challenges, Hally applications is still small, says plexities facing researchers when says. The office can also offer notes. “With biotechnology, it’s a Yeats, though it is increasing. The Science course (TR071) which is structured to give the student filing for patents. advice and help to those starting very young technology and patent bulk of patents filed for through “Researchers should start by out on the process,which can be law was written before it was her division come from the US, awide range of routes to aspecialist discipline with no less than talking to their technology quite involved. invented. It takes awhile for law to with the UK and Germany the 16 final degree options including Genetics, Microbiology, transfer offices about their work, “Essentially, when aresearcher catch up with technology,” says largest European applicants. to seeifthere is work that should in academia or acompany has an Hally. Therefore, it is particularly These days, with the boom in Biochemistry, Immunology,Botany,Zoology,Neuroscience, be protected,” she says. idea, that’s when they contact us,” important for patent specifications life sciences research, her depart- Environmental Sciences and Chemistry. Dr James Callaghan, associate says Anna Hally, patent attorney to be watertight as there’s agood ment is kept busy.They have over director of Trinity Research and with Dublin firm Cruickshanks chance they will be scrutinisedin 260 people working on biotech- The Faculty also offers direct entrytoadegree course in Human Innovation, agrees. and another TCD genetics grad- court as legal cases are actually nology patents in her office. “I want academics to think: ‘Is uate. At an initial meeting, the what define much of this new pat- “Twenty years ago, we had Genetics (TR073). there anything that can be attorney discusseswhat patent enting area. maybe 10 people working in the patented?’ We’re here to facilitate attorneys call “the invention”, the Once an Irish patent has been area. The field exploded in the Research in the Faculty has aworld-class reputation, the technology transfer,” he says. unique process the researcher issued, researchers can go to the 1990s,” she says. demonstrating high quality leading edge research through both With several case workers –all hopes to patent. EPO to get European-wide protec- She has worked in the EPO with PhDs themselves –ready to Most researchers tend to be tion for their intellectual property. during exciting biotechnology academic and industrial collaboration. With national and help, researchers at TCD can be working on avery narrow aspect This requires avalidation process times, when the human genome international leaders, the Faculty is actively engaged linked up with patent attorneys of an invention within academia, to verify the work patentable, says was decoded. Her work brings her who begin the process of pro- and for patenting purposes, need Hally. Once granted, the patent in contact with Nobel prizewin- in tackling some of the major challenges of today tecting intellectual property. to broaden out. “We want to patent will be valid in any of 32 countries, ners who, she says, tend to be very and tomorrow. Patent attorneys are different ageneral concept,” Hally says. though recognition of the patent good at explaining their projects from regular attorneys in that they Apatent specification is aspe- must be filed for in each state’s when applying for patents. For moreinformation please visit: bring ascience background and cific technical and legal descrip- patent office. Her advice to Irish researchers? bridge the worlds of science and tion that needstobeslightly dif- Filing in the US is aseparate “They should go at the matter http://www.ems.tcd.ie/ law, says Yeats. ferent for different territories, too process, somewhat different from with amore open mind about the or www.tcd.ie/Admissions The first place they will go is the –soafresh specification is used for the European process, and is advis- potentialoftheir work,” she says. Irish patent office, as apatent Ireland, the UK or the EU. able for many researchers. “They should think about what should first be applied for in a Genetics applications have their The number of Irish patent could be patented.” 6 THE IRISH TIMES Thursday, September 18, 2008

TCDGeneticsat50 ASPECIAL REPORT

Profile Prof TCD genetics graduates make afar-reaching impression Georgia Chenevix-Trench PETER McGUIRE Boyce Thompson Institute for programmes built into the coding In 1996, Chenevix-Trench latory molecules, which contribute Plant Research at Cornell Univer- sequence. He explains: “The became involved in anational con- to the regulation of about half of GENERATIONS OF Trinity Col- sity in New York. meaning of acode ‘word’ can be sortium to study all aspects of mammalian genes. lege genetics graduates have made Jagadish also spent 11 years at dynamically changed, the reading familial breast cancer. She has Closer to home,Stephen Bustin amajor impact on the world. Aus- the Division of Biomolecular Engi- register altered or ablock of now been joined at QIMR by two is aProfessor at Barts and the tralia, the US, England, Scotland, neering in Melbourne, Australia, coding sequence bypassed, further TCD genetics alumni, London School of Medicine and and India are among the many where he was aleading member of resulting in the synthesis of extra Brian McEvoy and Enda Byrne. Dentistry, the medical faculty of countries in which TCD genetics the team responsible for pro- or enhanced proteins or regula- Thousands of miles away, Queen Mary, University of alumni are engaged in ground- ducing agenetically-engineered tory consequences. Arising out of Andrew Grimson is apostdoctoral London. He has been heavily breaking research. sub-unit vaccine against aviral dis- this work has been adeep interest fellow at the Bartel Lab in the involved in the polymerase chain Some graduates, like Dr Mittur ease in poultry, for developing a in RNA, similar to DNA, which it Whitehead Institute at the prestig- reaction, which can be modified to Jagadish,were drawn to TCD due plant virus-based vaccine presenta- likely predates.Recent work has ious Massachusetts Institute of perform genetic manipulations, to its reputation. Jagadish, now tion system, and establishing dif- shown RNA plays amuch larger Technology (MIT). and has published the most widely- director of Monsanto Research ferent expression systemstosyn- roleinall living organisms than He is grateful for the doors TCD cited review on this subject. His Centre in Bangalore, left India in thesise recombinant proteins. anyone imagined, as can be seen in opened for him: “From the start, main scientific interestsrevolve 1976 to undertake his PhD. Prof John Atkins worksatthe The RNA World,freely download- the genetics department stood out around bowel diseases, and he sits “Dublin is etched in my BioSciences Institute of University able at rna.cshl.edu.” –people always seemed to enjoy on the boards of several journals. memory,” he says. “The broad- College Cork and the Department Prof Georgia Chenevix-Trench what they were doing. The lec- “My main memories of the mindedness of Prof George of Human Genetics at University of (see panel, right),who is carrying turers frequently conveyed the idea department are of the friendly and “I CAN pinpoint the exact Dawson [former head of genetics], Utah. He says: “As an undergrad- out ground-breaking research that genetics was about learning supportive atmosphere, the fabu- moment when Idecided to and the excellent mentoring skills uate, Iwas struck by alecture by aimed at the discovery of novel how to learn new things –far more lous support offered by the tech- become ageneticist. It was at of my supervisor Dr BruceCarter, George Dawson, so Iswitched breast cancer genes at the Queens- interesting than simply presenting nical staff, and the outstanding the lunch for new Scholars and were amajor factor for me.” from agriculture to science.” land Institute of Medical Research facts to be memorised.” vision provided by Prof David McCo- Fellows in May 1978, when To date, Jagadish has influ- Atkins entered aresearch (QIMR) in Australia, graduated Grimson’s most significant nnell, which has served as my inspi- Prof David McConnell invited enced various fields of genetics, career that has focused on seeking from TCD in 1980. QIMR, home to opportunity was the chance to join ration ever since,” he says. “David me to see him the next day. working at the Waksman Institute and later studying, cases where over 700 scientists, is one of the the Atkins/Gesteland lab in Salt represents the dynamism, promise When Igraduated from the Graduates of TCD’s Department of Genetics have made an impact of Microbiology, Rutgers Univer- the genetic code is read out by largestmedical research centres Lake City. He is currently working and humanity of genetics, which genetics department in 1980, I internationally. Photograph: Mac Innes Photography sity, New Jersey, and later at the locally altered rules in response to in the southern hemisphere. on microRNAs, anew class of regu- have stayed with me to this day.” knew Iwanted to move into the area of human genetics, but the field was poorly developed in Ireland at that time. “McConnell suggested I write to the ‘grandfather of human genetics’, Victor Aglance at the McKusick, for advice. McKusick recommended that Iapply to the Medical College of Virginia, adecision supported by Mike Conneally, awell-known Irish geneticist in Indiana. Idid my PhD in Virginia during the time detailed history that many of the genes for hereditary diseases were identified, and when the field of human cancer genetics was born, with the discovery of tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes. Ithen married an of evolution Australian geneticist, Nick Martin, and moved to Brisbane in 1986. “At first Idabbled in various whether aperson could be held aspects of genetics, but in Bioinformatics is involved in almost all areas of responsible for deliberately 1996 we started anational genetics –exploring ideas and analysing the infecting another with HIV. Molec- consortium to study all ular evolution can reveal when an aspects of familial breast results of experiments with apreviously unknown infection occurred. cancer. This consortium is now Trinity College Dublin’s the best in the world for this level of accuracy, writes Karlin Lillington genetics department produces purpose. strong research in both of these “I am particularly interested fields. in the discovery of novel breast Dr Paul Sharpe, originally at cancer genes, and for the past VOLUTION USED to be DNA and other structures, the TCD but now at the University of three years have been working about bones and fossils, basis of molecular research. Nottingham, is credited with intensively with researchers but it’s now more likely Almost all areas of genetics launching the field in Ireland, and from all over the world. Some to be about molecules research now involve bioinfor- his molecular analysis of viruses of this work was published last Eand computer programs. matics, either as away of has contributed to understanding year in Nature,the premier Instead of the giant dinosaur exploring ideas for further lab the origins and evolution of the science journal. Ihave always skeleton defining the endless research, or in order to handle the Aids virus, which in turn has been funded to do pure human search to understand how results of large-scale experiments. helped researchers work towards research and climbed steadily creatures have evolved over time, And though these areas of study more effective ways to battle it. up the ladder to a scientists nowexamine molecular may sound esoteric, they have sur- Within TCD today, cutting-edge professorship in 2007. structure to peer into the a prisingly practical applications – work is done by researcher Prof “Nick and Iwere the first detailed story of evolution with an from better understanding why a Ken Wolfewithin the Smurfit Insti- Prof Ken Wolfe from Trinity College Dublin’s Department of Genetics, whose work focuses on understanding the evolution of yeast, and geneticists, and the first accuracy that Charles Darwin racehorse runs well, to learning tute. Wolfe’s work focuses on gene doubling –which can indicate the branching off of anew species, giving insight into its evolution. Photograph: Aidan Crawley non-Queenslanders, to be could hardly have imagined. how to create medicines that are understanding the evolution of appointed to our institute, the This is the field of molecular evo- better at targeting specific dis- yeast, and gene doubling –a as awhole,” he says. working in intriguing new areas is Molecular work also contrib- From afamily with ahorse Queensland Institute of lution, the study of how genes eases, to medical forensics. process that can indicate the He has also, with TCD genetics Prof DanBradley, whose work has utes to the field of medicine. At breeding background, she is com- Medical Research (QIMR), in have evolved and why genomes – In the latter case, molecular evo- branching off of anew species, colleague Karsten Hokamp, cre- helped unveil the origin of TCD, Dr Andrew LLoyd is paring gene-expression profiles 1988. QIMR is now regarded as the compete set of genes in an lution has been used in court cases thus giving insight into the evolu- ated awebcrawler program called domestic cattle by examining exploring the evolution of the from horses when exercising and the best centre of genetics organism –are organised the way –for example, to determine tion of aspecies. PubCrawler that has benefited ancient DNA from cattle –and also human immune system. when relaxing to better under- research in Australia, and has they are. Wolfe has written of his field: countless researchers by finding looking at DNA from the extinct Trinity researchers in molec- stand what makes some race- attracted several excellent Molecular evolution is closely The genomics “For molecular evolution all new publications online in the Great Irish Elk. ular evolution and informatics are horses better than others. people from TCD. Brian linked to the field of bioinfor- researchers, the genomics revolu- scientific field of one’s choosing. Many know him better for his also placed at other institutions But such research may well McEvoy and Enda Byrne are matics, which involves the use and revolution has tion has showered us with raw Given the frequency of publica- work in revealing some of the ori- where they contribute to awide have awider impact, offering here now, and Byrne did some development of computer data and the information revolu- tion in many areas, the pro- gins of the people of Ireland, again range of research. insight eventually into human ath- of his prior training with Mike methods to analyse the vast quanti- showered us with data – tion has given us the wherewithal gramme –used by over 40,000 from molecular analysis of DNA. One such researcher is Emme- letic performance or health prob- Conneally, so the Irish links ties of DNA data now available. the information to analyse it. researchers –makes staying Dr Aoife McLysaght of the line Hill,originally at the Smurfit lems like obesity. remain very strong. We wish Without bioinformatics, molec- “ “In broad terms, the most signif- abreast of the latest work in afield Smurfit Institute Molecular Evolu- Institute and now at University Col- Former TCD researchers Des we could be there for the ular evolutionists could not pro- revolution has given us icant outcome of these changes far easier and saves hours of tion Lab is looking at the origin lege Dublin’s Department of Higgins, Denis Shields and David birthday party this week. ductively examine and compare has been our new-found ability to online research time. and evolution of genes and gene Animal Science and Conway Insti- MacHugh are also pursuing –Louise Holden the molecular building blocks of the ability to analyse it examine the evolution of genomes Another molecular evolutionist loss in invertebrates and viruses. tute. research at TCD. Recognition of extraordinary Profile Prof George Dawson and original research

Ground-breaking research should always be recognised, which is the aim of Science Foundation Ireland’s President of Ireland Young Researcher Awards. Below are two recent recipients of the awards at Trinity College

■ DR AOIFE McLYSAGHT In 1998, Dr Aoife McLysaght graduated from Trinity College Dublin with afirst-class honours degree in genetics. Following the completion of her PhD, McLysaght moved to southern California to work as a postdoctoral researcher with Prof Brandon SGaut. In 2003, McLysaght took up a lectureship in genetics at Trinity PROF GEORGE Dawson evidence, and his pedagogical College Dublin. She established (1927-2004) made many philosophy informs the work of her own research group in the exceptional contributions to the institute to this day. field of comparative genomics and Trinity College in the fields of Dawson placed mathematical lectures in evolutionary genetics art and science. and molecular study at the to undergraduate students. Agraduate of Cambridge centre of genetics research. He McLysaght’s research has won University, Dawson joined was very supportive of students her international recognition. She Trinity School of Botany in and instilled in them the sense has been invited to speak at 1950 and continued his work on of excitement that scientific international conferences, to bacterial genetics. discovery can engender. He conduct peer reviews for leading In 1958, he convinced the nurtured talent, and tried to international journals and was Above left: Dr Aoife McLysaght whose work in the field of comparative genomics has won her Irish Sugar Company to award create as many opportunities associate editor of the journal international recognition. Above right: Dr Mario Fares, an expert in molecular co-evolution, pictured £15,000 to the university in for his students as he could. Molecular Biology and Evolution. with President Mary McAleese. Both received SFI President of Ireland Young Researcher Awards order to establish the The Institute of Genetics is McLysaght is now leading Department of Genetics. In his legacy to Trinity College. He research into the evolution of thesis in the molecular dynamics University, researching the Nature and the Journal of 1960, it produced its first was also instrumental in the genomes. of the foot-and-mouth virus. In evolution of RNA viruses. In 2002, Molecular Evolution and graduate, Adrienne Jessop. establishment of the Douglas Her investigations are designed July 1998, he was awarded the Fares accepted apostdoctoral Bioinformatics. Dawson, with the Trinity Hyde Gallery, and the to uncover aspects of the Extraordinary Prize for his position in bioinformatics with He has fostered collaborations Agricultural Institute and two Department of History of Art. evolution of genes, leading to a academic achievements by the Prof Ken Wolfe in the with leading research groups in of its researchers, Paddy Dawson left alasting mark on better understanding of how University of Valencia. The Department of Genetics at Trinity Oxford and Spain, and plans to Cunningham and Vincent Trinity, and played aseminal genes operate. subject of his PhD was the the role College Dublin. build new partnerships with both Connolly, gave courses in plant part in building its current of heat-shock proteins in the In 2003, he took up a biomedical and bioinformatics and animal genetics. international status in genetics ■ DR MARIO FARES maintenance of bacterial permanent lectureship in the teams around the world. He provided extraordinary research. –Louise Holden After completing his studies in the endosymbiosis using Department of Biology at the Fares is developing leadership at the genetics University of Valencia, Dr Mario bioinformatic and molecular National University of Ireland, multidisciplinary computational department for 30 years, ■ The painting of George Fares graduated with adegree in techniques. Maynooth. biomedicine research, by training ushering in new styles of Dawson above, by Mick O’Dea biology 1997, with special focus in During his postgraduate Fares’ publication record postgraduate students and teaching and assessment. He hangs in the Smurfit Institute of genetics and statistics. studies, he also studied in the covers his various fields of developing course material, placed great emphasis on Genetics at Trinity College He completed his masters Department of Zoology in Oxford expertise including articles in bridging these two vital areas. Thursday, September 18, 2008 THE IRISH TIMES 7

ASPECIAL REPORT TCDGeneticsat50

Retinal changes in the eye of an individual with Light at the end retinitis pigmentosa of the tunnel

Aforensics team seek evidence at acrime scene –DNA evidence is often apart of the prosecution’s case The star witness for the prosecution

CLAIRE O’CONNELL profile carries arisk of less than Trinity scientists are seeking to find acure one in 1,000 million of an “adventi- FEW ASPECTS of DNA analysis tious” or innocent match with for the disease retinitis pigmentosa, which have captivated popular attention other, unrelated people. causes blindness, affecting one in every as widely as forensics. “When we are reporting we will Television programmes like CSI always say the frequency of the 3,000 people, writes Peter McGuire and high-profile court cases high- match but there won’t be adiscrim- light the trials and tribulations of ination between close relatives, sib- using DNA to help solve crimes. lings, children or parents,” says and genetics is arapidly devel- McKenna. oping component of the Forensic Even where there’s no close TOFTEN begins with aloss closer by the day. Since 1985, aded- efforts of Michael Griffith of Science Laboratory at An Garda genetic relationship to contend of night sight. Gradually, icated research team at Trinity Col- Fighting Blindness,” Farrar The primary goal is to Síochána Headquarters in Dub- with, there can be other difficul- over anumber of years, the lege’s Smurfit Institute of Genetics recalls. “They approached the lin’s Phoenix Park. ties with sourcing samples. field of vision narrows until, has been working towards an even- Department of Genetics to carry develop safe and effective Aday’s work in the DNA section “If you take the case of Joe Ifor most sufferers, they can tual cure for RP. out research on the disease. When involves extracting and examining O’Reilly, who was convicted of see only asmall chink of light at Dr Jane Farrar and Prof Pete Ibegan this as aPhD student, I therapies for people who are losing genetic material that can shed murdering his wife, he was living the end of atunnel. Humphreys, working with clinical was tracing Irish families with RP. light on crimes, according to Dr with her, so DNA really couldn’t Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) – ophthalmology surgeon Dr Paul In particular, Iwas looking for their vision Louise McKenna, the laboratory’s help there. People were saying which leads to tunnel vision –is Kenna –who is central to the large families; bigger families have “ deputy director. ‘well you should be able to find for- one of the most common forms of project –head up the team of over abigger gene pool and more “It’s about analysing samples eign DNA there’, but the trouble is inherited blindness, affecting 20 people at TCD. Their work has opportunities for research.” allowing us to see. In some people, congenital amaurosis, acondition from scenes of acrime and com- that most DNA on surfaces is approximately one in every 3,000 led them through large-scale Farrar, Humphreys and Ken- however, amutation in this gene which leaves most patients com- paring them with samples from vic- mixed DNA, and once you get people. It is adebilitating, progres- family genetic research to genetic na’s team worked with the gene damages rhodopsin. pletely blind by their late twenties. tims or suspects. So we are talking beyond amixture of two people sively degenerative disease that mapping, and now, towards an that codes for rhodopsin, aprotein Now the team know that there The doctors injected aharmless about murders, sexual assaults, you can’t interpret it.” robs people of much of their sight. effective cure for this debilitating at the back of the retina which are at least 40 genes involved in virus with ahealthy copy of the armed robberies –quite arange of However, when DNAisauseful But, for the many millions condition. absorbs light, turning it into elec- the various forms of RP. The next RPE65 gene into the patient’s crimes,” she says. option,itcan help solve acriminal affected, abreakthrough comes “Theproject began through the tric signals and, ultimately, step, according to Farrar, involves retina. One of the volunteers The samples can be of bodily case, says McKenna, particularly designing gene therapies to treat enjoyed significantly better vision, fluids or may contain cells from in countrieswith anational DNA the condition. These can be deliv- but the others have yet to show skin or the roots of hairs, explains database. Case study Quest for acure ered by harmless viruses, which any sign of improvement. Above: Dr Jane Farrar and McKenna. As aresult the careful “That’s where there is legisla- have proven themselves as “We are working on afew forms below: Prof Peter Humphreys, removal of samples from ascene is tion that allows the police to take THE IRISH quest to cure retinitis years, the two organisations nature’s most effective cell of RP,” Farrar says. “Depending head of the Department of critical. samples from people who have pigmentosa (RP) began in 1983, have worked closely with one invader. “There are many hugely on what genetic technologies arise Genetics at TCD “If you are hoping to find DNA committed crimes or have been when asmall group of people another, each bringing new and modified viruses that have no asso- in the next few years, this research thathas been left by an offender, suspected of committing crimes, met in alittle hotel on Gardiner fresh approaches to the ciated toxicity –Trojan horses for could outlive me entirely. you target the areas that they have and those samples are put on a Street in Dublin. problem of RP. delivering genes to acell. These “The primary goal is to develop been in contact with and where database and usually kept for a From this meeting, Michael “The Fighting Blindness story are really well tolerated by the safe and effective therapies for there’s unlikely to be too much long period of time,” she says. Griffith (pictured right),whose is one Ihope might give human eye.” people who are losing their vision,” DNA from other people,” she says. “So any other crimes where father suffered from RP, set up encouragement and hope to The team hope to begin human Farrar concludes. “The team is “If you have astrangulation, you DNA may have been left behind Fighting Blindness. Later, other people,” says Griffith. clinical trials within the next few working on more than just RP. We may target the neck area and if it can be checked against the data- Griffith would himself develop “If the therapy is developed years. Already, Farrar and Hum- are also interested in age-related was done with bare hands, you base. This has solved an awful lot this genetic condition. and put on the market, it would phreys have carriedout research macular degeneration, which affects may have foreign DNA there and of crimes in other countries. And it “I attended ameeting of be afairytale story. with specially bred, genetically one in 10 people over the age of 65. you might pick up that. You are has been talked about [in Ireland] Retina International in Helsinki, “We were just ascrawny modified mice. “This is where the cones, which very dependent on the scenes-of- for quite awhile, but it hasn’t hap- where Icame across the first bunch of people in ahotel room, Mice lacking rhodopsin have areinvolved in day and functional crime people who are looking at pened yet.” breakthrough in RP genetic but Ihope we have shown that developed sight after being injected vision, begin to degenerate. Ide- the place and seeing what is likely McKenna notes that the lab in research,” Griffith recalls. you can fight these things and with ahealthy copy of the relevant ally, we would like to expand our to yield evidence,” says McKenna. the Phoenix Park has had a “I was hugely enthused. We Fighting Blindness has proven that there are solutions,” says gene, whereas mice injected with work programme so we are not Minute amounts of DNA working relationship with Trinity approached the Department of to be aparticularly effective Griffith. the mutant gene do not. just involved in the debilitating dis- extracted in the lab from the col- since before the forensic DNA Genetics in Trinity, and it wasn’t fundraiser, providing vital money “These things take time, but if Last year, doctors at Moor- order RP; we also want to look at lected samples can be scaled up service was started in 1994. long before research was up and for Trinity’s researchers to we get there in the end, it will all field’s Eye Hospital in London car- common forms of blindness and using atechnique called “When we began to realise that running,” he says. conduct their work. Over the have been worthwhile,” he says. ried out clinical trials with three develop safe and effective thera- polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA was atechnique we wanted volunteers suffering from Leber’s pies for debilitating disorders.” atype of molecular photocopying to develop, we decided to send one that generates enough DNA to of our scientists to learn the tech- determine its sequence. niques in alaboratory before we The scientists zone in on up to learned the forensic applications 10 areas of “nonsense” DNA that of the technology, and ascientist ‘Neurogenetics has not yet broken as asubject’ – offer goodvariation for discrimi- went and spent afew months in nating between individual people, one of the research labs in Trinity but the result will surely be worth the wait explains McKenna. The resulting in the early 1990s,” says McKenna.

Trinity researchers are at the forefront of developments in the area of neurogenetics, beating apath to the maze of unknowns that is the human brain, writes Claire O’Connell

RINITY COLLEGE Dublin in anumber of such projects, (TCD)’s genetics department where researchers from anumber Thaschalked up an impressive of international centres collabo- research output in its 50 years to rate, explains Michael Gill, pro- date. But at atime when our under- fessor of psychiatry,based at St standing of the molecular work- James’s Hospital in Dublin. ings of thecell is advancing rap- “We have had three main pro- idly, what’s next? grammes, one in psychosis, one in One of the hottest areas of devel- ADHD and one in autism,” he opment is in neurogenetics, or says. “The three programmes BESTWISHES how DNA underpins the wiring require avery intensive clinical and function of our brains. perspective with lots of cases and to TCDSmurfit Institute of Genetics “There are really exciting things lots of good diagnostics, and we in all aspects of genetics, but I collaborate closely with the Trinity think alot of people would say that College Institute of Neuroscience neurogenetics has not yet broken and the psychologists, because as asubject,” says David McCon- part of the assessment is of what nell, Professor of Genetics at TCD. the symptoms and characteristics “It is one of the great black boxes – are and how it affects thinking and we don’t understand how the behaviour.” brain works. We know it’s an elec- The genetic component of trochemical machine, but there is mental illness is often complex so much to learn about it.” and seldom follows asimple pat- Now neurogenetics is on the tern of inheritance, hence the cusp of alandmark breakthrough. need for large cohorts of patients Dr Kevin Mitchell, who is researching animal models to establish how genes affect brain cell identity, and Prof Mani Ramaswami, who “Every now and then something to analyse what’s going on, says studies how neurons change during learning and the formation of memory, in Trinity’s genetics department. Photograph: Aidan Crawley happens that throws afield wide Gill, who says collaboration is key. open and Ithink there’s afeeling “No one site has enough samples Another study of over 4,000 autism has on aperson, the change the properties of brain researching animal models, while that we haven’t had that break- to tease these things out by them- people with bipolar disorder has thought of being able to prevent cells and alter perception and work continues on the genetics of through yet in neuroscience,” he selves, unless you are fortunate also thrown up some tantalising those conditions would be abig behaviour. blindness, as theeye is part of the says. enough to come across unusual sit- clues, with variations cropping up thing.” Using the fruit fly (Drosophila) brain. “The great theory of how genes uations or families,” he says. “So if in genes involved in the function And it’s not just human brains as asubject allows the researchers “We feel that there’s something control the formation, structure it’s 4pm, we have ateleconference of ion channels that help control that interest researchers at TCD. to tightly control and examine remarkable to come and it’s great and function of complicated with collaborators in the US.” brain cell activity. Flies can also help shed light on genes and brain cell function. that we have agroup of neuroge- nervous systems –westill don’t Pooling resources pays off, with “It took the combination of the how brain cells wire together and “The fly is an organism par excel- neticists doing alot of good work have that in the bag yet, and my recent results uncovering new very big patient cohorts and the function. It’s about looking at how lence for understanding mecha- in Dublin and in our own depart- feeling is that neurogenetics can aspects of genetic differences developing technology to be able genes work, according to Prof nisms of perception and memory,” ment,” McConnell says. contribute hugely to our under- between people with conditions to really look at differences Mani Ramaswami, who studies says Ramaswami. “In addition, it “It’s not to say there are not standing of the brain.” such as schizophrenia and bipolar between patients and controls and how neurons change during has become an excellent model for other great challenges, there cer- LABPLAN One approach to neurogenetics disorder, and those without. get ahandle on what’s going on. learning and the formation of studying heritable forms of tainly are, but for me it’s the great Science Support Solutions is to trawl through genetic One study of over 3,000 And that’s only really still under memory. human disease, for understanding puzzle –how does the brain work? sequence information from vast patients with schizophrenia found way,” says Prof Gill. “It is important to appreciate the underlying biology and for And ultimately we are interested Allenwood Business Park numbers of people and seek they had aslightly increased rate Increasing our understanding what ‘how’ really means in the con- identifyinglead compounds to in the relationship between the Naas common variants. It’s aroute that of “copy number variation”, where of the genetics behind mental ill- text of the nervous system,” he modify for drug development.” brain and memory, emotions, Co Kildare researchers have taken to look at stretches of DNA are replicated or ness could lead to improved inter- says, describing how his research Otherneurogenetic research at mathematical ability, the ability to DNA differences between individ- missing, and in asmall number of ventions like treatments or looks at the sites where gene prod- TCD includes looking at how paint. And Ithink genetics is uals who have amental illness and patients the researchers identified reducing the risk of developing a ucts are active in the brain, how genes affect brain cell identity and helping and can help to find the those who don’t. deletions on areas of chromo- condition, he adds. “When Isee experience controls their activi- wiring, with Dr Kevin Mitchell and ‘DNA moment’ –the turning Tel(045) 870 560 |Fax (045) 870 811 |www.labplan.ie TCD has recently beeninvolved somes 1, 15 and 22. the effect thatschizophrenia or ties, and how their activities Dr Juan Pablo Labrador point,” says McConnell. 8 THE IRISH TIMES Thursday, September 18, 2008

TCDGeneticsat50 ASPECIAL REPORT Relying on genetics for future food supply

Worldwide food Worldwide food shortages mean that shortages are the production of resulting in high prices for staple genetically modified foods, such as rice, in many developing crops may not always countries. be an option, but Photograph: Reuters instead an essential practice, writes Ronan McGreevy

HE RECENT rise in food prices serves as a warning to people about the potentially devas- Ttating effects of food shortages. Though the spike in the prices of commodities such as bread and milk caused pain to those on low incomes in the devel- oped world, it also went on to prompt riots in Haiti, Cambodia, LEADING THE GM REVOLUTION Indonesia and India as basic food- Dr Frank Wellmer (left) and Prof Tony Kavanagh from TCD’s stuffs, such as rice, were priced Department of Genetics. Photograph: Aidan Crawley out of the range of ordinary people. ■ Dr Frank Wellmer is aGerman scientist who obtained his PhD at The worldwide food inflation the University of Freiburg in 1998. He carried out post-doctoral was caused by anumber of factors, research between 1999 and 2005 at the California Institute of such as the conversion of millions Technology and became asenior research fellow between 2005 and of hectares of lands from cereal 2006. He has lectured at the Smurfit Institute of Genetics since crops to bioethanol, and droughts September 2006. in Australia and India. Another key factor is growing prosperity in ■ Prof Tony Kavanagh is Associate Professor of Genetics at Trinity the world’s two most populous College Dublin. He obtained his doctorate from UCD in 1984 and, countries –India and China – following post-doctoral research at the Plant Breeding Institute in leading to aspike in the consump- Cambridge, returned to his current position as head of the Plant tion of meat whichdemands much Molecular Genetics Laboratory in Trinity in 1987. more intensive farming. The pressure on food supplies is Sargent, wants Ireland to be a to throw everything at it. We have None of the scare stuff has held up biotechnologymanager Dr Chris of acrop which could really ben- the modern-day equivalent of flat- plant, ultimately giving the seeds likely to get worse. According to GM-free nation, recently calling areally useful tool which is GM and yet [GM opponents] are still Merritt says food surpluses in efit us, particularly in wet years earthers,” he says. that lead to reproduction. the UN, the world’s population will GM foods a“dangerous distrac- technology. Not to use it would be banging on about it,” he says. Europe may become athing of the like we have now, where blight is a Currently, TCD scientists are “When you learn more about increase from 6.7 billion today to tion from the fundamental chal- crazy,” says Kavanagh. Currently, GM crops account past. big problem and crops have to be investigating fundamental genetic how flowers form, you may have a 9.3 billion by 2050. lenges” of future food supply. He believes that without the for 57 per cent of soybean, Pressure on food stocks else- sprayed nine or 10 times.” questions about how plants grow, good starting pointsothat you can “That’s the equivalent of the Unlike otherparts of the world, “green revolution” of the 1960s, 25 per cent of maize, 13 per cent where could restrict the flow of David McConnell, Professor of by using GM crops as aresearch manipulate plants so that they give population of Germany being the EU has been circumspect which saw the cultivation of high- of cotton and 5per cent of oil seed imports, such as foodstuffs for ani- Genetics at TCD, says the opposi- tool. “We’re interested in, for higher yields,” he says. added every year,” says Tony about introducing GM foods and yielding varieties of wheat and rape worldwide. In the US alone, mals, which have to be imported tion by the Green Party and others instance, if plants can be used as a Though the mouse-ear cress has Kavanagh, Associate Professor of the area under cultivation is much rice, countries such as India would 90 per cent of soybean, from outside Europe, he believes. to GM foods is not only wrong, it is production platform to produce no agricultural properties it is very Genetics in Trinity College Dublin smaller than in the rest of the stillbeexperiencing periodic fam- 85 per cent of cotton and half of all “We were in aluxury situation potentially damaging to Ireland’s antibodies and to produce other similar genetically to important (TCD). world. ines. In India, for example, anew maize are GM crops. where we were producing sur- standing in thescientific commu- kinds of therapeutic new pro- plants such as oil seed rape, cauli- Kavanagh is passionately pro- At TCD they take adifferent rice variety capable of yielding up “One of the real problems about pluses and food prices were low. nity. teins,” says Kavanagh. flower and mustard. geneticallymodified (GM) foods view. GM foods, they say, are not to 10 timesmore than local varie- the criticisms in the West is that Opposition to GM did not matter. “It is misleading everybody in Dr Frank Wellmer, another fac- The research carried out at which have had abad public pro- an option –they are essential if the ties, revolutionised agriculture those who pontificate from their Now that things have changed, the country, including students of ulty member involved in plant TCD aims at understanding the file since the first transgenic plant world’s burgeoning population is and food security. The country has affluent position do not know how people are beginning to ask if we science. It will cause significant dis- research, is studying GM versions molecular processes that control –atobacco plant resistant to an to be fed at atime when global not experienced famine since critical this is because they don’t should use the most efficient agri- advantages to consumers, farmers of mouse-ear cress,aweed that the growth and development of antibiotic –was created in 1983. warming is showing signs of green revolution agriculture was have to,” Kavanagh says. culture again. and food producers. can be found in any garden. higher plants. Any progress that They have been called “Franken- wreaking havoc on agriculture. introduced in the late 1960s. One of the biggest proponents “In the UK we have blight- “There is no doubt that some “The research is focusing on the will be made in understanding stein foods”, and Minister of State “To solve the problems of future “From ascientific point of view, of GM crops is the giant multina- resistant potatoes which were har- anti-GM people have set out to development of flowers which their development has potential for Food and Horticulture,Trevor food supplies, we’re going to have we have had 25 years of GM crops. tional corporation Monsanto. Its vested recently. That’s an example cause fear and anxiety. They are carry the reproductive organs of a applications in plant breeding. Profile Prof Patrick Cunningham, chief science adviser Experts to explain genetics to the public IN THE early days of genetics at In 1964 Cunningham joined Trinity, Prof George Dawson TCD’s Department of Genetics formed an alliance with TCD’s and was appointed professor of PETER McGUIRE evolutionary geneticist from genetically resistant to HIV, a Francisco District Attorney's at TCD. “I hope they will attend Department of Agriculture – animal genetics in 1974. University College London, will disease that first evolved among Office –prosecutor at OJ because they are interested, and Profs Paddy Cunningham and In 1990, he took up the post of GENETICS HOLDS the key to discuss the topic Is human primates? Simpson’s trial –will explore (at will leave feeling that experts Vincent Connolly of that director of animal production understanding our natures. DNA evolution over? -the view from the Feeding the world: Genetics in 2pm) Forensic DNA typing: are we have helped them to understand department delivered classes in and health at the Food and in criminal trials, genetically genes (beginning at 11.30am). the lead,atalk by Prof Patrick realising its full potential? the science behind these issues.” animal and plant genetics. Agricultural Organisation (FAO) modified food, the origins of Humans and chimpanzees Cunningham of TCD (at 3.40pm), Finally, Dr Stephen Minger of Cunningham is now chief science of the UN. HIV/Aids and genetic health will evolved from acommon will focus on the challenges King’s College London will talk ■ Tickets at the door (¤5). For more adviser to the Government. Cunningham returned to TCD all feature among issues ancestor, and we share the vast presented to the world’s food about Stem cells: anew frontier, information see genetics50.org Cunningham graduated from in 1989 to establish anew discussed by international majority of our genetic material supply by agrowing population. explaining the science behind ■ All former members and UCD in 1956 in agricultural programme of research into the experts at apublic symposium to with them. Natural selection, it Genetics gets personal: how to this treatment (at 4.20pm). graduates of the department are science. He completed an MA in improvement livestock health. mark 50 years of genetics at would appear, is still at work. read your genome, and what it The audience will be free to invited to join asymposium today animal nutrition, then went to In 1996, Cunningham and his Trinity College Dublin (TCD). Paul Sharp, professor of means for your health,will be ask questions, and the day will and tomorrow, with lectures held in Cornell University for aPhD in team developed asystem of The symposium takes place genetics at the University of presented by Dr Brian Naughton finish with ageneral discussion the Joly Theatre at the Smurfit animal genetics. Appointed head of department DNA traceability. They then this Saturday, from 11am-6pm, at Edinburgh, will further highlight (at 12.10pm), founding research at 5pm. Institute of Genetics in Trinity In the 1960s, he took a in 1970, 10 years later he established IdentiGEN, which D4 Hotels Ballsbridge Inn our evolutionary and genetic and development architect at “Some people may attend College. Talks on evolutionary research position with An Foras accepted the position of deputy deploys these technologies in (formerly Jury’s), Pembroke merry-go-round with atalk on 23andMe (23andme.com), a because these issues can be genetics, neurogenetics, plant Talúntais (now Teagasc). director of research. Europe and in the US. Road, Dublin 4. Tracing the Origins of HIV (at personal genetics company. controversial,” says David genetics and more will be given. See Prof Steve Jones, atop 2.40pm). How are some people Rockne Harmon of the San McConnell, Professor of Genetics genetics50.org/programme.php Becoming astudent at Trinity

Plant genetics is another impor- There is more than one tant area of activity in TCD. way to study genetics “Norman Borlaug, ageneticist, won aNobel Prize for peace for his in Trinity College, and work on plant genetics –that tells you the importance of this field,” CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to the more choices open up says McConnell. “His work contrib- once you have taken uted to amassive increase in food TOTRINITY production and staved off famine that first step, writes in Asia and Latin America. Department of Genetics “We also have avery strong ONTHE 50TH Louise Holden interest in evolutionary genetics which relates to research on antibi- ANNIVERSARY otic production and resistance – RE YOU interested in the critical to health,” he says. Trinity College, Dublin evolution of man? Or maybe Prof Seamus Martin is one of OF THE DEPARTMENT Ayou prefer yeast and pox the top experts in the world on the viruses? Perhaps you want to know genetics of apoptosis, or why cells OF GENETICS how we can use genetics to dis- Students of Trinity’s Department of Genetics are encouraged to die –acritical question in cancer on celebrating their cover new antibiotics or increase pursue their particular genetic interests. Photograph: Mac Innes research. food production? Or if you’d like to In an allied field, Dr Adrian delve into the story of life, genetics tend to be quite high –but well choose from, as there is high-level Bracken, who collaborates with th is agood place to start. within reach of students who have research activity underway across doctors at Tallaght Hospital, is IdentiGEN Ltd., with its North 50 Anniversary! Trinity College Dublin (TCD) is astrong interest in science or med- the spectrum. Some fields are not examining the control of genes in now among the best-known cen- icine. An education in genetics is a as well-known as others. cancer cells. tres of genetic teaching and wonderful generalpreparation for “Quantitative genetics, for “We offer our students abroad American subsidiary IdentiGEN, Inc., research in the world. High-level life,” McConnell says. example, is the study of the affect but rigorous curriculum in genetics teaching and research is “It’s achallenging area that of genes on measurable character- genetics,” says McConnell. “There is a leading provider of innovative going on in the college –and not places emphasis less on memory istics such as wheat yield or milk are more research students in the just in the Smurfit Institute of and more on logic and imagina- yield,” says McConnell. “This field Smurfit Institute than undergradu- Genetics, but in other depart- tion. Biology and chemistry are of research is very important ates. In the final year there are DNA-based solutions to the ments, such as zoology, psychi- useful bases. However, it’s not unu- because it allows us to examine about 25 undergraduates and 15 Best wishes from all the atry, medicine, chemistry, bio- sual for students with an interest the interplay between genes and members of staff. All students chemistry and, especially, microbi- in physicsormathematics to find environment.” carry out aresearch project.” agriculture and food industries. ology. their way into genetics.” Population genetics is another The Vincent Scholarships sup- staffatMason Technology. Genetics is adiscipline in the Much genetic research is con- important discipline, says McCon- port six third-year students to same sense as physics –tomaster cerned with the structure of genes nell. “By looking at the frequency spend between two and three it, you need to specialise. There at the molecular level and how of genetic variants in populations, months in US laboratories as are two ways to specialise in they affect organisms. we can find out the origin of those summer interns. “Our undergrad- IdentiGEN's DNA TraceBack® genetics at TCD. “Take the protein rhodopsin,” populations,” McConnell explains. uate programme is strong and chal- Servicing Science with Market If you take the undergraduate says McConnell. “It sits in the cells “There is evidence that we are lenging, but students rise to the system uses DNA identification science programme –TR071 –you of the retina, and it is coded for by closely related to the Basques.” challenge,” says McConnell. Leading Technologies for will have the option of moving into agene. So, how does agene decide Other research is being carried “A striking feature of the depart- genetics in your third year. From to make rhodopsin in the retina, out in the field of neurogenetics, ment is the high number of technology to trace the source of that point on, you are encouraged andnowhere else? These are the the study of how our genes shape genetics researchers that we pro- over 250 years. to follow your own particular sorts of puzzles that genetic the growth and function of the duce,” he says. “Two-thirds of all meat products through the entire genetic interests. researchers are working on, espe- nervous system. of our graduates go on to become The other, more direct cially on how mutations in the rho- According to McConnell, this research scientists and many are approach, is to take on the TR073 dopsin and other genes cause links into other studies in neu- working in the field at high levels supply chain from farm to fork. degree programme in human blindness.” ropsychiatric genetics. “As we all over the world. However, we genetics. “This is amore tightly- This is just one example of the learn more about the genetics of say that geneticists can do any- www.masontechnology.ie prescribed course,” says Prof work going on in the university, the nervous system we will gain thing –our graduates have become David McConnell of the Smurfit which is highly-respected world- more insights into how the brain lawyers, doctors, patent attorneys Institute of Genetics. wide for covering the main lines of works –the genetic basis of and teachers.” www.identigen.com “It’s competitive and only thinking in genetic research. memory and language, or musical 15 places are offered each year. As Agenetics student at TCD has a or mathematical talent, for ■ For more information, see tcd. aresult, the points requirements broad portfolio of subjects to example,” says McConnell. ie/Genetics/ and tcd.ie/Microbiology/