Novel proteins may target cystic fibrosis

Sydney company Proteome Systems (PSL) has teamed up with US group Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics to find drug targets to combat the disease.

Dr Jenny Harry, who heads PSL's discovery program, said the company planned to find novel proteins for the development of new drugs to treat cystic fibrosis.

"We are interested in identifying the protein expression patterns of sputum and lung secretions of CF individuals," she said. "Once these unique proteins are identified the next step is to develop drugs to prevent the action and reduce chronic CF lung disease.

"The constituents of mucus and submucosal gland secretions are important areas for understanding the pathology of the disease."

Cystic fibrosis sufferers carry a single faulty gene which affects their lungs, causing them to produce a sticky mucous that interferes with lung function. Heart-lung transplant is the more aggressive treatment for the disease, but it can be controlled by daily drug treatments.

Dr Robert Beall, president and CEO of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics, said PSL's technology platform and proteomics know-how, especially in mucin biology, would help the group achieve its goals.

Mucins are the major protein components in mucus.

"We may find targets based on the specific differences in sugar groups in CF patients," said PSL's cystic fibrosis project leader, Dr Andrew Sloane.

PSL's discovery program focuses on respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis and plans to apply its knowledge to the CF program.