Researchers from the Genomics and Expression Laboratory (LGE) of the Biology Institute (IB) at Unicamp participated in the development of the Eucanext database, which includes sequences of eucalyptus expressed genes in different conditions and species and complete genomes already sequenced. From this database, five genes, which, in isolation, can contribute to the processes of wood formation and resistance to stress in eucalyptus species, were recently transferred to a company that operates in the development and production of forest seedlings.

“All this data serves as a starting point for several functional studies of interest, especially the molecular processes involved in the formation of wood, a source of biomass for various industrial sectors, and particular genes related to such processes. Thus, the information contained in this database guided us in the selection of five genes”, says Professor Gonçalo Amarante Guimarães Pereira, responsible for the studies.

The professor comments that the prospect is that the licensed company will use these genes for genetic improvement purposes in eucalyptus trees, which have already been genetically modified. “The company will be able to manipulate the genes in already improved trees. The objective is to create clones with modified specific characteristics. This technology can generate a competitive advantage over those who only work with traditional genetic improvement”, he argues.

The research that culminated in the choice of these five genes from the Eucanext database began in 2007, following a cooperation agreement between Unicamp and a company in the paper and cellulose sector, which sought to develop research that would allow us to understand the genetic bases the formation and quality of eucalyptus wood. The professor comments that, since the studies began, a real market opportunity could already be seen. “The idea was, from the beginning, to prospect for genes with the potential to be modified in eucalyptus to obtain gains in characteristics of industrial interest”, points out the professor.

The five transferred genes were selected during the development of the doctoral thesis by then student Marcela Mendes Salazar. The study, based on the comparison between three species of eucalyptus with industrial importance – E.globulus, E. grandis e E. urophylla -, looked for key genes and metabolisms for the main pathways of wood formation and the differential adaptability characteristics of each of these species. “From this latest study, the five potential genes were selected”, adds Pereira. Also participating in the creation of the Eucanext database were researchers Eduardo Leal Oliveira Camargo, Marcelo Falsarella Carazolle, Jorge Lepikson Neto, Leandro Costa Nascimento, and the then undergraduate student Wesley Leoricy Marques.

In Pereira's opinion, the Inova Unicamp Innovation Agency played an important role in formatting the contract - both for the cooperation agreement and for the transfer of genetic materials - and in intermediating contacts with the two companies. He argues that the support of professionals from Inova Unicamp was essential for establishing the contract. “Inova helped the LGE researchers to prepare a technology transfer document and also intermediated all contacts with the companies and the Laboratory, in order to propose suggestions for contract clauses, answer questions about fine issues, forms of release of the material, etc. The opening of the internal process at Unicamp was the responsibility of Inova, which followed the entire process until the document was signed”, he recalls.

Brazil is the world leader in cellulose production, making eucalyptus of great economic importance. In 2013, according to data released by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), primary forestry production totaled R$18,7 billion. Of this value, forestry contributed 76,1% and R$ 14,1 billion, with eucalyptus being the main forest species in national forestry - responsible for 98,5% of the total charcoal produced and for 68,8% of production of firewood. For this reason, Professor Gonçalo Amarante Guimarães Pereira, responsible for the research that created the Eucanext database, argues that genetic improvement is crucial to further leveraging Brazilian productivity. “It is expected that the transgenic gene generated with the genes identified in this work will have the characteristics of interest (higher wood quality and resistance to stress). In this way, the productivity and quality of the products will be greater and, combined with the country's climate and soil characteristics, will contribute to maintaining the position that Brazil has achieved in the world cellulose market”, he argues.

Carried out between 2002 and 2008, the Genolyptus Project had the participation of Unicamp and six other universities, Embrapa and 14 companies in the forestry sector and allowed the eucalyptus genome to be completely mapped, in a project led by researchers from the country.