Scientists hail enzyme research

Scientists developed the process with colleagues at Cambridge

Experts have revealed they have cloned an enzyme which can be used for brain scans, treating cancer and depression.

The team from the universities of St Andrews and Cambridge believe the breakthrough has vast commercial potential.

It is believed to be the first fluorinase enzyme to be cloned in the world and was discovered from an obscure bacterium by scientists in St Andrews, Fife, two years ago.

The chemicals can be used to make anti-depressants and cancer chemotherapy agents.

The scientist discovered the enzyme can also be used to make non-stick polymers such as Teflon.

'Fascinating discovery'

It is the only enzyme with an environmentally friendly process for making fluorine chemicals - all other types have been noxious.

After the Scottish researchers found the enzyme they teamed up with scientists in Cambridge, who helped find a way of cloning their discovery.

The researchers believe their find could also make biochemicals used in brain imaging and are in talks with drugs giant GlaxoSmithKline.

Professor David O'Hagan, from St Andrews, said: "We are all delighted with this exciting discovery, which has allowed us to understand how this fascinating enzyme works."

The science of harnessing fluorine - which is most abundant on the Earth's crust - for clinical trials is still in its infancy.

The team, whose findings are published in this week's Nature, has been awarded £400,000 by the UK Government to continue its research for the next three years.