Identification of transgene insertions in two genetically modified soybeans using high throughput next generation sequencing

Genetically modified(GM) organisms are widely adopted. However, their safety assessments and control are still of special concern to the public. Identifying and localizing transgene insertion is an essentially prerequisite step. In this study, 2 independent transgene soybean lines were selected(LB4-AtDCGS-1-20-5-2 and CGS-ZG11) as typical cases. Both lines contained expression cassette of At-DCGS that encoding a feedback-insensitive cystathionine gamma-synthase to produce higher level methionine(Met). LB4-AtDCGS-1-20-5-2 was whole genome sequenced with one paired-end 500 bp library and two mate-paired 1 kb and 2 kb libraries using Illumina HiSeq sequencing platform. CGS-ZG11 was sequenced with only one paired-end 500 bp library. Both genomes were assembled,and 2 scaffold sequences(1 for each line) were screened out by aligning with transgene.Then the transgene insertion and its flanking regions in soybean genome were further identified and confirmed by PCR cloning and Sanger sequencing. Results showed that these 2 transgene lines had single copy of inserted transgene. Their transgene insertion contents were identified, which facilitates further safety assessment. These results indicated that genome assembly using high throughput sequencing is a powerful tool for identifying transgene insertions, even with limited knowledge.