The production of foods with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has risen rapidly over the past three decades to comprise nearly 90% of crops grown in the United States today. Currently, there are no mandates for l...The production of foods with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has risen rapidly over the past three decades to comprise nearly 90% of crops grown in the United States today. Currently, there are no mandates for labeling foods containing GMOs. GMO agricultural crops contain the insertion of genes encoding for pesticides, pesticide resistance, growth factors, or other substances not normally present. In addition to the foreign genes that are inserted, hundreds to thousands of mutations disrupt normal genes in GMO plants. Recently, animal studies have demonstrated toxicity of GMO foods causing organ failure, infertility, carcinomas and death. The FDA requirement of ingredients added to foods be labeled on the product is not applied to GMO foods, precluding the consumer’s right to know. GMOs provide an economic incentive to companies because the seeds can be patented, driving up costs and creating the potential for monopolies. Herbicide-resistance conferred by GMOs has resulted in higher pesticide applications, which correlate with higher human cancer rates, and the emergence of pesticide-resistant weeds and insects. GMO toxins are spreading into to non-target insects, waterways and aquatic organisms, with toxicity to non-target organisms and resultant contamination of disparate ecosystems in the food chain. The appropriateness of mandatory GMO labeling of foods in the United States is discussed.展开更多
Objective To develop a technique for simultaneous detection of various target genes in Roundup Ready soybean by combining multiplex PCR and low-density DNA microarray. Methods Two sets of the multiplex PCR system were...Objective To develop a technique for simultaneous detection of various target genes in Roundup Ready soybean by combining multiplex PCR and low-density DNA microarray. Methods Two sets of the multiplex PCR system were used to amplify the target genes in genetically modified （GM） soybean. Seventeen capture probes （PCR products） and 17 pairs of corresponding primers were designed according to the genetic characteristics of Rroundup Ready soybean （GTS40-3-2）, maize （MonS10, Nk603, GA21）, canola （T45, MS1/RF1）, and rice （SCK） in many identified GM crops. All of the probes were categorized and identified as species-specific probes. One negative probe and one positive control probe were used to assess the efficiency of all reactions, and therefore eliminate any false positive and negative results. After multiplex PCR reaction, amplicons were adulterated with Cy5-dUTP and hybridized with DNA microarray. The array was then scanned to display the specific hybridization signals of target genes. The assay was applied to the analysis of sample of certified transgenic soybean （Roundup Ready GTS40-3-2） and canola （MS1/RF1）. Results A combination technique of multiplex PCR and DNA microarray was successfully developed to identify multi-target genes in Roundup Ready soybean and MS 1/RF1 canola with a great specificity and reliability. Reliable identification of genetic characteristics of Roundup Ready of GM soybean from genetically modified crops was achieved at 0.5% transgenic events, indicating a high sensitivity. Conclusion A combination technique of multiplex PCR and low-density DNA microarray can reliably detect and identify the genetically modified crops.展开更多
Increases in the number of cases of identified genetically modified （GM） rice contamination can be traced back to the first Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed （RASFF） in 2006. In response to the lack of reliable...Increases in the number of cases of identified genetically modified （GM） rice contamination can be traced back to the first Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed （RASFF） in 2006. In response to the lack of reliable detection methods, Decision 2011/884/EU proposed that new screening methods replace Decision 2008/289/EC, to identify all possible GM rice products originating in China. However, the synergy brands （SYBR） Green real-time PCR assay proposed by Decision 2011/884/EU has been shown to lack conformity with other TaqMan methods currently in use. To evaluate the specificity and repeatability of the methods recommended in Decision 2011/884/EU and Decision 2008/289/EC, we collected 74 rice products originating from six countries or districts. The 74 rice samples were tested using the Decision 2011/884/EU and Decision 2008/289/ EC methods. The parallel use of different instruments and reagents were used for testing in parallel, and the results were analyzed statistically. To avoid the limitations of specific laboratories, eight GM organism detection laboratories in China participated in a collaborative trial. In our tests, 24.3% （18/74） of the samples tested were positive with the SYBR Green real-time PCR assay using the Decision 2011/884/EU method, but were negative with the TaqMan real-time PCR assay using the Decision 2011/884/EU and Decision 2008/289/EC methods. Sequencing the PCR-amplified CrylA（b/c） genes in three samples （6, 30 and 43） showed that the products consisted of primer dimers rather than the targeted sequence. The combined experimental results showed that testing for the nopaline synthase gene （NOS） of Agrobacterium tumefasciens terminator and CrylA（b/c） produced false-positive results when the Decision 2011/884/EU method was used. Because of the high rate of false-positive results, the Decision 2011/884/EU SYBR Green method to detect GM rice requires improvement.展开更多
For the official surveillance of genetically modified crops, efficient and simple detection methods need to be on hand to implement the strict requirements regarding approval, labelling and traceability determined by ...For the official surveillance of genetically modified crops, efficient and simple detection methods need to be on hand to implement the strict requirements regarding approval, labelling and traceability determined by the European Union. Therefore, a multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification (MLPA) module was developed for simultaneous detection of five genetically modified rapeseed events (MS8, RF3, GT73, Falcon GS40/90 and T45). Probes were designed and concentrations were adapted in order to obtain high sensitivity and specificity. This MLPA module was validated using certified reference materials and its applicability was tested analyzing routine honey, mustard and rapeseed samples. The limit of detection was determined by analyzing a dilution series (n = 16 for each concentration) of respective transgenic DNA. After optimization, the MLPA revealed limits of detection between 10 to 50 copies of the transgene DNA/assay. The method proved to be sensitive and highly reproducible. When analyzing routine samples, results obtained applying the MLPA module were similar compared to real-time PCR.展开更多
As the worldwide commercialization of genetically modified organisms （GMOs） increases and consumers concern the safety of GMOs, many countries and regions are issuing labeling regulations on GMOs and their products....As the worldwide commercialization of genetically modified organisms （GMOs） increases and consumers concern the safety of GMOs, many countries and regions are issuing labeling regulations on GMOs and their products. Analytical methods and their standardization for GM ingredients in foods and feed are essential for the implementation of labeling regulations. To date, the GMO testing methods are mainly based on the inserted DNA sequences and newly produced proteins in GMOs. This paper presents an overview of GMO testing methods as well as their standardization.展开更多
Public engagement in the development,promotion,and utilization of innovation is an important part of any biosafety decision-making process.Under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety,the public is expected to be involve...Public engagement in the development,promotion,and utilization of innovation is an important part of any biosafety decision-making process.Under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety,the public is expected to be involved in the development and handling of genetically modified organisms(GMOs)and the implementation of a national biosafety framework(NBF),which governs and regulates the operations of modern biotechnology and GMOs.In this study,we explore the state of public knowledge and awareness regarding GMOs and attitudes toward the NBF in Ghana using a survey conducted in three elite communities in Accra,the capital of Ghana.We interviewed 130 people and found that while most of the respondents obtained information on GMOs through the media,academic papers,and agriculture awareness workshops,access to information on the technology and the NBF was often limited.Our results showed that despite the existence of GMOs and an NBF in Ghana for many years,awareness,understanding,and knowledge of GMOs and the NBF remain inadequate.We found that young,better-educated males are more likely to accept GMOs and be aware of the NBF.This suggests the need for more widespread public education,engagement,and awareness development regarding GMOs,the NBF,and governing institutions as a way of resolving the problems created by misinformation,distrust,and fear,and increasing public confidence in GMOs.展开更多
文摘The production of foods with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has risen rapidly over the past three decades to comprise nearly 90% of crops grown in the United States today. Currently, there are no mandates for labeling foods containing GMOs. GMO agricultural crops contain the insertion of genes encoding for pesticides, pesticide resistance, growth factors, or other substances not normally present. In addition to the foreign genes that are inserted, hundreds to thousands of mutations disrupt normal genes in GMO plants. Recently, animal studies have demonstrated toxicity of GMO foods causing organ failure, infertility, carcinomas and death. The FDA requirement of ingredients added to foods be labeled on the product is not applied to GMO foods, precluding the consumer’s right to know. GMOs provide an economic incentive to companies because the seeds can be patented, driving up costs and creating the potential for monopolies. Herbicide-resistance conferred by GMOs has resulted in higher pesticide applications, which correlate with higher human cancer rates, and the emergence of pesticide-resistant weeds and insects. GMO toxins are spreading into to non-target insects, waterways and aquatic organisms, with toxicity to non-target organisms and resultant contamination of disparate ecosystems in the food chain. The appropriateness of mandatory GMO labeling of foods in the United States is discussed.
基金National Basic Research Program of China (No. 2001CB109001)National High-Tech Research Program of China (No. 2002AA212041)
文摘Objective To develop a technique for simultaneous detection of various target genes in Roundup Ready soybean by combining multiplex PCR and low-density DNA microarray. Methods Two sets of the multiplex PCR system were used to amplify the target genes in genetically modified （GM） soybean. Seventeen capture probes （PCR products） and 17 pairs of corresponding primers were designed according to the genetic characteristics of Rroundup Ready soybean （GTS40-3-2）, maize （MonS10, Nk603, GA21）, canola （T45, MS1/RF1）, and rice （SCK） in many identified GM crops. All of the probes were categorized and identified as species-specific probes. One negative probe and one positive control probe were used to assess the efficiency of all reactions, and therefore eliminate any false positive and negative results. After multiplex PCR reaction, amplicons were adulterated with Cy5-dUTP and hybridized with DNA microarray. The array was then scanned to display the specific hybridization signals of target genes. The assay was applied to the analysis of sample of certified transgenic soybean （Roundup Ready GTS40-3-2） and canola （MS1/RF1）. Results A combination technique of multiplex PCR and DNA microarray was successfully developed to identify multi-target genes in Roundup Ready soybean and MS 1/RF1 canola with a great specificity and reliability. Reliable identification of genetic characteristics of Roundup Ready of GM soybean from genetically modified crops was achieved at 0.5% transgenic events, indicating a high sensitivity. Conclusion A combination technique of multiplex PCR and low-density DNA microarray can reliably detect and identify the genetically modified crops.
基金supported by the Science and Technology Project of Yangtze River Delta,China (16395810100)the National Transgenic Major Project,China (2012ZX080110031)the Special Subject of Shanghai Technical Barriers to Trade,China (13TBT001)
文摘Increases in the number of cases of identified genetically modified （GM） rice contamination can be traced back to the first Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed （RASFF） in 2006. In response to the lack of reliable detection methods, Decision 2011/884/EU proposed that new screening methods replace Decision 2008/289/EC, to identify all possible GM rice products originating in China. However, the synergy brands （SYBR） Green real-time PCR assay proposed by Decision 2011/884/EU has been shown to lack conformity with other TaqMan methods currently in use. To evaluate the specificity and repeatability of the methods recommended in Decision 2011/884/EU and Decision 2008/289/EC, we collected 74 rice products originating from six countries or districts. The 74 rice samples were tested using the Decision 2011/884/EU and Decision 2008/289/ EC methods. The parallel use of different instruments and reagents were used for testing in parallel, and the results were analyzed statistically. To avoid the limitations of specific laboratories, eight GM organism detection laboratories in China participated in a collaborative trial. In our tests, 24.3% （18/74） of the samples tested were positive with the SYBR Green real-time PCR assay using the Decision 2011/884/EU method, but were negative with the TaqMan real-time PCR assay using the Decision 2011/884/EU and Decision 2008/289/EC methods. Sequencing the PCR-amplified CrylA（b/c） genes in three samples （6, 30 and 43） showed that the products consisted of primer dimers rather than the targeted sequence. The combined experimental results showed that testing for the nopaline synthase gene （NOS） of Agrobacterium tumefasciens terminator and CrylA（b/c） produced false-positive results when the Decision 2011/884/EU method was used. Because of the high rate of false-positive results, the Decision 2011/884/EU SYBR Green method to detect GM rice requires improvement.
文摘For the official surveillance of genetically modified crops, efficient and simple detection methods need to be on hand to implement the strict requirements regarding approval, labelling and traceability determined by the European Union. Therefore, a multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification (MLPA) module was developed for simultaneous detection of five genetically modified rapeseed events (MS8, RF3, GT73, Falcon GS40/90 and T45). Probes were designed and concentrations were adapted in order to obtain high sensitivity and specificity. This MLPA module was validated using certified reference materials and its applicability was tested analyzing routine honey, mustard and rapeseed samples. The limit of detection was determined by analyzing a dilution series (n = 16 for each concentration) of respective transgenic DNA. After optimization, the MLPA revealed limits of detection between 10 to 50 copies of the transgene DNA/assay. The method proved to be sensitive and highly reproducible. When analyzing routine samples, results obtained applying the MLPA module were similar compared to real-time PCR.
基金supported by the National Transgenic Plant Special Fundsupported by the National Special Project of Transgenic Organisms(2008ZX8012-002)
文摘As the worldwide commercialization of genetically modified organisms （GMOs） increases and consumers concern the safety of GMOs, many countries and regions are issuing labeling regulations on GMOs and their products. Analytical methods and their standardization for GM ingredients in foods and feed are essential for the implementation of labeling regulations. To date, the GMO testing methods are mainly based on the inserted DNA sequences and newly produced proteins in GMOs. This paper presents an overview of GMO testing methods as well as their standardization.
文摘Public engagement in the development,promotion,and utilization of innovation is an important part of any biosafety decision-making process.Under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety,the public is expected to be involved in the development and handling of genetically modified organisms(GMOs)and the implementation of a national biosafety framework(NBF),which governs and regulates the operations of modern biotechnology and GMOs.In this study,we explore the state of public knowledge and awareness regarding GMOs and attitudes toward the NBF in Ghana using a survey conducted in three elite communities in Accra,the capital of Ghana.We interviewed 130 people and found that while most of the respondents obtained information on GMOs through the media,academic papers,and agriculture awareness workshops,access to information on the technology and the NBF was often limited.Our results showed that despite the existence of GMOs and an NBF in Ghana for many years,awareness,understanding,and knowledge of GMOs and the NBF remain inadequate.We found that young,better-educated males are more likely to accept GMOs and be aware of the NBF.This suggests the need for more widespread public education,engagement,and awareness development regarding GMOs,the NBF,and governing institutions as a way of resolving the problems created by misinformation,distrust,and fear,and increasing public confidence in GMOs.
