1: J Agric Food Chem. 2009 Mar 5. [Epub ahead of print]

Simultaneous Detection of Recombinant DNA Segments Introduced into Genetically
Modified Crops with Multiplex Ligase Chain Reaction Coupled with Multiplex
Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Mano J, Oguchi T, Akiyama H, Teshima R, Hino A, Furui S, Kitta K.

National Food Research Institute, 2-1-12, Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8642,
Japan, and National Institute of Health Sciences, 1-18-1, Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, 
Tokyo 158-8501, Japan.

We developed a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-multiplex ligase chain
reaction (LCR) (MPCR-MLCR) technique as a novel approach for the simultaneous
detection of recombinant DNA segments (e.g., promoters, trait genes, and
terminators) of genetically modified (GM) crops. With this technique, target DNA 
regions were amplified by multiplex PCR, the PCR products were then subjected to 
multiplex LCR as template DNAs, and the LCR products were then analyzed by
polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and subsequent fluorescent scanning. Seven
recombinant DNA segments commonly introduced into some GM crop lines were
selected as target DNA regions. In addition, another MPCR-MLCR system for the
simultaneous detection of three endogenous DNA segments was designed as a
positive control test. The specificity and sensitivity of the method were
examined. The method allowed us to detect GM crops comprehensively and is
expected to be utilized for efficient screening of GM crops into which any one of
the seven recombinant DNA segments have been introduced, and for profiling the
segments.

PMID: 19265381 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

2: Pol J Vet Sci. 2008;11(4):411-4.

Current issues connected with usage of genetically modified crops in production
of feed and livestock feeding.

Kwiatek K, Mazur M, Sieradzki Z.

Department of Hygiene of Animal Feedingstuffs, National Veterinary Research
Institute in Pulawy, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland.
kwiatekk@piwet.pulawy.pl

Progress, which is brought by new advances in modern molecular biology, allowed
interference in the genome of live organisms and gene manipulation. Introducing
new genes to the recipient organism enables to give them new features, absent
before. Continuous increase in the area of the biotech crops triggers continuous 
discussion about safety of genetically modified (GM) crops, including food and
feed derived from them. Important issue connected with cultivation of genetically
modified crops is a horizontal gene transfer and a bacterial antibiotic
resistance. Discussion about safety of GM crops concerns also food allergies
caused by eating genetically modified food. The problem of genetic modifications 
of GM crops used for livestock feeding is widely discussed, taking into account
Polish feed law.

PMID: 19227143 [PubMed - in process]

3: Anal Bioanal Chem. 2009 Mar;393(6-7):1629-38. Epub 2009 Feb 19.

Sensitive and highly specific quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA for recording 
a potential transfer of novel DNA and Cry1Ab protein from feed into bovine milk.

Guertler P, Paul V, Albrecht C, Meyer HH.

Physiology Weihenstephan, Technische Universitat Munchen, Weihenstephaner Berg 3,
85350, Freising, Germany. patrick.guertler@wzw.tum.de

To address food safety concerns of the public regarding the potential transfer of
recombinant DNA (cry1Ab) and protein (Cry1Ab) into the milk of cows fed
genetically modified maize (MON810), a highly specific and sensitive quantitative
real-time PCR (qPCR) and an ELISA were developed for monitoring suspicious
presence of novel DNA and Cry1Ab protein in bovine milk. The developed assays
were validated according to the assay validation criteria specified in the
European Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. The detection limit and detection
capability of the qPCR and ELISA were 100 copies of cry1Ab microL(-1) milk and
0.4 ng mL(-1) Cry1Ab, respectively. Recovery rates of 84.9% (DNA) and 97%
(protein) and low (<15%) imprecision revealed the reliable and accurate
estimations. A specific qPCR amplification and use of a specific antibody in
ELISA ascertained the high specificity of the assays. Using these assays for 90
milk samples collected from cows fed either transgenic (n = 8) or non-transgenic 
(n = 7) rations for 6 months, neither cry1Ab nor Cry1Ab protein were detected in 
any analyzed sample at the assay detection limits.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 19225766 [PubMed - in process]

4: J Agric Food Chem. 2009 Feb 13. [Epub ahead of print]

Safety Assessment and Detection Method of Genetically Modified Chinese Kale (
Brassica oleracea cv. alboglabra ).

Lin CH, Lu CT, Lin HT, Pan TM.

Institute of Microbiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Science, National
Taiwan University, Number 1, Section 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan, and
Department of Food Science, Nutrition, and Nutraceutical Biotechnology, Shih
Chien University, Number 70, Ta-Chih Street, Taipei 10462, Taiwan.

Sporamins are tuberous storage proteins and account for 80% of soluble protein in
sweet potato tubers with trypsin-inhibitory activity. The expression of sporamin 
protein in transgenic Chinese kale (line BoA 3-1) conferred insecticidal activity
toward corn earworm [ Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)] in a previous report. In
this study, we present a preliminary safety assessment of transgenic Chinese kale
BoA 3-1. Bioinformatic and simulated gastric fluid (SGF) analyses were performed 
to evaluate the allergenicity of sporamin protein. The substantial equivalence
between transgenic Chinese kale and its wild-type host has been demonstrated by
the comparison of important constituents. A reliable real-time polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) detection method was also developed to control sample quality.
Despite the results of most evaluations in this study being negative, the safety 
of sporamin in transgenic Chinese kale BoA 3-1 was uncluded because of the
allergenic risk revealed by bioinformatic analysis.

PMID: 19216530 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

5: Methods Mol Biol. 2009;483:69-87.

Production and localization of recombinant pharmaceuticals in transgenic seeds.

Rademacher T, Arcalis E, Stoger E.

Institute for Molecular Biology, RWTH Aachen, Worringerweg, Aachen, Germany.

Among the many plant-based production systems that have been developed for
pharmaceutical proteins, seeds have the useful advantage of accumulating proteins
in a relatively small volume, and recombinant proteins are very stable in dry
seeds allowing long-term storage and facilitating distribution before
processing.To take full advantage of the natural ability of endosperm cells to
store large amounts of protein in a protected subcellular environment, it is
useful to target recombinant proteins to appropriate storage organelles. In this 
chapter, we describe the distinct types of protein storage organelles in the
cereal endosperm and a protocol for the detection of recombinant proteins in
these organelles by immunofluorescence and immunogold labelling.The use of food
and feed crops for the production of pharmaceutical proteins such as edible
vaccines implies the need for strict separation of the transgenic seeds from the 
food and feed chain. For improved traceability visual markers may be co-expressed
with the gene of interest in engineered seeds. DsRed is one example for a
fluorescent protein that can be detected with high sensitivity using low tech
equipment. We therefore describe the generation of transgenic maize plants
expressing DsRed in a constitutive manner, and we point out the advantages of
using this marker during the process of transformation and selection of plant
tissue and later during breeding of transgenic lines into elite germplasm.

PMID: 19183894 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

6: Mod Healthc. 2009 Jan 12;39(2):17.

Battling the clones. CHW wants to avoid genetically altered foods.

Rhea S.

Publication Types: 
    News

PMID: 19172933 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

7: J Dairy Sci. 2009 Feb;92(2):444-57.

Fate of lysostaphin in milk from individual cows through pasteurization and
cheesemaking.

Van Hekken DL, Wall RJ, Somkuti GA, Powell MA, Tunick MH, Tomasula PM.

Dairy Processing and Products Research Unit, USDA, Agricultural Research Service,
Eastern Regional Research Center, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA.
diane.vanhekken@ars.usda.gov

Transgenic cows secreting over 3 microg of lysostaphin/ mL of milk are protected 
against mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus, but it is unknown if active
lysostaphin persists through dairy processing procedures or affects the
production of fermented dairy foods. The objective of this study was to determine
the fate of lysostaphin as milk was pasteurized and then processed into cheese.
Raw milk from transgenic cows was heat treated at 63 degrees C for 30 min, 72
degrees C for 15 s (high temperature, short time), or 140 degrees C for 2 s
(UHT). Portions of the high temperature, short-time milk were manufactured into
semi-hard cheeses. Aliquots taken at each processing step were assayed to
determine the quantity (ELISA) and activity (ability to inhibit S. aureus growth)
of lysostaphin. Results indicated that most of the lysostaphin was present in the
aqueous portion of the milk and was not affected by pasteurization, although UHT 
treatment reduced enzyme concentration by 60%. The quantity and activity of the
lysostaphin decreased during cheesemaking. Based on the amount of lysostaphin
present in the starting cheesemilk, 10 to 15% of the lysostaphin was recovered in
the whey, 21 to 55% in the cheese curd at d 1, and 21 to 36% in cheese stored at 
4 degrees C for 90 d. Enough of the lysostaphin secreted into milk by transgenic 
cows survived typical dairy processing conditions to impart potential value as a 
bioprotective agent against staphylococci in dairy foods.

PMID: 19164654 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

8: J Genet Genomics. 2009 Jan;36(1):41-9.

Index selection on seed traits under direct, cytoplasmic and maternal effects in 
multiple environments.

Zhang W, Xu H, Zhu J.

Institute of Bioinformatics, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang
University, Hangzhou 310029, China.

Crop seeds are important sources of protein, oil, and carbohydrates for food,
animal feeds, and industrial products. Recently, much attention has been paid to 
quality and functional properties of crop seeds. However, seed traits possess
some distinct genetic characteristics in comparison with plant traits, which
increase the difficulty of genetically improving these traits. In this study,
diallel analysis for seed models with genotype by environment interaction (GE)
effect was applied to estimate the variance-covariance components of seed traits.
Mixed linear model approaches were used to estimate the genetic covariances
between pair-wise seed and plant traits. The breeding values (BV) were divided
into two categories for the seed models. The first category of BV was defined as 
the combination of direct additive, cytoplasmic, and maternal additive effects,
which should be utilized for selecting stable cultivars over multi-environments. 
The three genetic effects, together with their GE interaction, were included in
the second category of BV for selecting special lines to be grown in specific
ecosystems. Accordingly, two types of selection indices for seed traits, i.e.,
general selection index and interaction selection index, were developed and
constructed on the first and the second category BV, respectively. These proposed
selection indices can be applied to solve the difficult task of simultaneously
improving multiple seed traits in various environments. Data of crop seeds with
regard to four seed traits and four yield traits based on the modified diallel
crosses in Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) were used as an example for
demonstrating the proposed methodology.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 19161944 [PubMed - in process]

9: Rev Med Suisse. 2008 Dec 10;4(183):2709.

[Europe does not want to eat cloned food]

[Article in French]

Nau JY.

jynau@orange.fr

PMID: 19157291 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

10: Anal Chim Acta. 2009 Feb 16;634(1):75-82. Epub 2008 Dec 6.

Evaluation of stable isotope labelling strategies for the quantitation of CP4
EPSPS in genetically modified soya.

Ocana MF, Fraser PD, Patel RK, Halket JM, Bramley PM.

Centre for Chemical and Bioanalytical Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of
London, Egham TW20 0EX, UK.

The introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops into the market has raised a 
general alertness relating to the control and safety of foods. The applicability 
of protein separation hyphenated to mass spectrometry to identify the bacterial
enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (CP4 EPSPS) protein expressed in GM
crops has been previously reported [M.F. Ocana, P.D. Fraser, R.K.P. Patel, J.M.
Halket, P.M. Bramley, Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom. 21 (2007) 319.]. Herein, we
investigate the suitability of two strategies that employ heavy stable isotopes, 
i.e. AQUA and iTRAQ, to quantify different levels of CP4 EPSPS in up to four GM
preparations. Both quantification strategies showed potential to determine
whether the presence of GM material is above the limits established by the
European Union. The AQUA quantification procedure involved protein
solubilisation/fractionation and subsequent separation using SDS-PAGE. A segment 
of the gel in which the protein of interest was located was excised, the stable
isotope labeled peptide added at a known concentration and proteolytic digestion 
initiated. Following recovery of the peptides, on-line separation and detection
using LC-MS was carried out. A similar approach was used for the iTRAQ workflow
with the exception that proteins were digested in solution and generated tryptic 
peptides were chemically tagged. Both procedures demonstrated the potential for
quantitative detection at 0.5% (w/w) GM soya which is a level below the current
European Union's threshold for food-labelling. In this context, a comparison
between the two procedures is provided within the present study.

Publication Types: 
    Evaluation Studies
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 19154813 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

11: Recent Pat DNA Gene Seq. 2009;3(1):53-62.

Current patents and future development underlying marker-assisted breeding in
major grain crops.

Utomo HS, Linscombe SD.

Rice Research Station, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, 1373
Caffey Rd., Rayne, Louisiana 70578, USA. hutomo@agcenter.lsu.edu

Genomics and molecular markers provide new tools to assemble and mobilize
important traits from different genetic backgrounds, including breeding lines and
cultivars from different parts of the world and their related wild ancestors, to 
improve the quality and yield of the existing commercial cultivars to meet the
increasing challenges of global food demand. The basic techniques of
marker-assisted breeding, such as isolating DNA, amplifying DNA of interest using
publicly available primers, and visualizing DNA fragments using standard
polyacrylamid gel, have been described in the literature and, therefore, are
available to scientists and breeders without any restrictions. A more
sophisticated high-throughput system that includes proprietary chemicals and
reagents, parts and equipments, software, and methods or processes, has been a
subject of intensive patents and trade secrets. The high-throughput systems offer
a more efficient way to discover associated QTLs for traits of economic
importance. Therefore, an increasing number of patents of highly valued genes and
QTLs is expected. This paper will discuss and review current patents associated
with genes and QTLs utilized in marker-assisted breeding in major grain crops.
The availability of molecular markers for important agronomic traits combined
with more efficient marker detection systems will help reach the full benefit of 
MAS in the breeding effort to reassemble potential genes and recapture critical
genes among the breeding lines that were lost during domestication to help boost 
crop production worldwide.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    Review

PMID: 19149739 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

12: Kennedy Inst Ethics J. 2008 Dec;18(4):393-402.

FDA releases draft guidance on regulation of genetically engineered animals.

Gluck JP, Holdsworth MT.

Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA.

PMID: 19143411 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

13: Eur J Histochem. 2008 Oct-Dec;52(4):263-7.

Can a genetically-modified organism-containing diet influence embryo development?
A preliminary study on pre-implantation mouse embryos.

Cisterna B, Flach F, Vecchio L, Barabino SM, Battistelli S, Martin TE, Malatesta 
M, Biggiogera M.

Dipartimento di Biologia Animale, Laboratorio di Biologia Cellulare e
Neurobiologia, ed Instituto di Genetica Molecolare del CNR, University of Pavia, 
Italy.

In eukaryotic cells, pre-mRNAs undergo several transformation steps to generate
mature mRNAs. Recent studies have demonstrated that a diet containing a
genetically modified (GM) soybean can induce modifications of nuclear
constituents involved in RNA processing in some tissues of young, adult and old
mice. On this basis, we have investigated the ultrastructural and
immunocytochemical features of pre-implantation embryos from mice fed either GM
or non- GM soybean in order to verify whether the parental diet can affect the
morpho-functional development of the embryonic ribonucleoprotein structural
constituents involved in pre-mRNA pathways. Morphological observations revealed
that the general aspect of embryo nuclear components is similar in the two
experimental groups. However, immunocytochemical and in situ hybridization
results suggest a temporary decrease of pre-mRNA transcription and splicing in
2-cell embryos and a resumption in 4-8-cell embryos from mice fed GM soybean;
moreover, pre-mRNA maturation seems to be less efficient in both 2-cell and
4-8-cell embryos from GM-fed mice than in controls. Although our results are
still preliminary and limited to the pre-implantation phases, the results of this
study encourage deepening on the effects of food components and/or contaminants
on embryo development.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 19109102 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

14: J Agric Food Chem. 2009 Jan 28;57(2):395-402.

Event-specific detection of stacked genetically modified maize Bt11 x GA21 by
UP-M-PCR and real-time PCR.

Xu W, Yuan Y, Luo Y, Bai W, Zhang C, Huang K.

Laboratory of Food Safety and Molecular Biology, College of Food Science and
Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing.

More and more stacked GMOs have been developed for more improved functional
properties and/or a stronger intended characteristic, such as antipest, improved 
product efficiency etc. Bt11 x GA21 is a new kind of stacked GM maize developed
by Monsanto Company. Since there are no unique flanking sequences in stacked
GMOs, up to now, no appropriate method has been reported to accurately detect
them. In this passage, a novel universal primer multiplex PCR (UP-M-PCR) was
developed and applied as a rapid screening method for the simultaneous detection 
of five target sequences (NOS, 35S, Bt11 event, GA21 event, and IVR) in maize
Bt11 x GA21. This method overcame the disadvantages rooted deeply in conventional
multiplex PCR such as complex manipulation, lower sensitivity, self-inhibition
and amplification disparity resulting from different primers. What's more, it got
a high specificity and had a detection limit of 0.1% (approximates to 38 haploid 
genome copies). Furthermore, real-time PCR combined with multivariate statistical
analysis was used for accurate quantification of stacked GM maize Bt11 x GA21 in 
100% GM maize mixture (Bt11 x GA21, Bt11 and GA21). Detection results showed that
this method could accurately validate the content of Bt11, GA21 and Bt11 x GA21
in 100% GM mixture with a detection limit of 0.5% (approximates to 200 haploid
genome copies) and a low relative standard deviation <5%. All the data proved
that this method may be widely applied in event-specific detection of other
stacked GMOs in GM-mixture.

Publication Types: 
    Evaluation Studies
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 19105640 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

15: Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2008 Dec 7. [Epub ahead of print]

Murine models for evaluating the allergenicity of novel proteins and foods.

Aldemir H, Bars R, Herouet-Guicheney C.

University of Paris Sud XI, Faculty of Pharmacy, 5 rue J.B. Clement, 92290
Chatenay Malabry, France; Bayer CropScience, 355 rue Dostoievski, 06903
Sophia-Antipolis, France.

Genetically modified crops convey many benefits to world population. However, a
rigorous safety assessment procedure, including an evaluation of the allergenic
potential, is fundamental before their release into the food chain. As an
integral part of the safety assessment process, regulatory authorities worldwide 
strongly recommend the use of tests that can predict the allergenic potential of 
the novel proteins. All guidance documents are based on an array of tests that
have been proposed in 2003 by the Codex Alimentarius. Although the animal model
is not a requirement of the Codex Alimentarius weight of evidence approach,
allergenic hazard of novel proteins could only be evaluated by an in vivo model
that can potentially identify and distinguish commonly allergenic proteins from
rarely allergenic proteins. Therefore, food allergy experts encourage its
development. During the 2007 International Life Science Institute (ILSI) workshop
(Nice, France), worldwide experts shared their latest research results on rodent 
models to evaluate the allergenic potential of proteins and foods. This review
presents the most promising rodent models for assessing food protein
allergenicity that were evaluated during this ILSI workshop.

PMID: 19100305 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

16: Plant Cell Rep. 2009 Mar;28(3):445-55. Epub 2008 Dec 18.

Evaluation of a morphological marker selection and excision system to generate
marker-free transgenic cassava plants.

Saelim L, Phansiri S, Suksangpanomrung M, Netrphan S, Narangajavana J.

Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road,
Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.

The efficacy of the ipt-type Multi-Auto-Transformation (MAT) vector system to
transform the extensively grown cassava cultivar "KU50" was evaluated. This
system utilizes the isopentenyltransferase (ipt) gene as morphological marker for
visual selection of transgenic lines. The extreme shooty phenotype (ESP) of
transgenic lines is lost due to the removal of ipt gene mediated by the yeast
Rint/RS system. As a result, phenotypically normal shoots, considered marker-free
transgenic plants, could be obtained. When transforming KU50 cassava cultivar
with two different ipt-type MAT vectors, transformation frequency at 19-21% was
observed. Among the total number of ESP explants, 32-38% regained normal extended
shoot phenotype and 88-96% of which were confirmed to represent the marker-free
transgenic plants. This is the first demonstration of the efficacy of Rint/RS
system in promoting excision of ipt marker gene in cassava specie, with the
consequent rapid production of marker-free transgenic plants. The high efficiency
of this system should facilitate pyramiding a number of transgenes by repeated
transformation without having to undergo through laborious, expensive and
time-consuming processes of sexual crossing and seed production. The generation
of marker-free, thus environmentally safe, genetically modified cassava clones
should also ease the public concerns regarding the use of transgenic cassava in
both food and nonfood industries.

PMID: 19093119 [PubMed - in process]

17: Nutr Res Rev. 2008 Dec;21(2):85-96.

n-3 Oil sources for use in aquaculture--alternatives to the unsustainable harvest
of wild fish.

Miller MR, Nichols PD, Carter CG.

CSIRO Food Futures Flagship and Division of Marine and Atmospheric Research, GPO 
Box 1538, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia. MillerM@crop.cri.nz

The present review examines renewable sources of oils with n-3 long-chain (> or =
C20) PUFA (n-3 LC-PUFA) as alternatives to oil from wild-caught fish in
aquafeeds. Due to the increased demand for and price of wild-caught marine
sources of n-3 LC-PUFA-rich oil, their effective and sustainable replacement in
aquafeeds is an industry priority, especially because dietary n-3 LC-PUFA from
eating fish are known to have health benefits in human beings. The benefits and
challenges involved in changing dietary oil in aquaculture are highlighted and
four major potential sources of n-3 LC-PUFA for aquafeeds, other than fish oil,
are compared. These sources of oil, which contain n-3 LC-PUFA, specifically EPA
(20:5n-3) and DHA (22:6n-3) or precursors to these key essential fatty acids,
are: (1) other marine sources of oil; (2) vegetable oils that contain
biosynthetic precursors, such as stearidonic acid, which may be used by fish to
produce n-3 LC-PUFA; (3) single-cell oil sources of n-3 LC-PUFA; (4) vegetable
oils derived from oil-seed crops that have undergone genetic modification to
contain n-3 LC-PUFA. The review focuses on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.),
because it is the main intensively cultured finfish species and it both uses and 
stores large amounts of oil, in particular n-3 LC-PUFA, in the flesh.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    Review

PMID: 19087364 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

18: Environ Biosafety Res. 2008 Oct-Dec;7(4):241-52. Epub 2008 Dec 16.

Dispersal of viable row-crop seeds of commercial agriculture by farmland birds:
implication for genetically modified crops.

Cummings JL, Handley LW, Macbryde B, Tupper SK, Werner SJ, Byram ZJ.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, 4101 LaPorte Avenue, Fort
Collins, CO 80521, USA. john.1.cummings@aphis.usda.gov

To address some concerns about the expansion of genetically engineered
pharmaceutical and industrial crops to outdoor plantings and potential impacts on
the human food supply, we determined whether commercial agriculture seeds of
maize or corn Zea mays L., barley Hordeum vulgare L., safflower Carthamus
tinctorius L. and rice Oryza sativa L. are digested or pass viably through the
digestive tract, or are transported externally, by captive mallard ducks Anas
platyrhynchos L., ring-necked pheasants Phasianus colchicus L., red-winged
blackbirds Agelaius phoeniceus (L.) and rock pigeons Columba livia Gmelin (with
the exception of whole maize seeds which were too large to feed to the
blackbirds). These crop seeds, whether free-fed or force-fed, did not pass
through the digestive tract of these bird species. The birds nonetheless did
retain viable seeds in the esophagus/crop and gizzard for several hours. For
example, after foraging for 6 h, mallards had retained an average of 228 +/- 112 
barley seeds and pheasants 192 +/- 78 in the esophagus/crop, and their
germination rates were 93 and 50%, respectively. Birds externally transported
seeds away from the feeding location, but in only four instances were seeds found
attached to their muddy feet or legs and in no case to feathers. Risk of such
crop seeds germinating, establishing and reproducing off site after transport by 
a bird (externally or internally) or movement of a carcass by a predator, will
depend greatly on the crop and bird species, location, environmental conditions
(including soil characteristics), timing, and seed condition.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

PMID: 19081011 [PubMed - in process]

19: New Phytol. 2009;181(1):174-86.

Effects of elevated carbon dioxide and ozone on volatile terpenoid emissions and 
multitrophic communication of transgenic insecticidal oilseed rape (Brassica
napus).

Himanen SJ, Nerg AM, Nissinen A, Pinto DM, Stewart CN Jr, Poppy GM, Holopainen
JK.

Department of Environmental Science, University of Kuopio, P.O. Box 1627,
FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland. sari.himanen@uku.fi

Does transgenically incorporated insect resistance affect constitutive and
herbivore-inducible terpenoid emissions and multitrophic communication under
elevated atmospheric CO(2) or ozone (O(3))? This study aimed to clarify the
possible interactions between allocation to direct defences (Bacillus
thuringiensis (Bt) toxin production) and that to endogenous indirect defences
under future climatic conditions. Terpenoid emissions were measured from
vegetative-stage non-Bt and Bt Brassica napus grown in growth chambers under
control or doubled CO(2), and control (filtered air) or 100 ppb O(3). The
olfactometric orientation of Cotesia vestalis, an endoparasitoid of the
herbivorous diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), was assessed under the
corresponding CO(2) and O(3) concentrations. The response of terpenoid emission
to CO(2) or O(3) elevations was equivalent for Bt and non-Bt plants, but lower
target herbivory reduced herbivore-inducible emissions from Bt plants. Elevated
CO(2) increased emissions of most terpenoids, whereas O(3) reduced total
terpenoid emissions. Cotesia vestalis orientated to host-damaged plants
independent of plant type or CO(2) concentration. Under elevated O(3),
host-damaged non-Bt plants attracted 75% of the parasitoids, but only 36.8% of
parasitoids orientated to host-damaged Bt plants. Elevated O(3) has the potential
to perturb specialized food-web communication in Bt crops.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

PMID: 19076723 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

20: Food Chem Toxicol. 2009 Feb;47(2):425-32. Epub 2008 Dec 6.

A 90-day toxicology study of transgenic lysine-rich maize grain (Y642) in
Sprague-Dawley rats.

He XY, Tang MZ, Luo YB, Li X, Cao SS, Yu JJ, Delaney B, Huang KL.

College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural
University, No. 17 Tsinghua Donglu, Beijing 100083, China.

The gene for a lysine-rich protein (sb401) obtained from potatoes (Solanum
berthaultii) was inserted into maize seed to produce Y642 transgenic maize.
Compositional analysis of Y642 grain demonstrated that the concentrations of
lysine and total protein were higher than those observed in maize grain from a
near-isogenic non-genetically modified (non-GM) commercially available control
quality protein maize (Nongda 108). The safety of Y642 maize grain was assessed
by comparison of toxicology response variables in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats
consuming diets containing Y642 maize grain with those containing Nongda 108
maize grain. Maize grains from Y642 or Nongda 108 were incorporated into rodent
diets at low (30%) or high concentrations (76%) and administered to SD rats
(n=10/sex/group) for 90 days. An additional group of negative control group of
rats (n=10/sex/group) were fed AIN93G diets. No adverse diet-related differences 
in body weights, feed consumption/utilization, clinical chemistry, hematology,
absolute and relative organ weights were observed. Further, no differences in
gross or microscopic pathology were observed between rats consuming diets with
Y642 maize grain compared with rats consuming diets containing Nongda 108 maize
grain. These results demonstrated that Y642 lysine-rich maize is as safe and
nutritious as conventional quality protein maize.

Publication Types: 
    Comparative Study
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 19073230 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

21: J Agric Food Chem. 2009 Jan 14;57(1):26-37.

Real-time PCR array as a universal platform for the detection of genetically
modified crops and its application in identifying unapproved genetically modified
crops in Japan.

Mano J, Shigemitsu N, Futo S, Akiyama H, Teshima R, Hino A, Furui S, Kitta K.

National Food Research Institute, 2-1-12 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.

We developed a novel type of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array with
TaqMan chemistry as a platform for the comprehensive and semiquantitative
detection of genetically modified (GM) crops. Thirty primer-probe sets for the
specific detection of GM lines, recombinant DNA (r-DNA) segments, endogenous
reference genes, and donor organisms were synthesized, and a 96-well PCR plate
was prepared with a different primer-probe in each well as the real-time PCR
array. The specificity and sensitivity of the array were evaluated. A comparative
analysis with the data and publicly available information on GM crops approved in
Japan allowed us to assume the possibility of unapproved GM crop contamination.
Furthermore, we designed a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet application, Unapproved
GMO Checker version 2.01, which helps process all the data of real-time PCR
arrays for the easy assumption of unapproved GM crop contamination. The
spreadsheet is available free of charge at
http://cse.naro.affrc.go.jp/jmano/index.html .

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 19072282 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

22: J Agromedicine. 2008;13(4):219-24.

Biofuels and North American agriculture--implications for the health and safety
of North American producers.

Gunderson PD.

Dakota Center for Technology-Optimized Agriculture, Devils Lake, ND 58301, USA.
Paul.D.Gunderson.1@LRSC.NODAK.EDU

This decade has provided North American agricultural producers with opportunity
to not only produce fiber and food, but also fuel and other industrial products. 
The drivers incenting this development could be sustained well into the future,
therefore workforce safety and health implications are likely to persist for some
time. Within production agriculture, the 'feedstock growth and harvest cycle' and
'transport' sectors possess the changing exposures experienced by workers. The
Conference explored the following exposures: distiller's grains and
bio-processing byproducts, spent catalyst, solvent brine, microbial agents,
genetically modified organisms, discharge effluent, H2O dilutes, change in
cropping patterns and resultant use of different seeding and harvest
technologies, pests (whether target or non-target), and rural traffic resulting
from concentrated movement of massive quantities of biomass and grain. Other
issues of a more general public health nature such as watershed implications,
other environmental impacts, emissions, uneven economic development potential,
public safety issues associated with transport of both fuel and other industrial 
products, and rural emergency medical service need were explored. And, agronomic 
impacts were noted, including tillage change, potassium buildup in soil, nutrient
depletion, sedimentation and erosion of tillable soil, and local esthetics. It
was concluded that rural venues for formation and exploration of public policy
need to be created.

PMID: 19064413 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

23: Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2008 Dec;72(12):3301-5. Epub 2008 Dec 7.

Accumulation of the bioactive peptides, novokinin, LPYPR and rubiscolin, in seeds
of genetically modified soybean.

Nishizawa K, Kita A, Doi C, Yamada Y, Ohinata K, Yoshikawa M, Ishimoto M.

National Agricultural Research Center for Hokkaido Region, Sapporo, Hokkaido,
Japan.

Novokinin (RPLKPW), LPYPR, and rubiscolin (YPLDLF) are bioactive peptides with
respective hypotensive, hypocholesterolemic, and memory-enhancing activities. We 
generated transgenic soybean lines that expressed modified forms of the alpha'
subunit of seed storage protein beta-conglycinin containing tandem repeats of
these bioactive peptides. The modified alpha' subunits constituted up to 0.2% of 
extracted proteins from the transgenic seeds.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 19060385 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

24: Maturitas. 2009 Jan 20;62(1):42-6. Epub 2008 Dec 5.

Morphological modification of female bladder after prolonged use of soy-based
diets.

da Silva Faria T, Soares LL, Medeiros JL Jr, Boaventura GT, Sampaio FJ, da Fonte 
Ramos C.

Urogenital Research Unit-UERJ, Biomedical Center, State University of Rio de
Janeiro, Av. 28 de Setembro, 87-fundos-FCM-terreo, 20551-030 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 
Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a prolonged use
of organic and transgenic soy upon the lipid profile and the collagen/muscle
ratio of the detrusor muscle of the bladder. METHODS: Wistar rats were fed three 
different diets from weaning until sacrifice (15 months old): control group (CG) 
casein-based diet; organic soy group (OSG) organic soy-based diet; genetically
modified soy group (GMSG) transgenic soy-based diet. RESULTS: There was no
difference in the food consumption or in the diet isoflavone components among the
groups. Comparing to CG, both OSG and GMSG groups presented a significant
(p<0.05) reduction in the body weight, triglycerides, cholesterol and the smooth 
muscle of the detrusor and a significant (p<0.05) increase of collagen fibers
number of the detrusor muscle. CONCLUSIONS: These findings call into question
that, the prolonged use of soy-based diets can be deleterious to the bladder by
altering the collagen/muscle ratio what can cause bladder dysfunctions similar
with that occurring during menopause.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 19058935 [PubMed - in process]

25: BMC Genomics. 2008 Dec 4;9:584.

Optimised padlock probe ligation and microarray detection of multiple
(non-authorised) GMOs in a single reaction.

Prins TW, van Dijk JP, Beenen HG, Van Hoef AA, Voorhuijzen MM, Schoen CD, Aarts
HJ, Kok EJ.

RIKILT - Institute of Food Safety (WUR), Bornsesteeg 45, 6708 PD Wageningen, the 
Netherlands. theo.prins@wur.nl

BACKGROUND: To maintain EU GMO regulations, producers of new GM crop varieties
need to supply an event-specific method for the new variety. As a result methods 
are nowadays available for EU-authorised genetically modified organisms (GMOs),
but only to a limited extent for EU-non-authorised GMOs (NAGs). In the last
decade the diversity of genetically modified (GM) ingredients in food and feed
has increased significantly. As a result of this increase GMO laboratories
currently need to apply many different methods to establish to potential presence
of NAGs in raw materials and complex derived products. RESULTS: In this paper we 
present an innovative method for detecting (approved) GMOs as well as the
potential presence of NAGs in complex DNA samples containing different crop
species. An optimised protocol has been developed for padlock probe ligation in
combination with microarray detection (PPLMD) that can easily be scaled up.
Linear padlock probes targeted against GMO-events, -elements and -species have
been developed that can hybridise to their genomic target DNA and are visualised 
using microarray hybridisation.In a tenplex PPLMD experiment, different genomic
targets in Roundup-Ready soya, MON1445 cotton and Bt176 maize were detected down 
to at least 1%. In single experiments, the targets were detected down to 0.1%,
i.e. comparable to standard qPCR. CONCLUSION: Compared to currently available
methods this is a significant step forward towards multiplex detection in complex
raw materials and derived products. It is shown that the PPLMD approach is
suitable for large-scale detection of GMOs in real-life samples and provides the 
possibility to detect and/or identify NAGs that would otherwise remain
undetected.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 19055784 [PubMed - in process]

26: Plant Biotechnol J. 2009 Feb;7(2):119-28. Epub 2008 Nov 26.

Recombinant aryl hydrocarbon receptors for bioassay of aryl hydrocarbon receptor 
ligands in transgenic tobacco plants.

Kodama S, Okada K, Akimoto K, Inui H, Ohkawa H.

Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kobe University, Rokkodai-cho 1-1,
Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan.

Dioxin residues widely contaminate soil and agricultural products at low
concentrations and may accumulate in organisms at the top of food chains owing to
their physicochemical properties. In this study, we have developed novel,
dioxin-inducible, reporter gene expression systems regulated by recombinant aryl 
hydrocarbon receptors (AhRs). The recombinant AhRs, referred to as XDVs, consist 
of the DNA-binding domain of the bacterial repressor protein LexA, a 90-kDa heat 
shock protein- and ligand-binding regulatory domain from mouse AhR, and the
transactivation domain of herpes simplex virus regulatory protein VP16.
Transgenic tobacco plants carrying XDVs absorb various AhR ligands, including
3-methylcholanthrene, beta-naphthoflavone and indigo from solid medium and
vermiculite, and show dose- and time-dependent expression of the
beta-glucuronidase reporter gene. The results clearly suggest that XDVs are
functional transcription factors that respond to AhR ligands, and that the
XDV-mediated reporter gene expression system is applicable to bioassays for
dioxin residues in the environment.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 19055610 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

27: Nature. 2008 Dec 4;456(7222):570.

Comment on:
    Nature. 2008 Oct 16;455(7215):850-2.

Switch to ecological engineering would aid independence.

Settele J, Biesmeijer J, Bommarco R.

Publication Types: 
    Comment
    Letter

PMID: 19052603 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

28: Nature. 2008 Dec 4;456(7222):563-8.

Agronomy: Five crop researchers who could change the world.

Marris E.

Publication Types: 
    News

PMID: 19052600 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

29: Vopr Pitan. 2008;77(5):13-7.

[Medical and biological safety assessment of genetically modified maize event MON
88017. Report 2. Genotoxicologic, immunologic and allergologic examinations]

[Article in Russian]

Tyshko NV, Britsina MV, Gmoshinskii IV, Zhanataev AK, Zakharova NS, Zorin SN,
Mazo VK, Semenov BF.

There are presented the results of genotoxicologic, immunologic and allergologic 
examinations which were conducted within the framework of integrated medical and 
biological assessment of genetically modified rootworm Diabrotica spp.--protected
and glyphosate tolerant maize event MON 88017. Analysis of damages of DNA and
structural chromosome aberrations, assessment of the allergenic potential and
immunoreactive properties has not confirmed any genotoxic, allergenic and
immunotoxic effect of maize event MON 88017.

Publication Types: 
    English Abstract

PMID: 19048882 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

30: Vopr Pitan. 2008;77(5):4-12.

[Medical and biological safety assessment of genetically modified maize event MON
88017. Report 1. Toxicologo-hygienic examinations]

[Article in Russian]

Tutel'ian VA, Gapparov MM, Avren'eva LI, Aksiuk IN, Guseva GV, kravchenko LV,
L'vova LS, Saprykin VP, Tyshko NV, Chernysheva ON.

The results of toxicologo-hygienic examinations, which were conducted within the 
framework of integrated medical and biological assessment of genetically modified
rootworm Diabrotica spp.--protected and glyphosate tolerant maize event MON
88017, are presented. Analysis of morphological, hematological, biochemical
parameters and system (sensitive) biomarkers has not confirmed any toxic effect
of maize event MON 88017.

Publication Types: 
    English Abstract

PMID: 19048881 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

31: Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2009 Jan;16(1):85-94. Epub 2008 Dec 2.

Cumulative impact of GM herbicide-tolerant cropping on arable plants assessed
through species-based and functional taxonomies.

Squire GR, Hawes C, Begg GS, Young MW.

Scottish Crop Research Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5DA, UK,
geoff.squire@scri.ac.uk.

BACKGROUND, AIM AND SCOPE: In a gradualist approach to the introduction of crop
biotechnology, the findings of experimentation at one scale are used to predict
the outcome of moving to a higher scale of deployment. Movement through scales
had occurred for certain genetically modified herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) crops in 
the UK as far as large-scale field trials. However, the land area occupied by
these trials was still <1% of the area occupied by the respective non-GM crops.
Some means is needed to predict the direction and size of the effect of
increasing the area of GMHT cropping on ecological variables such as the
diversity among species and trophic interactions. Species-accumulation curves are
examined here as a method of indicating regional-scale impacts on botanical
diversity from multiple field experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were used 
from experiments on the effect of (GMHT) crops and non-GM, or conventional,
comparators in fields sown with four crop types (beet, maize, spring and winter
oilseed rape) at a total of 250 sites in the UK between 2000 and 2003. Indices of
biodiversity were measured in a split-field design comparing GMHT with the
farmers' usual weed management. In the original analyses based on the means at
site level, effects were detected on the mass of weeds in the three spring crops 
and the proportion of broadleaf and grass weeds in winter oilseed rape, but not
on indices of plant species diversity. To explore the links between site means
and total taxa, accumulation curves were constructed based on the number of plant
species (a pool of around 250 species in total) and the number of plant
functional types (24), inferred from the general life-history characteristics of 
a species. RESULTS: Species accumulation differed between GMHT and conventional
treatments in direction and size, depending on the type of crop and its
conventional management. Differences were mostly in the asymptote of the curve,
indicative of the maximum number of species found in a treatment, rather than the
steepness of the curve. In winter oilseed rape, 8% more species were accumulated 
in the GMHT treatment, mainly as a result of the encouragement of grass species
by the herbicide when applied in the autumn. (Overall, GMHT winter oilseed rape
had strong negative effects on both the food web and the potential weed burden by
increasing the biomass of grasses and decreasing that of broadleaf weeds.) In
maize, 33% more species-a substantial increase-were accumulated in the GMHT than 
in the conventional, consistent with the latter's highly suppressive weed
management using triazine herbicides. In the spring oilseed rape and beet, fewer 
species (around 10%) were accumulated in the GMHT than the conventional. The GMHT
treatments did not remove or add any functional (life history) types, however.
Differences in species accumulation between treatments appeared to be caused by
loss or gain of rarer species. The generality of this effect was confirmed by
simulations of species accumulation in which the species complement at each of 50
sites was drawn from a regional pool and subjected to reducing treatment at each 
site. Shifts in the species-accumulation parameters, comparable to those
measured, occurred only when a treatment removed the rarer species at each site. 
DISCUSSION: Species accumulation provided a set of simple curve-parameters that
captured the net result of numerous local effects of treatments on plant species 
and, in some instances, the balance between grass and broadleaf types. The
direction of effect was not the same in the four crops and depended on the
severity of the conventional treatment and on complex interactions between
season, herbicide and crop. The accumulation curves gave an indication of
potential positive or negative consequences for regional species pools of
replacing a conventional practice with GMHT weed management. In this and related 
studies, a range of indicators, through which diversity was assessed by both
species and functional type, and at both site and regional scales, gave more
insight into effects of GMHT treatment than provided by any one indicator.
CONCLUSIONS: Species accumulation was shown to discriminate at the regional scale
between agronomic treatments that had little effect on species number at the
field scale. While a comprehensive assessment of GM cropping needs to include an 
examination of regional effects, as here, the costs of doing this in all
instances would be prohibitive. Simulations of diversity-reducing treatments
could provide a theoretical framework for predicting the likely regional effects 
from in-field plant dynamics. RECOMMENDATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES: Accumulation
curves potentially offer a means of linking within-site effects to regional
impacts on biodiversity resulting from any change in agricultural practice. To
guide empirical measurement, there is a scope to apply a methodology such as
individual-based modelling at the field scale to explore the links between
agronomic treatments and the relative abundance of plant types. The framework
needs to be validated in practice, using species-based and functional taxonomies,
the latter defined by measured rather than inferred traits.

PMID: 19048321 [PubMed - in process]

32: Nature. 2008 Nov 27;456(7221):421-2.

A fruitless campaign.

[No authors listed]

Publication Types: 
    Editorial

PMID: 19037266 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

33: J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Dec 24;56(24):12099-104.

Safety assessment of bacterial choline oxidase protein introduced in transgenic
crops for tolerance against abiotic stress.

Singh AK, Singh BP, Prasad GB, Gaur SN, Arora N.

Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR), Delhi, India.

Genetically modified crops have resistance to abiotic stress by introduction of
choline oxidase protein. In the present study, the safety of choline oxidase
protein derived from Arthrobacter globiformis was assessed for toxicity and
allergenicity. The protein was stable at 90 degrees C for 1 h. Toxicity studies
of choline oxidase in mice showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) from
control in terms of growth, body weight, food consumption, and blood biochemical 
indices. Histology of gut tissue of mice fed protein showed normal gastric
mucosal lining and villi in jejunum and ileum sections. Specific IgE in serum and
IL-4 release in splenic culture supernatant were low in choline oxidase treated
mice, comparable to control. Intravenous challenge with choline oxidase did not
induce any adverse reaction, unlike ovalbumin group mice. Histology of lung
tissues from choline oxidase sensitized mice showed normal airways, whereas
ovalbumin-sensitized mice showed inflamed airways with eosinophilic infiltration 
and bronchoconstriction. ELISA carried out with food allergic patients' sera
revealed no significant IgE affinity with choline oxidase. Also, choline oxidase 
did not show any symptoms of toxicity and allergenicity in mice.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 19035641 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

34: Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2008 Nov 8. [Epub ahead of print]

Identifying food proteins with allergenic potential: Evolution of approaches to
safety assessment and research to provide additional tools.

Ladics GS, Selgrade MK.

DuPont Co., DuPont Crop Genetics, Wilmington, DE 19880 USA.

A safety assessment process exists for genetically engineered crops that includes
the evaluation of the expressed protein for allergenic potential. The objectives 
of this evaluation are twofold: (1) to protect allergic consumers from exposure
to known allergenic or cross-reactive proteins, and (2) protect the general
population from risks associated with the introduction of genes encoding proteins
that are likely to become food allergens. The first systematic approach to
address these concerns was formulated by Metcalfe et al. [Metcalfe, D.D.,
Astwood, J.D., Townsend, R., Sampson, H.A., Taylor, S.L., and Fuchs, R.L. 1996.
Assessment of the allergenic potential of foods from genetically engineered crop 
plants. Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nutr. 36(5), 165-186.] and subsequently Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/World Health Organization
(FAO/WHO) [FAO/WHO, 2001. Evaluation of allergenicity of genetically modified
foods. Report of a Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Allergenicity of Foods
Derived from Biotechnology. January 22-25, 2001. Rome, Italy]. More recently,
Codex [Codex Alimentarius Commission, 2003. Alinorm 03/34: Joint FAO/WHO Food
Standard Programme, Codex Alimentarius Commission, Twenty-Fifth Session, Rome,
Italy, 30 June-5 July, 2003. Appendix III, Guideline for the conduct of food
safety assessment of foods derived from recombinant-DNA plants, and Appendix IV, 
Annex on the assessment of possible allergenicity. pp. 47-60], noting that no
single factor is recognized as an identifier for protein allergenicity, suggested
a weight of evidence approach be conducted that takes into account a variety of
factors and approaches for an overall assessment of allergenic potential. These
various recommendations are based on what is known about allergens, including the
history of exposure and safety of the gene(s) source; amino acid sequence
identity to human allergens; stability to pepsin digestion in vitro; protein
abundance in the crop and processing effects; and when appropriate, specific IgE 
binding studies or skin-prick testing. Similarities and differences between these
various suggested recommendations, as well as data gaps, are discussed. The US
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Office of Research and Development (ORD) 
has initiated a targeted research effort to address data gaps and improve the
various recommended methods/endpoints for assessing the allergenic risks
associated with plant incorporated pesticides (PIPs) through both intramural and 
extramural (grant supported) research. The areas of primary focus for EPA
include: (1) development and evaluation of animal models; (2) targeted or
specific serological assays; and (3) structure-activity relationships. Details on
the current as well as proposed EPA funded research are discussed. More recently 
US EPA has partnered with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Disease (NIAID), National Institutes of Health to support research in areas of
mutual interest with respect to food allergy.

PMID: 19028539 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

35: Plant Biotechnol J. 2009 Jan;7(1):106-17. Epub 2008 Oct 13.

Sensory analysis of calcium-biofortified lettuce.

Park S, Elless MP, Park J, Jenkins A, Lim W, Chambers E 4th, Hirschi KD.

Department of Horticulture, Forestry and Recreation Resources, Kansas State
University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA. shpark@ksu.edu

Vegetables represent an attractive means of providing increased calcium nutrition
to the public. In this study, it was demonstrated that lettuce expressing the
deregulated Arabidopsis H(+)/Ca(2+) transporter sCAX1 (cation exchanger 1)
contained 25%-32% more calcium than controls. These biofortified lettuce lines
were fertile and demonstrated robust growth in glasshouse growth conditions.
Using a panel of highly trained descriptive panellists, biofortified lettuce
plants were evaluated and no significant differences were detected in flavour,
bitterness or crispness when compared with controls. Sensory analysis studies are
critical if claims are to be made regarding the efficacy of biofortified foods,
and may be an important component in the public acceptance of genetically
modified foods.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

PMID: 19021875 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

36: J Biol. 2008 Nov 7;7(9):33. [Epub ahead of print]

Aquaglyceroporins: ancient channels for metalloids.

Bhattacharjee H, Mukhopadhyay R, Thiyagarajan S, Rosen BP.

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wayne State University, School 
of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. brosen@med.wayne.edu.

ABSTRACT: The identification of aquaglyceroporins as uptake channels for arsenic 
and antimony shows how these toxic elements can enter the food chain, and
suggests that food plants could be genetically modified to exclude arsenic while 
still accumulating boron and silicon.

PMID: 19014407 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

37: Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2009 Mar;64(1):1-5.

Organic and genetically modified soybean diets: consequences in growth and in
hematological indicators of aged rats.

Daleprane JB, Feijo TS, Boaventura GT.

College of Medicine, Federal Fluminense University, Niteroi, Brazil,
juliobd@gmail.com.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protein quality of organic and
genetically modified soy by feeding specific diets to rats. Three groups of
Wistar rats (n = 10) were used, and each group was named according to the food
that they ate. There was an organic soy group (OG), a genetically modified soy
group (GG), and a control group (CG). All animals received water and diet ad
libitum for 455 days. At the end of this period, the weight of the GG group was
the same as that of the OG, and both were higher than CG. Protein intake was
similar for the OG and GG, which were significantly lower (p < 0.0005) than the
CG. The growth rate (GR) of the rats, albumin levels, and total levels of serum
protein were comparable for all groups. Hematocrit (p < 0.04) and hemoglobin (p <
0.03) for the OG and GG were less than the CG. Although the OG and GG
demonstrated reduced hematocrit and hemoglobin, both types of soy were utilized
in a way similar to casein. This result suggests that the protein quality of soy 
is parallel to the standard protein casein in terms of growth promotion but not
hematological indicators.

PMID: 19011971 [PubMed - in process]

38: Methods Mol Biol. 2009;478:305-14.

Design and management of field trials of transgenic cereals.

Bedo Z, Rakszegi M, Lang L.

Agricultural Research Institute of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Hungary.

The development of gene transformation systems has allowed the introgression of
alien genes into plant genomes, thus providing a mechanism for broadening the
genetic resources available to plant breeders. The design and the management of
field trials vary according to the purpose for which transgenic cereals are
developed. Breeders study the phenotypic and genotypic stability of transgenic
plants, monitor the increase in homozygosity of transgenic genotypes under field 
conditions, and develop backcross generations to transfer the introduced genes
into secondary transgenic cereal genotypes. For practical purposes, they may also
multiply seed of the transgenic lines to produce sufficient amounts of grain for 
the detailed analysis of trait(s) of interest, to determine the field performance
of transgenic lines, and to compare them with the non-transformed parental
genotypes. Prior to variety registration, the Distinctness, Uniformity and
Stability (DUS) tests and Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) experiments are
carried out in field trials. Field testing includes specific requirements for
transgenic cereals to assess potential environmental risks. The capacity of the
pollen to survive, establish and disseminate in the field test environment, the
potential for gene transfer, the effects of products expressed by the introduced 
sequences and phenotypic and genotypic instability that might cause deleterious
effects must all be specifically monitored, as required by EU Directives
2003/701/EC (1) on the release of genetically modified higher plants in the
environment.

PMID: 19009453 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

39: Methods Mol Biol. 2009;478:273-88.

Establishing substantial equivalence: proteomics.

Lovegrove A, Salt L, Shewry PR.

Department of Plant Sciences, Rothamsted Research, Centre for Crop Genetic
Improvement, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, UK.

Wheat is a major crop in world agriculture and is consumed after processing into 
a range of food products. It is therefore of great importance to determine the
consequences (intended and unintended) of transgenesis in wheat and whether
genetically modified lines are substantially equivalent to those produced by
conventional plant breeding. Proteomic analysis is one of several approaches
which can be used to address these questions. Two-dimensional PAGE (2D PAGE)
remains the most widely available method for proteomic analysis, but is
notoriously difficult to reproduce between laboratories. We therefore describe
methods which have been developed as standard operating procedures in our
laboratory to ensure the reproducibility of proteomic analyses of wheat using 2D 
PAGE analysis of grain proteins.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 19009451 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

40: J Biosci Bioeng. 2008 Oct;106(4):350-6.

Chemical characteristics and volatile profile of genetically modified peanut
cultivars.

Ng EC, Dunford NT, Chenault K.

Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering and Robert M. Kerr Food &
Agricultural Products Center, Oklahoma State University, FAPC Room 103,
Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.

Genetic engineering has been used to modify peanut cultivars for improving
agronomic performance and pest resistance. Food products developed through
genetic engineering have to be assessed for their safety before approval for
human consumption. Preservation of desirable chemical, flavor and aroma
attributes of the peanut cultivars during the genetic modifications is critical
for acceptance of genetically modified peanuts (GMP) by the food industry. Hence,
the main objective of this study is to examine chemical characteristics and
volatile profile of GMP. The genetically modified peanut cultivars, 188, 540 and 
654 were obtained from the USDA-ARS in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The peanut variety
Okrun was examined as a control. The volatile analysis was performed using a gas 
chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) equipped with an olfactory detector. The 
peanut samples were also analyzed for their moisture, ash, protein, sugar and oil
compositions. Experimental results showed that the variations in nutritional
composition of peanut lines examined in this study were within the values
reported for existing cultivars. There were minor differences in volatile profile
among the samples. The implication of this study is significant, since it shows
that peanut cultivars with greater pest and fungal resistance were successfully
developed without major changes in their chemical characteristics.

PMID: 19000610 [PubMed - in process]

41: Nat Biotechnol. 2008 Nov;26(11):1223-5.

Coexistence in the EU-return of the moratorium on GM crops?

Devos Y, Demont M, Sanvido O.

Publication Types: 
    Letter

PMID: 18997757 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

42: Nat Biotechnol. 2008 Nov;26(11):1222-3.

Pharming in crop commodities.

Stewart CN Jr.

Publication Types: 
    Letter

PMID: 18997756 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

43: Nat Biotechnol. 2008 Nov;26(11):1205-7.

FDA transgenic animal guidance finally surfaces.

Fox JL.

Publication Types: 
    News

PMID: 18997745 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

44: Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2008 Nov;72(11):2953-8. Epub 2008 Nov 7.

Real-time PCR method using capturing oligo-immobilized PCR tubes to determine the
specific gene for soybean and genetically modified soybean in food matrices.

Harikai N, Saito S, Abe M, Kondo K, Kitta K, Akiyama H, Teshima R, Kinoshita K.

School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mukogawa Women's University, Hyogo, Japan.

A new real-time PCR method using capturing oligo-immobilized PCR tubes is
described. This method was used to detect specific genes for soybean and
genetically modified (GM) soybean in food matrices. In a standard reaction using 
soybean genomic DNA and a capturing oligo for the lectin gene (Le1) immobilized
on the tube, we examined the effects of such hybridization conditions as the
location, length, and amount of the capturing oligo, and the incubation time and 
temperature. Under optimized conditions, the copy number of Le1 was determined in
a concentration-dependent manner from soybean genomic DNA and soybean lysate (DNA
10-1000 ng, r=0.99; lysate 1-100%, r=0.99). The copy number of a Roundup Ready
soybean (RRS) gene was also successfully detected in a concentration-dependent
manner (1-100%, r=0.99) from GM soybean lysate, using PCR tubes with an
immobilized capturing oligo for the transgene. Our data indicate that this is a
rapid and simple method to determine specific genes for soybean and GM soybean in
food matrices.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18997399 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

45: Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2009 Feb;49(2):164-75.

Health risks of genetically modified foods.

Dona A, Arvanitoyannis IS.

Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, University of Athens, Medical
School, Athens, Greece.

As genetically modified (GM) foods are starting to intrude in our diet concerns
have been expressed regarding GM food safety. These concerns as well as the
limitations of the procedures followed in the evaluation of their safety are
presented. Animal toxicity studies with certain GM foods have shown that they may
toxically affect several organs and systems. The review of these studies should
not be conducted separately for each GM food, but according to the effects
exerted on certain organs it may help us create a better picture of the possible 
health effects on human beings. The results of most studies with GM foods
indicate that they may cause some common toxic effects such as hepatic,
pancreatic, renal, or reproductive effects and may alter the hematological,
biochemical, and immunologic parameters. However, many years of research with
animals and clinical trials are required for this assessment. The use of
recombinant GH or its expression in animals should be re-examined since it has
been shown that it increases IGF-1 which may promote cancer.

PMID: 18989835 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

46: Nature. 2008 Nov 6;456(7218):2.

Animals aren't drugs.

[No authors listed]

Publication Types: 
    Editorial

PMID: 18987684 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

47: J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008 Nov 1;233(9):1370-3.

Genetically engineered animals in the food supply.

Burns K.

Publication Types: 
    News

PMID: 18980485 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

48: Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2008 Dec;63(4):163-9.

Antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of polyphenols in brown alga Ecklonia
stolonifera in genetically diabetic KK-A(y) mice.

Iwai K.

Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aomori University of Health 
and Welfare, Hamadate, Aomori, Japan. k_iwai@auhw.ac.jp

The dietary intake and control of blood glucose levels are very important in
hyperglycemic patients and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are a cost-effective
means to preventing the progression of diabetes. In search of a natural inhibitor
from food materials, alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity and the
anti-hyperglycemic effects of a brown alga, Ecklonia stolonifera, were
investigated using non-insulin dependent diabetic mice. Methanolic extract of E. 
stolonifera (MEE), which contains a high content of polyphenols, showed strong
inhibition of alpha-glucosidase in vitro. Male KK-A(y) mice, a genetically
non-insulin dependent diabetic model, showed hyperglycemia with aging, but the
ingestion of MEE suppressed the increase in plasma glucose and lipid peroxidation
levels in unfasted KK-A(y) mice dose dependently. In KK-A(y) mice, which were fed
the MEE diet for 4 weeks, MEE moderated the elevation of plasma glucose levels
after the oral administration of maltose. The polyphenols in MEE were estimated
to be phlorotannins by HPLC-PDA and LC/MS analyses. These results demonstrate
that E. stolonifera, seaweed typically used as a health food, has strong
antidiabetic and antioxidant effects in vivo, thus, it may have beneficial
properties in the prevention of diabetes and could be useful in the development
of an antidiabetic pharmaceutical and functional food.

PMID: 18958624 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

49: J Am Diet Assoc. 2008 Nov;108(11):1888-95.

Nutritional genomics, polyphenols, diets, and their impact on dietetics.

Barnes S.

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 452 McCallum Research Building,
University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1918 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35294, 
USA. sbarnes@uab.edu

Nutritional genomics offers a way to optimize human health and the quality of
life. It is an attractive endeavor, but one with substantial challenges. It
encompasses almost all known aspects of science, ranging from the genomes of
humans, plants, and microorganisms, to the highest levels of food science,
analytical science, computing, and statistics of large systems, as well as human 
behavior. This paper describes the underlying biochemistry that is targeted by
the principal issues in nutritional genomics, which entails genomics,
transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. A major feature relevant to
nutritional genomics is the single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes that
interact with nutrients and other bioactive food components. These genetic
changes may lead to alterations in absorption, metabolism, and functional
responses to bioactive nutritional factors. Bioactive food components may also
regulate gene expression at the transcriptome, protein abundance, and/or protein 
turnover levels. Even if all of these variables are known, additional variables
to be considered include the nutritional variability of the food (unprocessed and
processed), the amount that is actually eaten, and the eating-related behaviors
of those consuming the food. These challenges are explored within the context of 
soy intake. Finally, the importance of international cooperation in nutritional
genomics research is presented.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
    Review

PMID: 18954579 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

50: J Exp Bot. 2008;59(15):4075-82. Epub 2008 Oct 24.

Involvement of the ethylene response pathway in dormancy induction in
chrysanthemum.

Sumitomo K, Narumi T, Satoh S, Hisamatsu T.

National Institute of Floricultural Science (NIFS), National Agriculture and Food
Research Organization (NARO), 2-1 Fujimoto, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8519, Japan.

Temperature plays a significant role in the annual cycling between growth and
dormancy of the herbaceous perennial chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium
Ramat.). After exposure to high summer temperatures, cool temperature triggers
dormancy. The cessation of flowering and rosette formation by the cessation of
elongation are characteristic of dormant plants, and can be stimulated by
exogenous ethylene. Thus, the ethylene response pathway may be involved in
temperature-induced dormancy of chrysanthemum. Transgenic chrysanthemums
expressing a mutated ethylene receptor gene were used to assess this involvement.
The transgenic lines showed reduced ethylene sensitivity: ethylene causes leaf
yellowing in wild-type chrysanthemums, but leaves remained green in the
transgenic lines. Extension growth and flowering of wild-type and transgenic
lines varied between temperatures: at 20 degrees C, the transgenic lines showed
the same stem elongation and flowering as the wild type; at cooler temperatures, 
the wild type formed rosettes with an inability to flower and entered dormancy,
but some transgenic lines continued to elongate and flower. This supports the
involvement of the ethylene response pathway in the temperature-induced dormancy 
of chrysanthemum. At the highest dosage of ethephon, an ethylene-releasing agent,
wild-type plants formed rosettes with an inability to flower and became dormant, 
but one transgenic line did not. This confirms that dormancy is induced via the
ethylene response pathway.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18952907 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

51: Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 Dec;46(12):3808-17. Epub 2008 Oct 8.

Subchronic feeding study of high oleic acid soybeans (Event DP-3O5423-1) in
Sprague-Dawley rats.

Delaney B, Appenzeller LM, Munley SM, Hoban D, Sykes GP, Malley LA, Sanders C.

Pioneer, A DuPont Company, Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc., Johnston, IA
50131-0552, USA. bryan.delaney@pioneer.com

DP-3O5423-1 (305423) is a genetically-modified (GM) soybean that was produced by 
biolistic insertion of a gm-fad2-1 gene fragment and the gm-hra gene into the
germline of soybean seeds. The gm-fad2-1 gene fragment cosuppresses expression of
the endogenous FAD2-1 gene encoding the seed-specific omega-6 fatty acid
desaturase resulting in higher concentrations of oleic acid (18:1) relative to
linoleic acid (18:2). The gm-hra gene encoding a modified acetolactate synthase
(ALS) enzyme was used as a selectable marker. In the current study, processed
fractions (meal, hulls, and oil) from 305423 soybeans, non-GM soybeans with a
similar genetic background (near isoline control) and three
commercially-available non-GM varieties were used to formulate diets that were
nutritionally comparable to PMI Certified Rodent LabDiet 5002. Diets were fed to 
young adult Crl:CD(SD) rats (12/sex/group) for approximately 90 days. Compared
with rats fed the non-GM control diet, no biologically relevant differences were 
observed in rats fed the 305423 diet with respect to body weight/gain, food
consumption/efficiency, mortality, clinical signs of toxicity, or
ophthalmological observations. No test diet-related effects were observed on
neurobehavioral assessments, organ weights, or clinical or anatomic pathology.
These results demonstrated that 305423 soybeans are as safe and wholesome as
non-GM soybeans.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18952136 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

52: Prim Care. 2008 Dec;35(4):769-88.

Common foods and farming methods thought to promote health: what the data show.

Chahbazi J, Grow S.

McLaren Family Medicine Residency, G-3245 Beecher Road, Flint, MI 48532, USA.
chahbazi@umich.edu

What are the best dietary practices and farming methods to promote health? The
answer may depend on whether one looks at the health of individuals or the health
of the planet (planetary health or PH). PH will equate to a healthy ecosphere
fostered by dietary/farming practices that are less resource-intense, potentially
decreasing starvation and carbon emissions. Best practices also may depend on
whether by health one means lack of observable disease (such as obesity,
nutritional deficiency, diabetes, or cancer), optimal health (also known as
wellness), or longevity. This article attempts to give an overview of the
evidence as regards all of these aspects and definitions of health.

PMID: 18928829 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

53: PLoS Genet. 2008 Oct;4(10):e1000222. Epub 2008 Oct 17.

The HLH-6 transcription factor regulates C. elegans pharyngeal gland development 
and function.

Smit RB, Schnabel R, Gaudet J.

Genes and Development Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The Caenorhabditis elegans pharynx (or foregut) functions as a pump that draws in
food (bacteria) from the environment. While the "organ identity factor" PHA-4 is 
critical for formation of the C. elegans pharynx as a whole, little is known
about the specification of distinct cell types within the pharynx. Here, we use a
combination of bioinformatics, molecular biology, and genetics to identify a
helix-loop-helix transcription factor (HLH-6) as a critical regulator of
pharyngeal gland development. HLH-6 is required for expression of a number of
gland-specific genes, acting through a discrete cis-regulatory element named PGM1
(Pharyngeal Gland Motif 1). hlh-6 mutants exhibit a frequent loss of a subset of 
glands, while the remaining glands have impaired activity, indicating a role for 
hlh-6 in both gland development and function. Interestingly, hlh-6 mutants are
also feeding defective, ascribing a biological function for the glands.
Pharyngeal pumping in hlh-6 mutants is normal, but hlh-6 mutants lack expression 
of a class of mucin-related proteins that are normally secreted by pharyngeal
glands and line the pharyngeal cuticle. An interesting possibility is that one
function of pharyngeal glands is to secrete a pharyngeal lining that ensures
efficient transport of food along the pharyngeal lumen.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18927627 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

54: Science. 2008 Oct 17;322(5900):362-4.

Q&A: China's scientist premier. Interview by Bruce Alberts.

Jiabao W.

Publication Types: 
    Interview
    News

PMID: 18927368 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

55: J Nutr Biochem. 2008 Oct 14. [Epub ahead of print]

Use of a novel genetic mouse model to investigate the role of folate in
colitis-associated colon cancer.

Chapkin RS, Kamen BA, Callaway ES, Davidson LA, George NI, Wang N, Lupton JR,
Finnell RH.

Faculty of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2253, USA; 
Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, 
TX 77843-2253, USA; Center for Environmental and Rural Health, Texas A&M
University, College Station, TX 77843-2253, USA; Vegetable and Fruit Improvement 
Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2119, USA.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are at high risk for developing folate 
deficiency and colon cancer. Since it is difficult to study the subtle global and
gene-specific epigenetic mechanisms involved in folate-mediated tumor initiation 
and promotion, we have generated genetically modified mouse models by targeting
the reduced folate carrier (RFC1) and folate-binding protein (Folbp1) genes. The 
transgenic mice were fed semi-purified diets for 8 weeks containing either normal
(2 mg) or deficient (0.1 mg folate/kg diet) levels of folate. Compound
heterozygous mice (Folbp1(+/-); RFC1(+/-)) fed an adequate folate diet exhibited 
a reduction in plasma folate concentrations compared to heterozygous
(Folbp1(+/-)) and littermate wild-type mice (P<.05). In contrast, no differences 
were observed in colonic mucosa. Consumption of a low folate diet significantly
reduced (three- to fourfold) plasma and tissue folate levels in all animal
models, although plasma homocysteine levels were not altered. In order to
elucidate the relationship between folate status and inflammation-associated
colon cancer, animals were injected with azoxymethane followed by dextran sodium 
sulphate treatment in the drinking water. Mice were fed a normal folate diet and 
were terminated 5 weeks after carcinogen injection. The number of high
multiplicity aberrant crypt foci per centimeter of colon was significantly
elevated (P<.05) in compound Folbp1(+/-); RFC1(+/-) (3.5+/-0.4) mice as compared 
to Folbp1(+/-) (1.9+/-0.3) and wild-type control mice (1.1+/-0.1). These data
demonstrate that the ablation of two receptor/carrier-mediated pathways for
folate transport increases the risk for developing inflammation-associated colon 
cancer.

PMID: 18926688 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

56: C R Biol. 2008 Oct;331(10):763-71. Epub 2008 Sep 4.

Genetic and molecular approaches to improve nutritional value of Brassica napus
L. seed.

Nesi N, Delourme R, Bregeon M, Falentin C, Renard M.

INRA-Agrocampus Rennes-University of Rennes1 Joint Laboratory, UMR118, Plant
Genetics and Biotechnologies, BP 35327, 35653 Le Rheu cedex, France.
nathalie.nesi@rennes.inra.fr

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) is a major oil crop that also supplies proteins 
for the feed industry. In order to reduce total cost production, the objective is
to increase oil yield while reducing crop inputs (especially nitrogen and
pesticides). Concomitantly, it is necessary to anticipate specific uses (e.g.,
fatty acid composition) and to ensure the valorisation of the by-products
(rapeseed meal). By the past, improvement of seed quality focused on fatty acid
balance and low seed glucosinolate content. Current goals include the breeding of
yellow-seeded rapeseed lines with high content of seed oil. The use of molecular 
tools and the exploitation of Arabidopsis knowledge will be presented and
discussed.

Publication Types: 
    Review

PMID: 18926490 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

57: Nature. 2008 Oct 16;455(7215):850-2.

Comment in:
    Nature. 2008 Dec 4;456(7222):570.

Is China ready for GM rice?

Qiu J.

Publication Types: 
    News

PMID: 18923484 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

58: Electrophoresis. 2008 Sep;29(18):3801-9.

Using multiple PCR and CE with chemiluminescence detection for simultaneous
qualitative and quantitative analysis of genetically modified organism.

Guo L, Qiu B, Chi Y, Chen G.

Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for
Food Safety, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, P. R. China.

In this paper, an ultrasensitive CE-CL detection system coupled with a novel
double-on-column coaxial flow detection interface was developed for the detection
of PCR products. A reliable procedure based on this system had been demonstrated 
for qualitative and quantitative analysis of genetically modified organism-the
detection of Roundup Ready Soy (RRS) samples was presented as an example. The
promoter, terminator, function and two reference genes of RRS were amplified with
multiplex PCR simultaneously. After that, the multiplex PCR products were labeled
with acridinium ester at the 5'-terminal through an amino modification and then
analyzed by the proposed CE-CL system. Reproducibility of analysis times and peak
heights for the CE-CL analysis were determined to be better than 0.91 and 3.07%
(RSD, n=15), respectively, for three consecutive days. It was shown that this
method could accurately and qualitatively detect RRS standards and the simulative
samples. The evaluation in terms of quantitative analysis of RRS provided by this
new method was confirmed by comparing our assay results with those of the
standard real-time quantitative PCR (RT-QPCR) using SYBR Green I dyes. The
results showed a good coherence between the two methods. This approach
demonstrated the possibility for accurate qualitative and quantitative detection 
of GM plants in a single run.

Publication Types: 
    Evaluation Studies
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18850650 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

59: PLoS Genet. 2008 Oct;4(10):e1000213. Epub 2008 Oct 10.

A TRPV channel modulates C. elegans neurosecretion, larval starvation survival,
and adult lifespan.

Lee BH, Ashrafi K.

Department of Physiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, 
CA, USA.

For most organisms, food is only intermittently available; therefore, molecular
mechanisms that couple sensation of nutrient availability to growth and
development are critical for survival. These mechanisms, however, remain poorly
defined. In the absence of nutrients, newly hatched first larval (L1) stage
Caenorhabditis elegans halt development and survive in this state for several
weeks. We isolated mutations in unc-31, encoding a calcium-activated regulator of
neural dense-core vesicle release, which conferred enhanced starvation survival. 
This extended survival was reminiscent of that seen in daf-2 insulin-signaling
deficient mutants and was ultimately dependent on daf-16, which encodes a FOXO
transcription factor whose activity is inhibited by insulin signaling. While
insulin signaling modulates metabolism, adult lifespan, and dauer formation,
insulin-independent mechanisms that also regulate these processes did not promote
starvation survival, indicating that regulation of starvation survival is a
distinct program. Cell-specific rescue experiments identified a small subset of
primary sensory neurons where unc-31 reconstitution modulated starvation
survival, suggesting that these neurons mediate perception of food availability. 
We found that OCR-2, a transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channel that
localizes to the cilia of this subset of neurons, regulates peptide-hormone
secretion and L1 starvation survival. Moreover, inactivation of ocr-2 caused a
significant extension in adult lifespan. These findings indicate that TRPV
channels, which mediate sensation of diverse noxious, thermal, osmotic, and
mechanical stimuli, couple nutrient availability to larval starvation survival
and adult lifespan through modulation of neural dense-core vesicle secretion.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18846209 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

60: Nat Biotechnol. 2008 Oct;26(10):1070-1; author reply 1071-2.

Comment on:
    Nat Biotechnol. 2008 Jan;26(1):73-81.

Allergenicity testing of GM crops.

Aalberse RC.

Publication Types: 
    Comment
    Letter

PMID: 18846066 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

61: Nat Biotechnol. 2008 Oct;26(10):1068-70.

Comment on:
    Nat Biotechnol. 2008 Mar;26(3):247.

Fuelling the 9 billion.

Martindale W, Trewavas A.

Publication Types: 
    Comment
    Letter

PMID: 18846065 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

62: Nat Biotechnol. 2008 Oct;26(10):1060.

Plant biotech bonanza.

Waltz E.

Publication Types: 
    News

PMID: 18846061 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

63: Curr Biol. 2008 Sep 23;18(18):R839-41.

Rift grows in GM debate.

Williams N.

PMID: 18843797 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

64: Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2008 Oct;15(7):529-35. Epub 2008 Oct 7.

Hazard mitigation or mitigation hazard?

Reuter H, Menzel G, Pehlke H, Breckling B.

Department of General and Theoretical Ecology, Centre for Environmental Research 
and Sustainable Technology (UFT), University of Bremen, P. O. Box 330440, 28334
Bremen, Germany. hauke.reuter@zmt.uni-bremen.de

BACKGROUND, AIM AND SCOPE: Transgenic oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.; OSR) is
estimated to be environmentally and economically problematic because volunteers
and ferals occur frequently and because of its hybridisation potential with
several wild and weedy species. A proposed mitigation strategy aims to reduce
survival, in particular in conventional OSR crops, by coupling the transgenic
target modification with a dwarfing gene to reduce competitive fitness. Our study
allowed us to access potential ecological implications of this strategy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: On a large scale (>500 km(2)), we recorded phenological
and population parameters of oilseed rape plants for several years in rural and
urban areas of Northern Germany (Bremen and surroundings). The characterising
parameter were analysed for differences between wild and cultivated plants.
RESULTS: In rural areas, occurrences of feral and volunteer OSR together had an
average density of 1.19 populations per square kilometre, in contrast to urban
areas where we found 1.68 feral populations per square kilometre on average.
Throughout the survey, the vegetation cover at the locations with feral OSR
ranged from less than 10% to 100%. Our investigations gave clear empirical
evidence that feral OSR was, on average, at least 41% smaller than cultivated
OSR, independent of phenological state after onset of flowering. DISCUSSION: The 
findings can be interpreted as phenotypic adaptation of feral OSR plants.
Therefore, it must be asked whether dwarfing could be interpreted as an
improvement of pre-adaptation to feral environments. In most of the sites where
feral plants occurred, germination and establishment were in locations with
disturbed vegetation cover, allowing initial growth without competition. Unless
feral establishment of genetically modified dwarfed traits are specifically
studied, it would not be safe to assume that the mitigation strategy of dwarfing 
also reduces dispersal in feral environments. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
With respect to OSR, we argue that the proposed mitigation approach could
increase escape and persistence of transgene varieties rather than reducing them.
We conclude that the development of effective hazard mitigation measures in the
risk evaluation of genetically modified organisms requires thorough theoretical
and empirical ecological analyses rather than assumptions about abstract fitness 
categories that apply only in parts of the environment where the plant can occur.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18839232 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

65: Commun Agric Appl Biol Sci. 2008;73(1):27-31.

Optimizing Arabidopsis thaliana as a platform for the seed-based production of
recombinant proteins.

Demeyer R, Vereecken F, De Loose M, Van Droogenbroeck B.

Technology & Food Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Burg. 
Van Gansberghelaan 115, BE-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.

PMID: 18831240 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

66: Plant J. 2009 Feb;57(3):487-97. Epub 2008 Sep 26.

TaASY1 promotes homologous chromosome interactions and is affected by deletion of
Ph1.

Boden SA, Langridge P, Spangenberg G, Able JA.

Molecular Plant Breeding Cooperative Research Centre, School of Agriculture, Food
and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB1, Glen Osmond, South
Australia, 5064, Australia.

During meiosis, chromosomes are sorted into homologous pairs as a preface to
their intimate association via recombination and synapsis. However, little is
known about the mechanism used to distinguish homologous chromosomes from other
chromosomes present in the nucleus. Studies in wheat (Triticum aestivum) have
shown that the Pairing homoeologous 1 (Ph1) locus is required to suppress
interactions between genetically similar homoeologous chromosomes. Here we show
that absence of Ph1 causes increased transcription of Asynapsis 1 (ASY1), a gene 
that encodes an axial-element-associated protein that is essential for synapsis
and cross-over formation in Arabidopsis and rice. Localisation of ASY1 during
meiosis is also affected by deletion of Ph1. In addition, transgenic wheat
mutants with decreased activity of TaASY1 display reduced synapsis during
prophase I and exhibit pairing between homoeologous chromosomes at metaphase I.
These results suggest that ASY1 is required to promote interactions between
homologous chromosomes in bread wheat, and that Ph1 has a gene regulatory role,
which is consistent with its suggested genetic identity as a Cdk-like gene.
Broader implications of this research suggest that we could use the Taasy1
mutants to assess their efficacy in alien chromatin introgression studies, as
seen with the ph1b mutant.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18826431 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

67: N Biotechnol. 2008;25(2-3):101-7. Epub 2008 Sep 6.

Integrated farming: why organic farmers should use transgenic crops.

Ammann K.

Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, NL-2628 BC Delft, Netherlands.
klaus.ammann@ips.unibe.ch

The concept of organic farming is summarised and compared as an example to
farming with biotechnology-derived crops. If done within an ecological concept,
both methods can be seen as environmentally acceptable. Organic farming does not 
offer consistent arguments for the rejection of transgenic crops. Some arguments 
(from genomics to biodiversity) are discussed in order to demonstrate that the
contrast between both farming systems is rated too high and that it is possible
to overcome the divide. In this way the ground is prepared for a proposal on how 
to merge those otherwise incompatible agricultural management systems, a proposal
that also will have to build on a new concept of sustainability. It will be dealt
with in the second part of the article in the next issue of New Biotechnology.

PMID: 18824150 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

68: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Sep 30;105(39):14826-31. Epub 2008 Sep 24.

Control of feeding behavior in C. elegans by human G protein-coupled receptors
permits screening for agonist-expressing bacteria.

Teng MS, Shadbolt P, Fraser AG, Jansen G, McCafferty J.

Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1HH, United
Kingdom.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have a key role in many biological processes 
and are important drug targets for many human diseases. Therefore, understanding 
the molecular interactions between GPCRs and their ligands would improve drug
design. Here, we describe an approach that allows the rapid identification of
functional agonists expressed in bacteria. Transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans
expressing the human chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) in nociceptive neurons show
avoidance behavior on encounter with the ligand MIP-1alpha and avoid feeding on
Escherichia coli expressing MIP-1alpha compared with control bacteria. This
system allows a simple activity screen, based on the distribution of transgenic
worms in a binary food-choice assay, without a requirement for protein
purification or tagging. By using this approach, a library of 68 MIP-1alpha
variants was screened, and 13 critical agonist residues involved in CCR5
activation were identified, four of which (T8, A9, N22, and A25) have not been
described previously, to our knowledge. Identified residues were subsequently
validated in receptor binding assays and by calcium flux assays in mammalian
cells. This approach serves not only for structure/function studies as
demonstrated, but may be used to facilitate the discovery of agonists within
bacterial libraries.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18815363 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

69: Plant J. 2009 Feb;57(3):413-25. Epub 2008 Sep 21.

Refunctionalization of the ancient rice blast disease resistance gene Pit by the 
recruitment of a retrotransposon as a promoter.

Hayashi K, Yoshida H.

National Agricultural Research Center, National Agriculture and Food Research
Organization, 1-2-1 Inada, Jo-etsu, Niigata 943 0193, Japan.

The plant genome contains a large number of disease resistance (R) genes that
have evolved through diverse mechanisms. Here, we report that a long terminal
repeat (LTR) retrotransposon contributed to the evolution of the rice blast
resistance gene Pit. Pit confers race-specific resistance against the fungal
pathogen Magnaporthe grisea, and is a member of the nucleotide-binding site
leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) family of R genes. Compared with the non-functional
allele Pit(Npb), the functional allele Pit(K59) contains four amino acid
substitutions, and has the LTR retrotransposon Renovator inserted upstream.
Pathogenesis assays using chimeric constructs carrying the various regions of
Pit(K59) and Pit(Npb) suggest that amino acid substitutions might have a
potential effect in Pit resistance; more importantly, the upregulated promoter
activity conferred by the Renovator sequence is essential for Pit function. Our
data suggest that transposon-mediated transcriptional activation may play an
important role in the refunctionalization of additional 'sleeping' R genes in the
plant genome.

PMID: 18808453 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

70: Appl Spectrosc. 2008 Sep;62(9):1044-7.

Discrimination of transgenic and conventional soybean seeds by fourier transform 
infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy.

Caires AR, Teixeira MR, Suarez YR, Andrade LH, Lima SM.

Grupo de Optica Aplicada, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados-UFGD, C.P. 533,
79804-970, Dourados, MS, Brazil. andercaires@ufgd.edu.br

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18801246 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

71: Prep Biochem Biotechnol. 2008;38(4):411-21.

Expression of an HCV core antigen coding gene in tobacco (N. tabacum L.).

Nianiou I, Kalantidis K, Madesis P, Georgopoulou U, Mavromara P, Tsaftaris A.

Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, School of Agriculture, Aristotelian
University of Thessaloniki, Greece.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major agent causing chronic liver disease. The
core gene is the most conserved sequence in the HCV genome and proved
immunoreactive when expressed in bacteria and antigenic in humans. In order to
test the ability of plants to express the core gene for the production of core
antigen, transgenic tobacco plants carrying the core gene were generated. The
core protein was stably synthesized in T(0) and T(1) generations and was found to
be immunoreactive, not only with anti-core polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, 
but also was able to recognize the HCV virus in infected human serum. The
prospects of producing a plant based vaccine and/or a food vaccine for this
important virus are discussed.

PMID: 18800303 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

72: Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 Aug 29. [Epub ahead of print]

Timely awareness and prevention of emerging chemical and biochemical risks in
foods: Proposal for a strategy based on experience with recent cases.

Kleter GA, Groot MJ, Poelman M, Kok EJ, Marvin HJ.

RIKILT - Institute of Food Safety, Wageningen University and Research Center,
P.O. Box 230, NL-6700 AE Wageningen, The Netherlands.

A number of recent food safety incidents have involved chemical substances, while
various activities aim at the early identification of emerging chemical risks.
This review considers recent cases of chemical and biochemical risks, as a basis 
for recommendations for awareness and prevention of similar risks at an early
stage. These cases include examples of unapproved genetically modified food
crops, intoxications with botanical products containing unintentionally admixed
toxic herbs, residues of unapproved antibiotics and contaminants in farmed
aquaculture species such as shrimp and salmon; and adverse effects of chemical
and biological pesticides of natural origin. Besides case-specific
recommendations for mitigation of future incidents of the same nature, general
inferences and recommendations are made. It is recommended, for example, to
establish databases for contaminants potentially present within products.
Pro-active reconnaissance can facilitate the identification of products
potentially contaminated with hazardous substances. In international trade,
prevention and early identification of hazards are aided by management systems
for product quality and safety, rigorous legislation, and inspections of
consignments destined for export. Cooperation with the private sector and foreign
authorities may be required to achieve these goals. While food and feed safety
are viewed from the European perspective, the outcomes also apply to other
regions.

PMID: 18790713 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

73: Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2008 Oct;48(9):799-823.

Potato: a comparative study of the effect of cultivars and cultivation conditions
and genetic modification on the physico-chemical properties of potato tubers in
conjunction with multivariate analysis towards authenticity.

Arvanitoyannis IS, Vaitsi O, Mavromatis A.

School of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agriculture Ichtyology and Aquatic
Environment, University of Thessaly, Volos, Hellas, Greece. parmenion@uth.gr

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a highly nutritious, mild flavored, easy to
blend food that has many possibilities for "building in" desired nutrients.
Varietal and environmental differences are known to exist in the shape, size, and
nutritional content of potatoes. Different populations opt for varying sensory
properties in relation to their diets. Potatoes are a low energy food in
comparison to cereals and legumes. The aim of this review was to present an
update of the currently conducted studies both on the characterization of several
potato varieties (physical, chemical, and sensory analysis) and by means of
genetic modification. Towards this target, five comprehensive tables were
compiled where all recent data (physicochemical properties) and GM varieties were
presented in conjunction with multivariate analysis (chemometrics). The latter
was shown to be effectively used towards authenticity purposes (identification of
geographical origin, variety, GM).

Publication Types: 
    Review

PMID: 18788007 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

74: Shokuhin Eiseigaku Zasshi. 2008 Aug;49(4):272-82.

A 104-week feeding study of genetically modified soybeans in F344 rats.

Sakamoto Y, Tada Y, Fukumori N, Tayama K, Ando H, Takahashi H, Kubo Y, Nagasawa
A, Yano N, Yuzawa K, Ogata A.

Department of Environmental Health and Toxicology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute
of Public Health. Tokyo, Japan.

A chronic feeding study to evaluate the safety of genetically modified
glyphosate-tolerant soybeans (GM soybeans) was conducted using F344 DuCrj rats.
The rats were fed diet containing GM soybeans or Non-GM soybeans at the
concentration of 30% in basal diet. Non-GM soybeans were a closely related strain
to the GM soybeans. These two diets were adjusted to an identical nutrient level.
In this study, the influence of GM soybeans in rats was compared with that of the
Non-GM soybeans, and furthermore, to assess the effect of soybeans themselves,
the groups of rats fed GM and Non-GM soybeans were compared with a group fed
commercial diet (CE-2). General conditions were observed daily and body weight
and food consumption were recorded. At the termination (104 weeks), animals were 
subjected to hematology, serum biochemistry, and pathological examinations. There
were several differences in animal growth, food intake, organ weights and
histological findings between the rats fed the GM and/or Non-GM soybeans and the 
rats fed CE-2. However, body weight and food intake were similar for the rats fed
the GM and Non-GM soybeans. Gross necropsy findings, hematological and serum
biochemical parameters, and organ weights showed no meaningful difference between
rats fed the GM and Non-GM soybeans. In pathological observation, there was
neither an increase in incidence nor any specific type of nonneoplastic or
neoplastic lesions in the GM soybeans group in each sex. These results indicate
that long-term intake of GM soybeans at the level of 30% in diet has no apparent 
adverse effect in rats.

PMID: 18787312 [PubMed - in process]

75: Natl Toxicol Program Genet Modif Model Rep. 2007 Dec;(12):1-85.

The toxicology and carcinogenesis study of phenolphthalein (CAS No. 77-09-8) in
genetically modified haploinsufficient p16(Ink4a)/p19(Arf) mice (feed study).

[No authors listed]

Phenolphthalein was commonly used as a laxative for most of the 20th century. The
use of phenolphthalein in laxatives has decreased since 1997 when the United
States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed to withdraw its classification
as an over-the-counter drug (21 CFR, Part 310). Phenolphthalein has been
previously evaluated in 2-year carcinogenicity studies by the National Toxicology
Program (1996). The major route of human exposure to phenolphthalein is via
ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation of contaminated air originating from
process units manufacturing the compound. In this study, the carcinogenic effects
of phenolphthalein were studied in the haploinsufficient p16(Ink4a)/p19(Arf)
mouse model as an ongoing goal of the NTP is to seek model systems for toxicology
and carcinogenesis studies, especially those that can provide mechanistic
information relative to understanding an agent's mode of action. Male and female 
haploinsufficient p16(Ink4a)/p19(Arf) mice were exposed to phenolphthalein
(greater than 97% pure) in feed for 27 weeks. Genetic toxicology studies were
conducted in mouse peripheral blood erythrocytes. 27-WEEK STUDY IN MICE: Groups
of 15 male and 15 female mice were exposed to 0, 200, 375, 750, 3,000, or 12,000 
ppm phenolphthalein (equivalent to average daily doses of approximately 35, 65,
135, 540, and 2,170 mg phenolphthalein/kg body weight to males and 50, 90, 170,
680, 2,770 mg/kg to females) in feed for 27 weeks. Survival of all exposed groups
of male and female mice was similar to that of the control groups. Mean body
weights of males in the 12,000 ppm group were less than those of the control
group after week 11. No differences in feed consumption were noted between
exposed and control groups. Atypical hyperplasia of the thymus, a premalignant
change of chemically induced thymic lymphoma, occurred in exposed males and
females, and the incidence was significantly increased in 12,000 ppm females.
Atrophy of the seminiferous tubules in the testis, hyperplasia of the testicular 
interstitial (Leydig) cells, and epididymal hypospermia occurred in most 3,000
and 12,000 ppm males. Additionally, the left and right testis weights, the left
epididymis weights, sperm motility, the numbers of spermatid heads per testis,
and sperm heads per cauda and per gram cauda epididymis were generally
significantly less in 3,000 and 12,000 ppm males than in the control group. The
incidences of nephropathy were significantly increased in 3,000 and 12,000 ppm
males; incidences of hypertrophy of renal tubules were significantly increased in
males receiving 750 ppm or greater. Hematopoietic cell proliferation of the
spleen occurred in all 12,000 ppm males, and the incidences of this lesion were
significantly increased in 375, 750, and 12,000 ppm females. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY: 
The frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes was assessed at four time points
during the 27-week study in male and female haploinsufficient p16(Ink4a)/p19(Arf)
mice. Significant concentration-related increases in micronucleated cells were
observed at all time points in male and female mice. CONCLUSIONS: Under the
conditions of this 27-week feed study, there was no evidence of carcinogenic
activity of phenolphthalein in male or female haploinsufficient
p16(Ink4a)/p19(Arf) mice exposed to 200, 375, 750, 3,000, or 12,000 ppm. Because 
this is a new model, there is uncertainty whether the study possessed sufficient 
sensitivity to detect a carcinogenic effect. Phenolphthalein induced atypical
hyperplasia, a preneoplastic lesion of the thymus, in male and female mice,
hematopoietic cell proliferation of the spleen in male and female mice, and
toxicity to the kidney and reproductive system in male mice.

PMID: 18784766 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

76: Natl Toxicol Program Genet Modif Model Rep. 2005 Oct;(2):1-113.

NTP toxicology studies of acesulfame potassium (CAS No. 55589-62-3) in
genetically modified (FVB Tg.AC Hemizygous) mice and carcinogenicity studies of
acesulfame potassium in genetically modified [B6.129-Trp53(tm1Brd) (N5)
Haploinsufficient] mice (feed studies)mice.

[No authors listed]

Acesulfame potassium is an artificial sweetener used throughout the world in food
and beverages. Acesulfame potassium was nominated by The Center for Science in
the Public Interest because of its widespread use. Male and female Tg.AC
hemizygous and p53 haploinsufficient mice were exposed to acesulfame potassium
(at least 99% pure) in feed for 9 months. Genetic toxicology studies were
conducted in mouse peripheral blood erythrocytes. 9-MONTH STUDY IN Tg.AC
HEMIZYGOUS MICE: Groups of 15 male and 15 female Tg.AC hemizygous mice were fed
diets containing 0%, 0.3%, 1%, or 3% acesulfame potassium (equivalent to average 
daily doses of approximately 420, 1,400, or 4,500 mg acesulfame potassium/kg body
weight to males and 520, 1,700, or 5,400 mg/kg to females) for 40 weeks. Exposure
to acesulfame potassium had no effect on survival or mean body weights. Feed
consumption by the exposed groups was similar to that by the control groups
throughout the study. There were no neoplasms or nonneoplastic lesions that were 
attributed to exposure to acesulfame potassium. 9-MONTH STUDY IN p53
HAPLOINSUFFICIENT MICE: Groups of 15 male and 15 female p53 haploinsufficient
mice were fed diets containing 0%, 0.3%, 1%, or 3% acesulfame potassium
(equivalent to average daily doses of approximately 475, 1,500, or 4,700 mg/kg to
males and 570, 1,800, or 5,700 mg/kg to females) for 40 weeks. Exposure to
acesulfame potassium had no effect on survival or mean body weights. Feed
consumption by the exposed groups was similar to that by the control groups
throughout the study. There were no neoplasms or nonneoplastic lesions that were 
attributed to exposure to acesulfame potassium. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY: Acesulfame
potassium did not increase the frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes in
peripheral blood of male or female Tg.AC hemizygous mice administered 0.3% to 3% 
in dosed feed. A similar study was conducted in p53 haploinsufficient mice, and a
significant exposure concentration-related increase in the frequency of
micronucleated erythrocytes was noted in males but not females. CONCLUSIONS:
Under the conditions of this 9-month feed study, there was no evidence of
carcinogenic activity of acesulfame potassium in male or female p53
haploinsufficient mice exposed to 0.3%, 1%, or 3%.

PMID: 18784762 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

77: BMC Plant Biol. 2008 Sep 10;8:91.

Transcriptional profiling of pea ABR17 mediated changes in gene expression in
Arabidopsis thaliana.

Krishnaswamy SS, Srivastava S, Mohammadi M, Rahman MH, Deyholos MK, Kav NN.

Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, 
Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada. krishnas@ualberta.ca

BACKGROUND: Pathogenesis-related proteins belonging to group 10 (PR10) are
elevated in response to biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. Previously, we
have shown a drastic salinity-induced increase in the levels of ABR17, a member
of the PR10 family, in pea. Furthermore, we have also demonstrated that the
constitutive expression of pea ABR17 cDNA in Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica
napus enhances their germination and early seedling growth under stress. Although
it has been reported that several members of the PR10 family including ABR17
possess RNase activity, the exact mechanism by which the aforementioned
characteristics are conferred by ABR17 is unknown at this time. We hypothesized
that a study of differences in transcriptome between wild type (WT) and ABR17
transgenic A. thaliana may shed light on this process. RESULTS: The molecular
changes brought about by the expression of pea ABR17 cDNA in A. thaliana in the
presence or absence of salt stress were investigated using microarrays consisting
of 70-mer oligonucleotide probes representing 23,686 Arabidopsis genes.
Statistical analysis identified number of genes which were over represented among
up- or down-regulated transcripts in the transgenic line. Our results highlight
the important roles of many abscisic acid (ABA) and cytokinin (CK) responsive
genes in ABR17 transgenic lines. Although the transcriptional changes followed a 
general salt response theme in both WT and transgenic seedlings under salt
stress, many genes exhibited differential expression patterns when the transgenic
and WT lines were compared. These genes include plant defensins, heat shock
proteins, other defense related genes, and several transcriptional factors. Our
microarray results for selected genes were validated using quantitative real-time
PCR. CONCLUSION: Transcriptional analysis in ABR17 transgenic Arabidopsis plants,
both under normal and saline conditions, revealed significant changes in
abundance of transcripts for many stress responsive genes, as well as those
related to plant growth and development. Our results also suggest that ABR17 may 
mediate stress tolerance through the modulation of many ABA- and CK-responsive
genes and may further our understanding of the role of ABR17 in mediating plant
stress responses.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18783601 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

78: J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Oct 8;56(19):9206-14. Epub 2008 Sep 10.

Assessment of the nutritional values of genetically modified wheat, corn, and
tomato crops.

Venneria E, Fanasca S, Monastra G, Finotti E, Ambra R, Azzini E, Durazzo A,
Foddai MS, Maiani G.

Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca per gli Alimenti e la Nutrizione, 00178 Roma,
Italy. venneria@inran.it

The genetic modification in fruit and vegetables could lead to changes in
metabolic pathways and, therefore, to the variation of the molecular pattern,
with particular attention to antioxidant compounds not well-described in the
literature. The aim of the present study was to compare the quality composition
of transgenic wheat ( Triticum durum L.), corn ( Zea mays L.), and tomato (
Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) to the nontransgenic control with a similar
genetic background. In the first experiment, Ofanto wheat cultivar containing the
tobacco rab1 gene and nontransgenic Ofanto were used. The second experiment
compared two transgenic lines of corn containing Bacillus thuringiensis "Cry
toxin" gene (PR33P67 and Pegaso Bt) to their nontransgenic forms. The third
experiment was conducted on transgenic tomato ( Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.)
containing the Agrobacterium rhizogenes rolD gene and its nontransgenic control
(cv. Tondino). Conventional and genetically modified crops were compared in terms
of fatty acids content, unsaponifiable fraction of antioxidants, total phenols,
polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamin C, total antioxidant activity, and mineral
composition. No significant differences were observed for qualitative traits
analyzed in wheat and corn samples. In tomato samples, the total antioxidant
activity (TAA), measured by FRAP assay, and the naringenin content showed a lower
value in genetically modified organism (GMO) samples (0.35 mmol of Fe (2+) 100 g 
(-1) and 2.82 mg 100 g (-1), respectively), in comparison to its nontransgenic
control (0.41 mmol of Fe (2+) 100 g (-1) and 4.17 mg 100 g (-1), respectively).
On the basis of the principle of substantial equivalence, as articulated by the
World Health Organization, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, these data
support the conclusion that GM events are nutritionally similar to conventional
varieties of wheat, corn, and tomato on the market today.

PMID: 18781763 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

79: Nat Biotechnol. 2008 Sep;26(9):975-8.

Trace and traceability--a call for regulatory harmony.

Ramessar K, Capell T, Twyman RM, Quemada H, Christou P.

Publication Types: 
    Letter

PMID: 18779799 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

80: Nat Biotechnol. 2008 Sep;26(9):974-5.

Comment in:
    Nat Biotechnol. 2008 Dec;26(12):1335; author reply 1335.

Auf Wiedersehen, agbiotech.

Miller HI.

Publication Types: 
    Letter

PMID: 18779798 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

81: J R Soc Med. 2008 Sep;101(9):435.

Comment on:
    J R Soc Med. 2008 Jun;101(6):290-8.

Errors in text.

Schubert D.

Publication Types: 
    Comment
    Letter

PMID: 18779242 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

82: Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2008 Dec;52(3):208-22. Epub 2008 Aug 22.

A risk-based classification scheme for genetically modified foods. I: Conceptual 
development.

Chao E, Krewski D.

McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, Institute of Population 
Health, University of Ottawa, 1 Stewart Street, Ottawa, Ont., Canada KIN 6N5.
echao@uottawa.ca

The predominant paradigm for the premarket assessment of genetically modified
(GM) foods reflects heightened public concern by focusing on foods modified by
recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) techniques, while foods modified by
other methods of genetic modification are generally not assessed for safety. To
determine whether a GM product requires less or more regulatory oversight and
testing, we developed and evaluated a risk-based classification scheme (RBCS) for
crop-derived GM foods. The results of this research are presented in three
papers. This paper describes the conceptual development of the proposed RBCS that
focuses on two categories of adverse health effects: (1) toxic and
antinutritional effects, and (2) allergenic effects. The factors that may affect 
the level of potential health risks of GM foods are identified. For each factor
identified, criteria for differentiating health risk potential are developed. The
extent to which a GM food satisfies applicable criteria for each factor is rated 
separately. A concern level for each category of health effects is then
determined by aggregating the ratings for the factors using predetermined
aggregation rules. An overview of the proposed scheme is presented, as well as
the application of the scheme to a hypothetical GM food.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18778747 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

83: Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2008 Dec;52(3):223-34. Epub 2008 Aug 15.

A risk-based classification scheme for genetically modified foods. II: Graded
testing.

Chao E, Krewski D.

McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, Institute of Population 
Health, University of Ottawa, 1 Stewart Street, Ottawa, Ont., Canada K1N 6N5.
echao@uottawa.ca

This paper presents a graded approach to the testing of crop-derived genetically 
modified (GM) foods based on concern levels in a proposed risk-based
classification scheme (RBCS) and currently available testing methods. A graded
approach offers the potential for more efficient use of testing resources by
focusing less on lower concern GM foods, and more on higher concern foods. In
this proposed approach to graded testing, products that are classified as Level I
would have met baseline testing requirements that are comparable to what is
widely applied to premarket assessment of GM foods at present. In most cases,
Level I products would require no further testing, or very limited confirmatory
analyses. For products classified as Level II or higher, additional testing would
be required, depending on the type of the substance, prior dietary history,
estimated exposure level, prior knowledge of toxicity of the substance, and the
nature of the concern related to unintended changes in the modified food. Level
III testing applies only to the assessment of toxic and antinutritional effects
from intended changes and is tailored to the nature of the substance in question.
Since appropriate test methods are not currently available for all effects of
concern, future research to strengthen the testing of GM foods is discussed.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18768151 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

84: J Econ Entomol. 2008 Aug;101(4):1134-9.

Effects of Bt transgenic Chinese cabbage on the herbivore Mamestra brassicae
(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and its parasitoid Microplitis mediator (Hymenoptera:
Braconidae).

Kim YH, Kang JS, Kim JI, Kwon M, Lee S, Cho HS, Lee SH.

Department of Applied Biology and Chemistry, Seoul National University,
Gwanak-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

We investigated the effects of a diamondback moth-resistant Chinese cabbage
(Brassica campestris subsp napus variety pekinensis Makino), expressing the
insecticidal protein CrylA(c) toxin derived from Bacillus thuringiensis, on the
nontarget herbivore Mamestra brassicae (L.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and its
parasitoid wasp Microplitis mediator (Haliday) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). A
decreased survival rate at neonate stage was observed in M. brassicae when reared
on Bt cabbage, although overall development was not significantly affected.
According to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test using CrylA(c) antibody, the 
Cry toxin was only detected in the alimentary canal, not in the hemolymph or
remaining body parts of M. brassicae, indicating that the ingested Cry toxin is
neither distributed inside the body nor transferred through the trophic level. As
expected, no Cry toxin was found in the larvae and cocoons of M. mediator. In
addition, no significant changes were observed in the parasitization rate, larval
period, pupal period, cocoon weight, or adult emergence rate when M. mediator
wasps were reared on the M. brassicae larvae fed with transgenic Chinese cabbage.
In summary, no direct or indirect adverse effects of transgenic Chinese cabbage
on the two nontarget insect species were observed, suggestive of low risk in
herbivore-parasitoid food chain.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18767720 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

85: Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2008 Dec;52(3):235-41. Epub 2008 Aug 15.

A risk-based classification scheme for genetically modified foods. III:
Evaluation using a panel of reference foods.

Chao E, Krewski D.

McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, Institute of Population 
Health, University of Ottawa, 1 Stewart Street, Ottawa, Ont., Canada K1N 6N5.
echao@uottawa.ca

This paper presents an exploratory evaluation of four functional components of a 
proposed risk-based classification scheme (RBCS) for crop-derived genetically
modified (GM) foods in a concordance study. Two independent raters assigned
concern levels to 20 reference GM foods using a rating form based on the proposed
RBCS. The four components of evaluation were: (1) degree of concordance, (2)
distribution across concern levels, (3) discriminating ability of the scheme, and
(4) ease of use. At least one of the 20 reference foods was assigned to each of
the possible concern levels, demonstrating the ability of the scheme to identify 
GM foods of different concern with respect to potential health risk. There was
reasonably good concordance between the two raters for the three separate parts
of the RBCS. The raters agreed that the criteria in the scheme were sufficiently 
clear in discriminating reference foods into different concern levels, and that
with some experience, the scheme was reasonably easy to use. Specific issues and 
suggestions for improvements identified in the concordance study are discussed.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18765265 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

86: EMBO Rep. 2008 Sep;9(9):832-4.

Up to the challenge? Rising prices for food and oil could herald a renaissance of
plant science.

Breithaupt H.

PMID: 18762773 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

87: Plant Cell Rep. 2008 Nov;27(11):1741-54. Epub 2008 Aug 30.

Efficient production of genetically engineered, male-sterile Arabidopsis thaliana
using anther-specific promoters and genes derived from Brassica oleracea and B.
rapa.

Konagaya K, Ando S, Kamachi S, Tsuda M, Tabei Y.

Division of Plant Science, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences,
Ibaraki, Japan.

Prevention of transgene flow from genetically modified crops to food crops and
wild relatives is of concern in agricultural biotechnology. We used genes derived
from food crops to produce complete male sterility as a strategy for gene
confinement as well as to reduce the food purity concerns of consumers.
Anther-specific promoters (A3, A6, A9, MS2, and MS5) were isolated from Brassica 
oleracea and B. rapa and fused to the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene and 
candidate genes for male sterility, including the cysteine proteases BoCysP1 and 
BoCP3, and negative regulatory components of phytohormonal responses involved in 
male development. These constructs were then introduced into Arabidopsis
thaliana. GUS analyses revealed that A3, A6, and A9 had tapetum-specific promoter
activity from the anther meiocyte stage. Male sterility was confirmed in tested
constructs with protease or gibberellin insensitive (gai) genes. In particular,
constructs with BoCysP1 driven by the A3 or A9 promoter most efficiently produced
plants with complete male sterility. The tapetum and middle layer cells of
anthers expressing BoCysP1 were swollen and excessively vacuolated when observed 
in transverse section. This suggests that the ectopic expression of cysteine
protease in the meiocyte stage may inhibit programmed cell death. The gai gene
also induced male sterility, although at a low frequency. This is the first
report to show that plant cysteine proteases and gai from food crops are
available as a novel tool for the development of genetically engineered
male-sterile plants.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18758783 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

88: Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 Oct;46 Suppl 10:S15-9. Epub 2008 Aug 8.

Analytical criteria for performance characteristics of IgE binding methods for
evaluating safety of biotech food products.

Holzhauser T, Ree R, Poulsen LK, Bannon GA.

Division of Allergology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Strasse 51-59, 63225
Langen, Germany. holth@pei.de

There is detailed guidance on how to perform bioinformatic analyses and enzymatic
degradation studies for genetically modified crops under consideration for
approval by regulatory agencies; however, there is no consensus in the scientific
community on the details of how to perform IgE serum studies. IgE serum studies
are an important safety component to acceptance of genetically modified crops
when the introduced protein is novel, the introduced protein is similar to known 
allergens, or the crop is allergenic. In this manuscript, we describe the
characteristics of the reagents, validation of assay performance, and data
analysis necessary to optimize the information obtained from serum testing of
novel proteins and genetically modified (GM) crops and to make results more
accurate and comparable between different investigations.

PMID: 18727951 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

89: J AOAC Int. 2008 Jul-Aug;91(4):957-64.

Biopharming to increase bioactive peptides in rice seed.

Yang L, Wakasa Y, Takaiwa F.

Transgenic Crop Research and Development Center, National Institute of
Agrobiological Sciences, Kannondai 2-1-2, Tsukuba Ibaraki 305-8602, Japan.

The production of high-value pharmaceutical proteins and peptides in transgenic
plants is an attractive and economically feasible alternative to conventional
mammalian cell, yeast, and bacterial systems. In contrast to vegetative tissues, 
rice seeds allow higher accumulation of recombinant proteins and long-term stable
storage. Rice is not only consumed as a staple food by a majority of the world's 
population, but is also used as a model monocot for biotechnological
manipulation. Daily oral consumption of transgenic rice seeds that accumulate
high concentrations of food-derived or synthetic bioactive peptides can be
expected to provide a safe, reliable, and consistent oral delivery system that
would contribute to the promotion of human health care.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    Review

PMID: 18727558 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

90: Anal Bioanal Chem. 2008 Oct;392(3):369-84. Epub 2008 Aug 23.

Methods for detection of GMOs in food and feed.

Marmiroli N, Maestri E, Gulli M, Malcevschi A, Peano C, Bordoni R, De Bellis G.

Department of Environmental Sciences, Division of Genetics and Environmental
Biotechnology, University of Parma, Viale G.P. Usberti 11A, 43100, Parma, Italy.

This paper reviews aspects relevant to detection and quantification of
genetically modified (GM) material within the feed/food chain. The GM crop
regulatory framework at the international level is evaluated with reference to
traceability and labelling. Current analytical methods for the detection,
identification, and quantification of transgenic DNA in food and feed are
reviewed. These methods include quantitative real-time PCR, multiplex PCR, and
multiplex real-time PCR. Particular attention is paid to methods able to identify
multiple GM events in a single reaction and to the development of microdevices
and microsensors, though they have not been fully validated for application.

Publication Types: 
    Review

PMID: 18726090 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

91: J Food Prot. 2008 Aug;71(8):1673-8.

Comparison of Shiga-like toxin II expression between two genetically diverse
lineages of Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Dowd SE, Williams JB.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service Livestock Issues
Research Unit, 1604 West FM 1294, Lubbock, Texas 79403, USA.
sdowd@lbk.ars.usda.gov

The existence of two separate lineages of Escherichia coli O157:H7 has previously
been reported, and research indicates that one of these lineages (lineage I)
might be more pathogenic toward human hosts. We postulated that the lineage more 
pathogenic expresses higher levels of Shiga toxin 2 (Stx2) than do the
nonpathogenic lineage II. A comprehensive set of methodologies were used to
investigate the difference in Stx2 protein and mRNA expression between the two
lineages. An initial Stx2-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was
conducted, and lineage I overall demonstrated significantly more toxin proteins
expressed (P < 0.01). Gene expression analyses all showed significantly higher
stx2 gene expression in lineage I (P = 0.02). PCR mapping revealed a possible
explanation for decreased amounts of stx2 transcripts in the potentially
nonpathogenic lineage II isolates, suggesting that genomic changes have modified 
the toxin-encoding region of the phage. This study provides additional data to
support the existence of two diverse lineages of E. coli O157:H7, one of which
may have lower pathogenic potential in relation to human hosts. The PCR described
also provides a possible screening tool for E. coli O157 populations to
differentiate these lineages. This study provides useful information on the
ecology of E. coli O157, with broad implications within the clinical, scientific,
and livestock industries.

PMID: 18724763 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

92: J Med Food. 2008 Dec;11(4):601-5.

The problem with nutritionally enhanced plants.

Schubert DR.

Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La
Jolla, California 92037-1099, USA. schubert@salk.edu

Among the next generation of genetically modified (GM) plants are those that are 
engineered to produce elevated levels of nutritional molecules such as vitamins, 
omega-3 fatty acids, and amino acids. Based upon the U.S. current regulatory
scheme, the plants and their products may enter our food supply without any
required safety testing. The potential risks of this type of GM plant are
discussed in the context of human health, and it is argued that there should be
very careful safety testing of plants designed to produce biologically active
molecules before they are commercially grown and consumed. This will require a
mandatory, scientifically rigorous review process.

PMID: 18721071 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

93: Obesity (Silver Spring). 2008 Oct;16(10):2289-95. Epub 2008 Jul 24.

Variation in the bitter-taste receptor gene TAS2R38, and adiposity in a
genetically isolated population in Southern Italy.

Tepper BJ, Koelliker Y, Zhao L, Ullrich NV, Lanzara C, d'Adamo P, Ferrara A,
Ulivi S, Esposito L, Gasparini P.

Department of Food Science, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences,
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA. tepper@aesop.rutgers.edu

OBJECTIVE: Variation in the bitter-taste receptor gene, TAS2R38 confers the
ability to taste 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP). The objective of this study was to 
relate TAS2R38 haplotypes and PROP-tasting phenotypes to adiposity in a
genetically isolated population. We hypothesized that the nontaster phenotype
would be associated with higher BMI and waist circumference (WC) in females, and 
that dietary restraint would mediate this relationship. METHODS AND PROCEDURES:
Participants were 540 healthy inhabitants of the genetically isolated village of 
Carlantino in southern Italy who were 15-89 years of age at the time of the
study. Haplotype analyses were performed and PROP tasting was assessed using a
filter paper method. Height, weight, and WC were measured and restrained eating
was assessed using a brief questionnaire. RESULTS: Nontaster females had higher
BMI and WC than females who were phenotypic tasters, and this relationship was
specific to females with low dietary restraint. Regression analysis showed that
BMI declined by 1.7 units across taster groups in females when the model included
the PROP by restraint interaction. PROP phenotype was not significantly
associated with WC in the regression models. Polymorphisms in TAS2R38 were not
associated with BMI or WC in females. Neither TAS2R38 haplotype nor PROP
phenotype was strongly related to BMI or WC in males. DISCUSSION: These data
support previous findings of a relation between the nontaster phenotype and
higher BMI in females that is modified by dietary restraint. Assessment of PROP
phenotypes might provide unique information about adiposity that is not captured 
by haplotype analysis alone.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18719631 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

94: Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 Oct;46 Suppl 10:S24-34. Epub 2008 Jul 31.

Performing IgE serum testing due to bioinformatics matches in the allergenicity
assessment of GM crops.

Goodman RE.

Food Allergy Research and Resource Program, Department of Food Science and
Technology, University of Nebraska, 143 Food Industry Complex, Lincoln, USA.
rgoodman2@unl.edu

Proteins introduced into genetically modified (GM) organisms through genetic
engineering must be evaluated for their potential to cause allergic disease under
various national laws and regulations. The Codex Alimentarius Commission guidance
document (2003) calls for testing of serum IgE binding to the introduced protein 
if the gene was from an allergenic source, or the sequence of the transferred
protein has >35% identity in any segment of 80 or more amino acids to a known
allergen or shares significant short amino acid identities. The Codex guidance
recognized that the assessment will evolve based on new scientific knowledge.
Arguably, the current criteria are too conservative as discussed in this paper
and they do not provide practical guidance on serum testing. The goals of this
paper are: (1) to summarize evidence supporting the level of identity that
indicates potential risk of cross-reactivity for those with existing allergies;
(2) to provide example bioinformatics results and discuss their interpretation
using published examples of proteins expressed in transgenic crops; and (3) to
discuss key factors of experimental design and methodology for serum IgE tests to
minimize the rate of false negative and false positive identification of
potential allergens and cross-reactive proteins.

PMID: 18715545 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

95: J Integr Plant Biol. 2008 Aug;50(8):991-6.

Lycopene accumulation affects the biosynthesis of some carotenoid-related
volatiles independent of ethylene in tomato.

Gao H, Zhu H, Shao Y, Chen A, Lu C, Zhu B, Luo Y.

College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural
University, Beijing 100083, China.

For elucidating the regulatory mechanism of ethylene on carotenoid-related
volatiles (open chain) compounds and the relationship between lycopene and
carotenoid-related volatiles, transgenic tomato fruits in which ACC synthase was 
suppressed were used. The transgenic tomato fruit showed a significant reduction 
of lycopene and aroma volatiles with low ethylene production.
6-Methyl-5-hepten-2-one, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-ol and geranylacetone, which were
suspected to be lycopene degradation products, were lower than those in wild type
tomato fruits. In order to identify whether lycopene accumulation effects the
biosynthesis of some carotenoid-related volatiles independent of ethylene in
tomato or not, the capability of both wild type and transgenic tomato fruits
discs to convert lycopene into carotenoid-related volatiles was evaluated. The
data showed that external lycopene could convert into 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one and
6-methyl-5-hepten-2-ol in vivo, indicating that the strong inhibition of ethylene
production had no effect on enzymes in the biosynthesis pathway of some
carotenoid-related volatiles. Therefore, in ACS-suppression transgenic tomato
fruits, the low levels of 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-ol was due
to decreased lycopene accumulation, not ethylene production. Ethylene only
affected the accumulation of lycopene, and then indirectly influenced the level
of lycopene-related volatiles.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18713349 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

96: Curr Biol. 2008 Jul 22;18(14):R575-6.

Spanish farmers welcome GM maize.

Williams N.

Publication Types: 
    News

PMID: 18711794 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

97: Nucleic Acids Res. 2008 Oct;36(18):e118. Epub 2008 Aug 18.

NAIMA: target amplification strategy allowing quantitative on-chip detection of
GMOs.

Morisset D, Dobnik D, Hamels S, Zel J, Gruden K.

Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology,
Vecna pot 111, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia and Eppendorf Array Technologies SA, Rue 
du seminaire 20, B-5000 Namur, Belgium. dany.morisset@nib.si

We have developed a novel multiplex quantitative DNA-based target amplification
method suitable for sensitive, specific and quantitative detection on microarray.
This new method named NASBA Implemented Microarray Analysis (NAIMA) was applied
to GMO detection in food and feed, but its application can be extended to all
fields of biology requiring simultaneous detection of low copy number DNA
targets. In a first step, the use of tailed primers allows the multiplex
synthesis of template DNAs in a primer extension reaction. A second step of the
procedure consists of transcription-based amplification using universal primers. 
The cRNA product is further on directly ligated to fluorescent dyes labelled 3DNA
dendrimers allowing signal amplification and hybridized without further
purification on an oligonucleotide probe-based microarray for multiplex
detection. Two triplex systems have been applied to test maize samples containing
several transgenic lines, and NAIMA has shown to be sensitive down to two target 
copies and to provide quantitative data on the transgenic contents in a range of 
0.1-25%. Performances of NAIMA are comparable to singleplex quantitative
real-time PCR. In addition, NAIMA amplification is faster since 20 min are
sufficient to achieve full amplification.

Publication Types: 
    Evaluation Studies
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18710880 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

98: Anal Bioanal Chem. 2008 Oct;392(3):327-31.

The genetically modified foods debate: demystifying the controversy through
analytical chemistry.

Daunert S, Deo S, Morin X, Roda A.

Publication Types: 
    Editorial
    Introductory Journal Article

PMID: 18709361 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

99: Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 Oct;46 Suppl 10:S20-3. Epub 2008 Jul 30.

Current codex guidelines for assessment of potential protein allergenicity.

Ladics GS.

DuPont Experimental Station, Building 353, Wilmington, DE 19880, USA.
Gregory.s.ladics@usa.dupont.com

A rigorous safety assessment process exists for GM crops. It includes evaluation 
of the introduced protein as well as the crop containing such protein with the
goal of demonstrating the GM crop is "as-safe-as" non-transgenic crops in the
food supply. One of the major issues for GM crops is the assessment of the
expressed protein for allergenic potential. Currently, no single factor is
recognized as an identifier for protein allergenicity. Therefore, a
weight-of-evidence approach, which takes into account a variety of factors and
approaches for an overall assessment of allergenic potential, is conducted [Codex
Alimentarious Commission, 2003. Alinorm 03/34: Joint FAO/WHO Food Standard
Programme, Codex Alimentarious Commission, Twenty-Fifth Session, Rome, Italy, 30 
June-5 July, 2003. Appendix III, Guideline for the conduct of food safety
assessment of foods derived from recombinant-DNA plants, and Appendix IV, Annex
on the assessment of possible allergenicity, pp. 47-60]. This assessment is based
on what is known about allergens, including the history of exposure and safety of
the gene(s) source; protein structure (e.g., amino acid sequence identity to
human allergens); stability to pepsin digestion in vitro [Thomas, K. et al.,
2004. A multi-laboratory evaluation of a common in vitro pepsin digestion assay
protocol used in assessing the safety of novel proteins. Regul. Toxicol.
Pharmacol. 39, 87-98]; an estimate of exposure of the novel protein(s) to the
gastrointestinal tract where absorption occurs (e.g., protein abundance in the
crop, processing effects); and when appropriate, specific IgE binding studies or 
skin prick testing. Additional approaches may be considered (e.g., animal models;
targeted sera screening) as the science evolves; however, such approaches have
not been thoroughly evaluated or validated for predicting protein allergenicity.

PMID: 18708115 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

100: Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 Oct;46 Suppl 10:S35-40. Epub 2008 Jul 30.

Molecular profiles: a new tool to substantiate serum banks for evaluation of
potential allergenicity of GMO.

Barber D, Rodriguez R, Salcedo G.

Departamento de I+D, ALK-Abello S.A., C/Miguel Fleta 19, E-28037 Madrid, Spain.
domingo.barber@alk-abello.com

Assessment of the allergenicity of GMOs involves performing a test with a panel
of sera obtained from allergic donors. However, there is no clear indication of
how to characterize the above-mentioned panel. The patient selection criteria
should take into account the geographical location of patients, the intensity and
nature of the environmental allergens in the area and the potential
cross-reactivity among allergenic molecules. Sera for serum banks, obtained from 
patients with demonstrated food allergy, should be subjected to a further
characterization by screening with a panel of relevant allergenic molecules. A
representative panel of these sera should be used in the allergenicity
assessment. Finally, the "in vitro" methodologies should have the adequate
specificity and sensitivity, and the integrity of the molecules tested should be 
guaranteed.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18706962 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]