1
|
Fraiture MA, Gobbo A, Guillitte C, Marchesi U, Verginelli D, De Greve J, D'aes J, Vanneste K, Papazova N, Roosens NH. Pilot market surveillance of GMM contaminations in alpha-amylase food enzyme products: A detection strategy strengthened by a newly developed qPCR method targeting a GM Bacillus licheniformis producing alpha-amylase. FOOD CHEMISTRY. MOLECULAR SCIENCES 2024; 8:100186. [PMID: 38179151 PMCID: PMC10762378 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochms.2023.100186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Using high-throughput metagenomics on commercial microbial fermentation products, DNA from a new unauthorized genetically modified microorganism (GMM), namely the GM B. licheniformis strain producing alpha-amylase (GMM alpha-amylase2), was recently discovered and characterized. On this basis, a new qPCR method targeting an unnatural association of sequences specific to the GMM alpha-amylase2 strain was designed and developed in this study, allowing to strengthen the current GMM detection strategy. The performance of the newly developed qPCR method was assessed for its specificity and sensitivity to comply with the minimum performance requirements established by the European Network of GMO Laboratories for GMO analysis. Moreover, the transferability of the in house validated qPCR method was demonstrated. Finally, its applicability was confirmed by a pilot market surveillance of GMM contaminations conducted for the first time on 40 alpha-amylase food enzyme products labelled as containing alpha-amylase. This pilot market surveillance allowed also to highlight numerous contaminations with GMM alpha-amylase2, including frequent cross-contaminations with other GMM strains previously characterized. In addition, the presence of full-length AMR genes, raising health concerns, was also reported.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Alice Fraiture
- Sciensano, Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andrea Gobbo
- Sciensano, Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Chloé Guillitte
- Sciensano, Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ugo Marchesi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M.Aleandri”, Unità Operativa Semplice a valenza Direzionale – Ricerca e controllo degli organismi geneticamente modificati, via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Roma, Italia
| | - Daniela Verginelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M.Aleandri”, Unità Operativa Semplice a valenza Direzionale – Ricerca e controllo degli organismi geneticamente modificati, via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Roma, Italia
| | - Joke De Greve
- Sciensano, Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jolien D'aes
- Sciensano, Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin Vanneste
- Sciensano, Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nina Papazova
- Sciensano, Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nancy H.C. Roosens
- Sciensano, Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fraiture MA, Gobbo A, Guillitte C, Barhdadi S, Gau C, Philipp P, Marmin L, Marchesi U, Verginelli D, Papazova N, Vanhee C, Roosens NH. Development and validation of a ddPCR assay to detect and quantify tobacco DNA in smoke and smokeless tobacco and tobacco-free products. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32964. [PMID: 39005892 PMCID: PMC11239587 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The last decade, smoke and smokeless products claiming to be tobacco-free, including herbal cigarettes and herbal shisha, became available on the European market and gained popularity. This study proposes a new digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) method, designed based on a previously developed real-time PCR (qPCR) method being currently used by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to specifically detect the presence of tobacco DNA in targeting a sequence from the Nicotiana tabacum nia-1 gene. To ensure a harmonized and reliable control by enforcement laboratories, both of these qPCR and ddPCR methods were then evaluated and validated for their compliance to an international standard. First, the performance of these PCR-based methods was successfully assessed as specific and sensitive, and in line with minimum performance requirements from international standard. Secondly, the transferability to external laboratory was confirmed for these PCR-based methods. Finally, the applicability of these PCR-based methods was demonstrated using 7 ground tobacco reference materials from the Tobacco Research Center (TRC) Toronto University as well as 6 commercial smokeless and tobacco-free smoke and smokeless products. Based on this study, the previously developed qPCR method was confirmed as complying with international standard, ensuring a efficient and harmonize use by enforcement laboratories for tobacco control on the European market. Moreover, this study proposed to enforcement laboratories the possibility to use a ddPCR method, enabling the simultaneous detection and absolute quantification of tobacco DNA as well as a limited impact of PCR inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Alice Fraiture
- Sciensano, Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andrea Gobbo
- Sciensano, Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Chloé Guillitte
- Sciensano, Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophia Barhdadi
- Sciensano, Medicines and Health Products, rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Céline Gau
- Laboratoire SCL de Strasbourg, Chemin du routoir, 67400, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Patrick Philipp
- Laboratoire SCL de Strasbourg, Chemin du routoir, 67400, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Lucas Marmin
- Laboratoire SCL de Strasbourg, Chemin du routoir, 67400, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Ugo Marchesi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M.Aleandri", Unità Operativa Semplice a Valenza Direzionale - Ricerca e Controllo degli Organismi Geneticamente Modificati, via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Roma, Italy
| | - Daniela Verginelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M.Aleandri", Unità Operativa Semplice a Valenza Direzionale - Ricerca e Controllo degli Organismi Geneticamente Modificati, via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Roma, Italy
| | - Nina Papazova
- Sciensano, Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Céline Vanhee
- Sciensano, Medicines and Health Products, rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nancy H.C. Roosens
- Sciensano, Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gao Y, Chen Y, Zhu F, Pan D, Huang J, Wu X. Revealing the biological significance of multiple metabolic pathways of chloramphenicol by Sphingobium sp. WTD-1. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134069. [PMID: 38518693 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Chloramphenicol (CAP) is an antibiotic that commonly pollutes the environment, and microorganisms primarily drive its degradation and transformation. Although several pathways for CAP degradation have been documented in different bacteria, multiple metabolic pathways in the same strain and their potential biological significance have not been revealed. In this study, Sphingobium WTD-1, which was isolated from activated sludge, can completely degrade 100 mg/L CAP within 60 h as the sole energy source. UPLC-HRMS and HPLC analyses showed that three different pathways, including acetylation, hydroxyl oxidation, and oxidation (C1-C2 bond cleavage), are responsible for the metabolism of CAP. Importantly, acetylation and C3 hydroxyl oxidation reduced the cytotoxicity of the substrate to strain WTD-1, and the C1-C2 bond fracture of CAP generated the metabolite p-nitrobenzoic acid (PNBA) to provide energy for its growth. This indicated that the synergistic action of three metabolic pathways caused WTD-1 to be adaptable and able to degrade high concentrations of CAP in the environment. This study deepens our understanding of the microbial degradation pathway of CAP and highlights the biological significance of the synergistic metabolism of antibiotic pollutants by multiple pathways in the same strain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongsheng Gao
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hazardous Factors and Risk Control of Agri-food Quality Safety, College of Resources and Environment, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hazardous Factors and Risk Control of Agri-food Quality Safety, College of Resources and Environment, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Fang Zhu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hazardous Factors and Risk Control of Agri-food Quality Safety, College of Resources and Environment, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Dandan Pan
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hazardous Factors and Risk Control of Agri-food Quality Safety, College of Resources and Environment, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Junwei Huang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hazardous Factors and Risk Control of Agri-food Quality Safety, College of Resources and Environment, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Xiangwei Wu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hazardous Factors and Risk Control of Agri-food Quality Safety, College of Resources and Environment, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Van Poelvoorde LAE, Gobbo A, Nauwelaerts SJD, Verhaegen B, Lesenfants M, Janssens R, Hutse V, Fraiture MA, De Keersmaecker S, Herman P, Van Hoorde K, Roosens N. Development of a reverse transcriptase digital droplet polymerase chain reaction-based approach for SARS-CoV-2 variant surveillance in wastewater. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2024; 96:e10999. [PMID: 38414298 DOI: 10.1002/wer.10999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
An urgent need for effective surveillance strategies arose due to the global emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although vaccines and antivirals are available, concerns persist about the evolution of new variants with potentially increased infectivity, transmissibility, and immune evasion. Therefore, variant monitoring is crucial for public health decision-making. Wastewater-based surveillance has proven to be an effective tool to monitor SARS-CoV-2 variants within populations. Specific SARS-CoV-2 variants are detected and quantified in wastewater in this study using a reverse transcriptase digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (RT-ddPCR) approach. The 11 designed assays were first validated in silico using a substantial dataset of high-quality SARS-CoV-2 genomes to ensure comprehensive variant coverage. The assessment of the sensitivity and specificity with reference material showed the capability of the developed assays to reliably identify target mutations while minimizing false positives and false negatives. The applicability of the assays was evaluated using wastewater samples from a wastewater treatment plant in Ghent, Belgium. The quantification of the specific mutations linked to the variants of concern present in these samples was calculated using these assays based on the detection of single mutations, which confirms their use for real-world variant surveillance. In conclusion, this study provides an adaptable protocol to monitor SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater with high sensitivity and specificity. Its potential for broader application in other viral surveillance contexts highlights its added value for rapid response to emerging infectious diseases. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Robust RT-ddPCR methodology for specific SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern detection in wastewater. Rigorous validation that demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity. Demonstration of real-world applicability using wastewater samples. Valuable tool for rapid response to emerging infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Gobbo
- Transversal activities in Applied Genomics, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | - Marie Lesenfants
- Epidemiology of infectious diseases, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Raphael Janssens
- Epidemiology of infectious diseases, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Veronik Hutse
- Epidemiology of infectious diseases, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | - Nancy Roosens
- Transversal activities in Applied Genomics, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Qin Y, Qu B, Lee B. Propidium Monoazide-Treated, Cell-Direct, Quantitative PCR for Detecting Viable Chloramphenicol-Resistant Escherichia coli and Corynebacterium glutamicum Cells. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2135. [PMID: 38136957 PMCID: PMC10743000 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
With the rapid development and commercialization of industrial genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs), public concerns regarding their potential effects are on the rise. It is imperative to promptly monitor the unintended release of viable GMMs into wastewater, the air, and the surrounding ecosystems to prevent the risk of horizontal gene transfer to native microorganisms. In this study, we have developed a method that combines propidium monoazide (PMA) with a dual-plex quantitative PCR (qPCR) approach based on TaqMan probes. This method targets the chloramphenicol-resistant gene (CmR) along with the endogenous genes D-1-deoxyxylulose 5-phosphate synthase (dxs) and chromosomal replication initiator protein (dnaA). It allows for the direct quantitative detection of viable genetically modified Escherichia coli and Corynebacterium glutamicum cells, eliminating the requirement for DNA isolation. The dual-plex qPCR targeting CmR/dxs and CmR/dnaA demonstrated excellent performance across various templates, including DNA, cultured cells, and PMA-treated cells. Repeatability and precision, defined as RSDr% and bias%, respectively, were calculated and found to fall within the acceptable limits specified by the European Network of GMO Laboratories (ENGL). Through PMA-qPCR assays, we determined the detection limits for viable chloramphenicol-resistant E. coli and C. glutamicum strains to be 20 and 51 cells, respectively, at a 95% confidence level. Notably, this method demonstrated superior sensitivity compared to Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), which has a detection limit exceeding 1000 viable cells for both GM bacterial strains. This approach offers the potential to accurately and efficiently detect viable cells of GMMs, providing a time-saving and cost-effective solution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bumkyu Lee
- Department of Environment Science & Biotechnology, Jeonju University, Jeonju 55069, Republic of Korea; (Y.Q.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Qin Y, Qu B, Lee B. Rapid Monitoring of Viable Genetically Modified Escherichia coli Using a Cell-Direct Quantitative PCR Method Combined with Propidium Monoazide Treatment. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1128. [PMID: 37317102 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The commercialization of industrial genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs) has highlighted their impact on public health and the environment. Rapid and effective monitoring methods detecting live GMMs are essential to enhance current safety management protocols. This study aims to develop a novel cell-direct quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method targeting two antibiotic-resistant genes, KmR and nptII, conferring resistance against kanamycin and neomycin, along with propidium monoazide, to precisely detect viable Escherichia coli. The E. coli single-copy taxon-specific gene of D-1-deoxyxylulose 5-phosphate synthase (dxs) was used as the internal control. The qPCR assays demonstrated good performance, with dual-plex primer/probe combinations exhibiting specificity, absence of matrix effects, linear dynamic ranges with acceptable amplification efficiencies, and repeatability for DNA, cells, and PMA-treated cells targeting KmR/dxs and nptII/dxs. Following the PMA-qPCR assays, the viable cell counts for KmR-resistant and nptII-resistant E. coli strains exhibited a bias% of 24.09% and 0.49%, respectively, which were within the acceptable limit of ±25%, as specified by the European Network of GMO Laboratories. This method successfully established detection limits of 69 and 67 viable genetically modified E. coli cells targeting KmR and nptII, respectively. This provides a feasible monitoring approach as an alternative to DNA processing techniques to detect viable GMMs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Qin
- Department of Environment Science & Biotechnology, Jeonju University, Jeonju 55069, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo Qu
- Department of Environment Science & Biotechnology, Jeonju University, Jeonju 55069, Republic of Korea
| | - Bumkyu Lee
- Department of Environment Science & Biotechnology, Jeonju University, Jeonju 55069, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lensch A, Duwenig E, Dederer HG, Kärenlampi SO, Custers R, Borg A, Wyss M. Recombinant DNA in fermentation products is of no regulatory relevance. Food Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.109170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
8
|
Deckers M, De Loose M, Papazova N, Deforce D, Fraiture MA, Roosens NH. First monitoring for unauthorized genetically modified bacteria in food enzymes from the food market. Food Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
9
|
Development of a Taxon-Specific Real-Time PCR Method Targeting the Bacillus subtilis Group to Strengthen the Control of Genetically Modified Bacteria in Fermentation Products. FERMENTATION-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/fermentation8020078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Most of the bacteria that are used to produce fermentation products, such as enzymes, additives and flavorings, belong to the Bacillus subtilis group. Recently, unexpected contaminations with unauthorized genetically modified (GM) bacteria (viable cells and associated DNA) that were carrying antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes was noticed in several microbial fermentation products that have been commercialized on the food and feed market. These contaminations consisted of GM Bacillus species belonging to the B. subtilis group. In order to screen for the potential presence of such contaminations, in this study we have developed a new real-time PCR method targeting the B. subtilis group, including B. subtilis, B. licheniformis, B. amyloliquefaciens and B. velezensis. The method’s performance was successfully assessed as specific and sensitive, complying with the Minimum Performance Requirements for Analytical Methods of GMO Testing that is used as a standard by the GMO enforcement laboratories. The method’s applicability was also tested on 25 commercial microbial fermentation products. In addition, this method was developed to be compatible with the PCR-based strategy that was recently developed for the detection of unauthorized GM bacteria. This taxon-specific method allows the strengthening of the set of screening markers that are targeting key sequences that are frequently found in GM bacteria (AMR genes and shuttle vector), reinforcing control over the food and feed chain in order to guarantee its safety and traceability.
Collapse
|
10
|
Davis M, Midwinter AC, Cosgrove R, Death RG. Detecting genes associated with antimicrobial resistance and pathogen virulence in three New Zealand rivers. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12440. [PMID: 34950535 PMCID: PMC8647715 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of clinically significant antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria is frequently attributed to the use of antimicrobials in humans and livestock and is often found concurrently with human and animal pathogens. However, the incidence and natural drivers of antimicrobial resistance and pathogenic virulence in the environment, including waterways and ground water, are poorly understood. Freshwater monitoring for microbial pollution relies on culturing bacterial species indicative of faecal pollution, but detection of genes linked to antimicrobial resistance and/or those linked to virulence is a potentially superior alternative. We collected water and sediment samples in the autumn and spring from three rivers in Canterbury, New Zealand; sites were above and below reaches draining intensive dairy farming. Samples were tested for loci associated with the AMR-related group 1 CTX-M enzyme production (blaCTX-M) and Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC). The blaCTX-M locus was only detected during spring and was more prevalent downstream of intensive dairy farms. Loci associated with STEC were detected in both the autumn and spring, again predominantly downstream of intensive dairying. This cross-sectional study suggests that targeted testing of environmental DNA is a useful tool for monitoring waterways. Further studies are now needed to extend our observations across seasons and to examine the relationship between the presence of these genetic elements and the incidence of disease in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Davis
- School of Agriculture and the Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu, New Zealand.,Molecular Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health Laboratory - Hopkirk Research Institute, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu, New Zealand
| | - Anne C Midwinter
- Molecular Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health Laboratory - Hopkirk Research Institute, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu, New Zealand
| | | | - Russell G Death
- School of Agriculture and the Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Van Poelvoorde LAE, Gand M, Fraiture MA, De Keersmaecker SCJ, Verhaegen B, Van Hoorde K, Cay AB, Balmelle N, Herman P, Roosens N. Strategy to Develop and Evaluate a Multiplex RT-ddPCR in Response to SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Evolution. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2021; 43:1937-1949. [PMID: 34889894 PMCID: PMC8928932 DOI: 10.3390/cimb43030134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The worldwide emergence and spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) since 2019 has highlighted the importance of rapid and reliable diagnostic testing to prevent and control the viral transmission. However, inaccurate results may occur due to false negatives (FN) caused by polymorphisms or point mutations related to the virus evolution and compromise the accuracy of the diagnostic tests. Therefore, PCR-based SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics should be evaluated and evolve together with the rapidly increasing number of new variants appearing around the world. However, even by using a large collection of samples, laboratories are not able to test a representative collection of samples that deals with the same level of diversity that is continuously evolving worldwide. In the present study, we proposed a methodology based on an in silico and in vitro analysis. First, we used all information offered by available whole-genome sequencing data for SARS-CoV-2 for the selection of the two PCR assays targeting two different regions in the genome, and to monitor the possible impact of virus evolution on the specificity of the primers and probes of the PCR assays during and after the development of the assays. Besides this first essential in silico evaluation, a minimal set of testing was proposed to generate experimental evidence on the method performance, such as specificity, sensitivity and applicability. Therefore, a duplex reverse-transcription droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR) method was evaluated in silico by using 154 489 whole-genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 strains that were representative for the circulating strains around the world. The RT-ddPCR platform was selected as it presented several advantages to detect and quantify SARS-CoV-2 RNA in clinical samples and wastewater. Next, the assays were successfully experimentally evaluated for their sensitivity and specificity. A preliminary evaluation of the applicability of the developed method was performed using both clinical and wastewater samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura A. E. Van Poelvoorde
- Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (L.A.E.V.P.); (M.G.); (M.-A.F.); (S.C.J.D.K.)
| | - Mathieu Gand
- Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (L.A.E.V.P.); (M.G.); (M.-A.F.); (S.C.J.D.K.)
| | - Marie-Alice Fraiture
- Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (L.A.E.V.P.); (M.G.); (M.-A.F.); (S.C.J.D.K.)
| | - Sigrid C. J. De Keersmaecker
- Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (L.A.E.V.P.); (M.G.); (M.-A.F.); (S.C.J.D.K.)
| | - Bavo Verhaegen
- Food Pathogens, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (B.V.); (K.V.H.)
| | | | - Ann Brigitte Cay
- Enzootic, Vector-Borne and Bee Diseases, Sciensano, 1180 Brussels, Belgium; (A.B.C.); (N.B.)
| | - Nadège Balmelle
- Enzootic, Vector-Borne and Bee Diseases, Sciensano, 1180 Brussels, Belgium; (A.B.C.); (N.B.)
| | - Philippe Herman
- Expertise and Service Provision, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Nancy Roosens
- Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (L.A.E.V.P.); (M.G.); (M.-A.F.); (S.C.J.D.K.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
D’aes J, Fraiture MA, Bogaerts B, De Keersmaecker SCJ, Roosens NHC, Vanneste K. Characterization of Genetically Modified Microorganisms Using Short- and Long-Read Whole-Genome Sequencing Reveals Contaminations of Related Origin in Multiple Commercial Food Enzyme Products. Foods 2021; 10:2637. [PMID: 34828918 PMCID: PMC8624754 DOI: 10.3390/foods10112637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite their presence being unauthorized on the European market, contaminations with genetically modified (GM) microorganisms have repeatedly been reported in diverse commercial microbial fermentation produce types. Several of these contaminations are related to a GM Bacillus velezensis used to synthesize a food enzyme protease, for which genomic characterization remains currently incomplete, and it is unknown whether these contaminations have a common origin. In this study, GM B. velezensis isolates from multiple food enzyme products were characterized by short- and long-read whole-genome sequencing (WGS), demonstrating that they harbor a free recombinant pUB110-derived plasmid carrying antimicrobial resistance genes. Additionally, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and whole-genome based comparative analyses showed that the isolates likely originate from the same parental GM strain. This study highlights the added value of a hybrid WGS approach for accurate genomic characterization of GMM (e.g., genomic location of the transgenic construct), and of SNP-based phylogenomic analysis for source-tracking of GMM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jolien D’aes
- Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), Department Expertise and Service Provision, Sciensano, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (J.D.); (M.-A.F.); (B.B.); (S.C.J.D.K.); (N.H.C.R.)
| | - Marie-Alice Fraiture
- Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), Department Expertise and Service Provision, Sciensano, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (J.D.); (M.-A.F.); (B.B.); (S.C.J.D.K.); (N.H.C.R.)
| | - Bert Bogaerts
- Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), Department Expertise and Service Provision, Sciensano, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (J.D.); (M.-A.F.); (B.B.); (S.C.J.D.K.); (N.H.C.R.)
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sigrid C. J. De Keersmaecker
- Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), Department Expertise and Service Provision, Sciensano, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (J.D.); (M.-A.F.); (B.B.); (S.C.J.D.K.); (N.H.C.R.)
| | - Nancy H. C. Roosens
- Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), Department Expertise and Service Provision, Sciensano, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (J.D.); (M.-A.F.); (B.B.); (S.C.J.D.K.); (N.H.C.R.)
| | - Kevin Vanneste
- Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), Department Expertise and Service Provision, Sciensano, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (J.D.); (M.-A.F.); (B.B.); (S.C.J.D.K.); (N.H.C.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rapid detection of chloramphenicol in food using SERS flexible sensor coupled artificial intelligent tools. Food Control 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
|
14
|
Buytaers FE, Fraiture MA, Berbers B, Vandermassen E, Hoffman S, Papazova N, Vanneste K, Marchal K, Roosens NH, De Keersmaecker SC. A shotgun metagenomics approach to detect and characterize unauthorized genetically modified microorganisms in microbial fermentation products. FOOD CHEMISTRY: MOLECULAR SCIENCES 2021; 2:100023. [PMID: 35415629 PMCID: PMC8991599 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochms.2021.100023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
15
|
Development of a Real-time PCR Method Targeting an Unauthorized Genetically Modified Microorganism Producing Alpha-Amylase. FOOD ANAL METHOD 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12161-021-02044-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AbstractUsing a recently developed genetically modified microorganisms (GMM) detection strategy, unexpected contaminations of unauthorized GMM in commercialized microbial fermentation products have been reported. A first-line real-time PCR screening analysis was initially performed to determine the presence of key targets frequently found in genetically modified (GM) bacteria. A second-line real-time PCR analysis was subsequently applied to identify specific GMM, including to date a GM Bacillus velezensis producing protease and a GM B. subtilis producing vitamin B2. In this study, an additional real-time PCR method specific to a newly identified GMM producing alpha-amylase was developed to be integrated in such second-line real-time PCR analysis, allowing to strengthen the GMM detection strategy. This method was successfully validated based on the assessment of its specificity and sensitivity performance. In addition, its applicability was confirmed using several food enzyme products commercialized on the market. Finally, via its transfer to an external laboratory, the transferability of the in-house validated method was positively evaluated, allowing its easy implementation in enforcement laboratories.
Collapse
|
16
|
Fraiture MA, Joly L, Vandermassen E, Delvoye M, Van Geel D, Michelet JY, Van Hoeck E, De Jaeger N, Papazova N, Roosens NH. Retrospective survey of unauthorized genetically modified bacteria harbouring antimicrobial resistance genes in feed additive vitamin B2 commercialized in Belgium: Challenges and solutions. Food Control 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
17
|
Benini C, Borg A, Downes C, Seifert J. RE: Letter to the Editor - Analytical strategy for EU control laboratories to detect the presence of rDNA. Food Chem 2020; 350:128703. [PMID: 33293144 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.128703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
18
|
Fraiture MA, Papazova N, Roosens NHC. DNA walking strategy to identify unauthorized genetically modified bacteria in microbial fermentation products. Int J Food Microbiol 2020; 337:108913. [PMID: 33126077 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2020.108913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Recently, unexpected contaminations of unauthorized genetically modified microorganisms (GMM) carrying antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes were reported in microbial fermentation products commercialized on the food and feed chain. To guarantee the traceability and safety of the food and feed chain, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has played a key role to prove GMM contaminations via the characterization of unnatural associations of sequences. However, WGS requires a prior microbial isolation of the GMM strain, which can be difficult to successfully achieve. Therefore, in order to avoid such bottleneck, a culture-independent approach was proposed in this study. First, the screening for the aadD gene, an AMR gene conferring a resistance to kanamycin, and for the pUB110 shuttle vector, carrying the aadD gene and commonly used to produce GMM, is performed. In case of a positive signal, DNA walking methods anchored on the two borders of the detected pUB110 shuttle vector are applied to characterize unknown flanking regions. Following to the sequencing of the generated amplicons, unnatural associations of sequences can be identified, allowing to demonstrate the presence of unauthorized GMM. The developed culture-independent strategy was successfully applied on commercialized microbial fermentation products, allowing to prove the presence of GMM contaminations in the food and feed chain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Alice Fraiture
- Sciensano, Transversal activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Nina Papazova
- Sciensano, Transversal activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Nancy H C Roosens
- Sciensano, Transversal activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Fraiture MA, Deckers M, Papazova N, Roosens NHC. Strategy to Detect Genetically Modified Bacteria Carrying Tetracycline Resistance Gene in Fermentation Products. FOOD ANAL METHOD 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12161-020-01803-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
20
|
Fraiture MA, Bogaerts B, Winand R, Deckers M, Papazova N, Vanneste K, De Keersmaecker SCJ, Roosens NHC. Identification of an unauthorized genetically modified bacteria in food enzyme through whole-genome sequencing. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7094. [PMID: 32341433 PMCID: PMC7184583 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63987-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, the unexpected presence of a viable unauthorized genetically modified bacterium in a commercialized food enzyme (protease) product originating from a microbial fermentation process has been notified at the European level (RASFF 2019.3332). This finding was made possible thanks to the use of the next-generation sequencing technology, as reported in this study. Whole-genome sequencing was used to characterize the genetic modification comprising a sequence from the pUB110 shuttle vector (GenBank: M19465.1), harbouring antimicrobial resistance genes conferring a resistance to kanamycine, neomycin and bleomycin, flanked on each side by a sequence coding for a protease (GenBank: WP_032874795.1). In addition, based on these data, two real-time PCR methods, that can be used by enforcement laboratories, specific to this unauthorized genetically modified bacterium were developed and validated. The present study emphasizes the key role that whole-genome sequencing can take for detection of unknown and unauthorized genetically modified microorganisms in commercialized microbial fermentation products intended for the food and feed chain. Moreover, current issues encountered by the Competent Authorities and enforcement laboratories with such unexpected contaminations and the importance of performing official controls were highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Alice Fraiture
- Sciensano, Transversal activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bert Bogaerts
- Sciensano, Transversal activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Raf Winand
- Sciensano, Transversal activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie Deckers
- Sciensano, Transversal activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nina Papazova
- Sciensano, Transversal activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin Vanneste
- Sciensano, Transversal activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sigrid C J De Keersmaecker
- Sciensano, Transversal activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nancy H C Roosens
- Sciensano, Transversal activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Deckers M, Deforce D, Fraiture MA, Roosens NHC. Genetically Modified Micro-Organisms for Industrial Food Enzyme Production: An Overview. Foods 2020; 9:E326. [PMID: 32168815 PMCID: PMC7143438 DOI: 10.3390/foods9030326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of food enzymes (FE) by the industrial food industry is continuously increasing. These FE are mainly obtained by microbial fermentation, for which both wild-type (WT) and genetically modified (GM) strains are used. The FE production yield can be increased by optimizing the fermentation process, either by using genetically modified micro-organism (GMM) strains or by producing recombinant enzymes. This review provides a general overview of the different methods used to produce FE preparations and how the use of GMM can increase the production yield. Additionally, information regarding the construction of these GMM strains is provided. Thereafter, an overview of the different European regulations concerning the authorization of FE preparations on the European market and the use of GMM strains is given. Potential issues related to the authorization and control of FE preparations sold on the European market are then identified and illustrated by a case study. This process highlighted the importance for control of FE preparations and the consequent need for appropriate detection methods targeting the presence of GMM, which is used in fermentation products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Deckers
- Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), Sciensano, Rue Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Campus Heymans, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Campus Heymans, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marie-Alice Fraiture
- Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), Sciensano, Rue Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nancy H C Roosens
- Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), Sciensano, Rue Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|