Individual detection of genetically modified maize varieties in non-identity-preserved maize samples

[Investigation of Genetically Modified Maize Imported into Japan in 2021/2022 and the Applicability of Japanese Official Methods]

Given that the number of genetically modified (GM) maize events that have been announced as having undergone safety assessment procedures in Japan is increasing yearly, more information is needed about their actual recent domestic distribution in Japan. In this study, we investigated whether current Japanese official qualitative and quantitative methods (the current official methods) for GM maize can comprehensively target events in domestically distributed maize. For samples with the identity-preserved (IP) handling system and non-IP samples from the United States (US) and non-IP samples from Brazil, we performed event-specific real-time PCR targeting 25 authorized single GM maize events in addition to the current official methods. According to our results, 15 events targeted by the current official methods were detected, but insect-resistance (IR) Event5307 and herbicide-tolerant (HT) DAS40278, not targeted by the current official methods, were detected in the US (one out of 5 lots) and Brazilian (four out of 5 lots) non-IP samples, respectively. Nevertheless, a survey of recent GM maize acreage in recent years has revealed that more than 95% of the acreage in US maize is occupied by HT or IR/HT stacked events, and that more than 95% of the acreage in Brazilian maize is occupied by IR or IR/HT stacked events. Because the current official methods can target all stacked events related to Event5307 and DAS40278, the only undetectable events are the single Event5307 and DAS40278, whose production is estimated to be less than 5% of the total production in the producing country. Therefore, we conclude that the current official methods for the labelling of GM maize should be maintained in view of practicability.

Development and Validation of a New Robust Detection Method for Low-Content DNA Using ΔΔCq-Based Real-Time PCR with Optimized Standard Plasmids as a Control Sample

Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the gold standard for DNA detection in many fields, including food analysis. However, robust detection using a real-time PCR for low-content DNA samples remains challenging. In this study, we developed a robust real-time PCR method for low-content DNA using genetically modified (GM) maize at concentrations near the limit of detection (LOD) as a model. We evaluated the LOD of real-time PCR targeting two common GM maize sequences (P35S and TNOS) using GM maize event MON863 containing a copy of P35S and TNOS. The interlaboratory study revealed that the LOD differed among laboratories partly because DNA input amounts were variable depending on measurements of DNA concentrations. To minimize this variability for low-content DNA samples, we developed ΔΔCq-based real-time PCR. In this study, ΔCq and ΔΔCq are as follows: ΔCq = Cq (P35S or TNOS) – Cq (SSIIb; maize endogenous gene), ΔΔCq = ΔCq (analytical sample) – ΔCq (control sample at concentrations near the LOD). The presence of GM maize was determined based on ΔΔCq values. In addition, we used optimized standard plasmids containing SSIIb, P35S, and TNOS with ΔCq equal to the MON863 genomic DNA (gDNA) at concentrations near the LOD as a control sample. A validation study indicated that at least 0.2% MON863 gDNA could be robustly detected. Using several GM maize certified reference materials, we have demonstrated that this method was practical for detecting low-content GM crops and thus for validating GM food labeling. With appropriate standards, this method would be applicable in many fields, not just food.

Development and Testing of an Individual Kernel Detection System for Genetically Modified Soybean Events in Non-identity-preserved Soybean Samples

A genetically modified (GM) soybean kernel detection system using combination of DNA preparation from individual soybean kernels and event-specific real-time PCR was developed to simultaneously identify GM soybean events authorized for food after safety assessments in Japan. Over 100 kernels in the non-identity-preserved soybean samples imported from the United States of America (two U.S.A. lots) and Brazil (one lot) were randomly selected and examined. In total, 98 and 96% of the two independent U.S.A. lots, and 100% of the Brazilian lot contained GM soybean kernels. Herbicide-tolerant events, MON89788 (trade name Genuity® Roundup Ready 2 Yield™), GTS 40-3-2 (trade name Roundup Ready™ soybean) and A2704-12 (trade name Liberty Link® soybean), were detected similarly in both U.S.A. lots. In the Brazilian lot, in addition to GTS 40-3-2, a stacked GM event, MON87701 × MON89788, having insect-resistance and herbicide-tolerance, was detected. There were no unauthorized GM soybeans comingled, and the ratio of GM soybean events detected was consistent with statistical reports on the cultivated GM soybean events in both countries.

Relative quantification in seed GMO analysis: state of art and bottlenecks

Reliable quantitative methods are needed to comply with current EU regulations on the mandatory labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and GMO-derived food and feed products with a minimum GMO content of 0.9 %. The implementation of EU Commission Recommendation 2004/787/EC on technical guidance for sampling and detection which meant as a helpful tool for the practical implementation of EC Regulation 1830/2003, which states that "the results of quantitative analysis should be expressed as the number of target DNA sequences per target taxon specific sequences calculated in terms of haploid genomes". This has led to an intense debate on the type of calibrator best suitable for GMO quantification. The main question addressed in this review is whether reference materials and calibrators should be matrix based or whether pure DNA analytes should be used for relative quantification in GMO analysis. The state of the art, including the advantages and drawbacks, of using DNA plasmid (compared to genomic DNA reference materials) as calibrators, is widely described. In addition, the influence of the genetic structure of seeds on real-time PCR quantitative results obtained for seed lots is discussed. The specific composition of a seed kernel, the mode of inheritance, and the ploidy level ensure that there is discordance between a GMO % expressed as a haploid genome equivalent and a GMO % based on numbers of seeds. This means that a threshold fixed as a percentage of seeds cannot be used as such for RT-PCR. All critical points that affect the expression of the GMO content in seeds are discussed in this paper.

Practicable group testing method to evaluate weight/weight GMO content in maize grains

Because of the increasing use of maize hybrids with genetically modified (GM) stacked events, the established and commonly used bulk sample methods for PCR quantification of GM maize in non-GM maize are prone to overestimate the GM organism (GMO) content, compared to the actual weight/weight percentage of GM maize in the grain sample. As an alternative method, we designed and assessed a group testing strategy in which the GMO content is statistically evaluated based on qualitative analyses of multiple small pools, consisting of 20 maize kernels each. This approach enables the GMO content evaluation on a weight/weight basis, irrespective of the presence of stacked-event kernels. To enhance the method's user-friendliness in routine application, we devised an easy-to-use PCR-based qualitative analytical method comprising a sample preparation step in which 20 maize kernels are ground in a lysis buffer and a subsequent PCR assay in which the lysate is directly used as a DNA template. This method was validated in a multilaboratory collaborative trial.

A novel detection system for the genetically modified canola (Brassica rapa) line RT73

The herbicide-tolerant genetically modified Roundup Ready canola (Brassica napus) line RT73 has been approved worldwide for use in animal feed and human food. However, RT73 Brassica rapa lines derived from interspecific crosses with RT73 B. napus have not been approved in Japan. Here, we report on a novel system using individual kernel analyses for the qualitative detection of RT73 B. rapa in canola grain samples. We developed a duplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method to discriminate B. napus and B. rapa DNA using scatter plots of the end-point analyses; this method was able to discriminate a group comprising B. rapa and Brassica juncea from a group comprising B. napus, Brassica carinata, and Brassica oleracea. We also developed a duplex real-time PCR method for the simultaneous detection of an RT73-specific sequence and an endogenous FatA gene. Additionally, a DNA-extraction method using 96-well silica-membrane plates was developed and optimized for use with individual canola kernels. Our detection system could identify RT73 B. rapa kernels in canola grain samples enabling the accurate and reliable monitoring of RT73 B. rapa contamination in canola, thus playing a role in its governmental regulation in Japan.

Recent advances in the application of capillary electromigration methods for food analysis and Foodomics

The use of capillary electromigration methods to analyze foods and food components is reviewed in this work. Papers that were published during the period April 2007 to March 2009 are included following the previous review by García-Cañas and Cifuentes (Electrophoresis, 2008, 29, 294-309). These works include the analysis of amino acids, biogenic amines, peptides, proteins, DNAs, carbohydrates, phenols, polyphenols, pigments, toxins, pesticides, vitamins, additives, small organic and inorganic ions and other compounds found in foods and beverages, as well as those applications of CE for monitoring food interactions and food processing. The use of microchips, CE-MS, chiral-CE as well as other foreseen trends in food analysis are also discussed including their possibilities in the very new field of Foodomics.

Dispersal of transgenes through maize seed systems in Mexico

Objectives

Current models of transgene dispersal focus on gene flow via pollen while neglecting seed, a vital vehicle for gene flow in centers of crop origin and diversity. We analyze the dispersal of maize transgenes via seeds in Mexico, the crop's cradle.

Methods

We use immunoassays (ELISA) to screen for the activity of recombinant proteins in a nationwide sample of farmer seed stocks. We estimate critical parameters of seed population dynamics using household survey data and combine these estimates with analytical results to examine presumed sources and mechanisms of dispersal.

Results

Recombinant proteins Cry1Ab/Ac and CP4/EPSPS were found in 3.1% and 1.8% of samples, respectively. They are most abundant in southeast Mexico but also present in the west-central region. Diffusion of seed and grain imported from the United States might explain the frequency and distribution of transgenes in west-central Mexico but not in the southeast.

Conclusions

Understanding the potential for transgene survival and dispersal should help design methods to regulate the diffusion of germplasm into local seed stocks. Further research is needed on the interactions between formal and informal seed systems and grain markets in centers of crop origin and diversification.