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Mmbando GS. The legal aspect of the current use of genetically modified organisms in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. GM CROPS & FOOD 2023; 14:1-12. [PMID: 37158150 PMCID: PMC10171133 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2023.2208999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Many African nations place a high priority on enhancing food security and nutrition. However, unfavorable environmental conditions interfere with the achievement of food security in Africa. The production of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) presents intriguing possibilities for improving food security on the continent. In Africa, countries in the same regions have different GMO usage policies and laws. While some nations are updating their laws and policies to allow GMOs, others are still debating whether they are worth the risk. However, there is still little information available regarding the most recent status of GMO applications in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The current review summarizes the state of GMO applications for enhancing food security in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Currently, Tanzania and Uganda do not accept GMOs, but Kenya does. This study can assist governments, academics, and policymakers in enhancing GMO acceptance for boosting nutrition and food security in their nations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Sadikiel Mmbando
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma (UDOM), Dodoma, Tanzania
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Biswal AK, Alakonya AE, Mottaleb KA, Hearne SJ, Sonder K, Molnar TL, Jones AM, Pixley KV, Prasanna BM. Maize Lethal Necrosis disease: review of molecular and genetic resistance mechanisms, socio-economic impacts, and mitigation strategies in sub-Saharan Africa. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 22:542. [PMID: 36418954 PMCID: PMC9686106 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-022-03932-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) disease is a significant constraint for maize producers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The disease decimates the maize crop, in some cases, causing total crop failure with far-reaching impacts on regional food security. RESULTS In this review, we analyze the impacts of MLN in Africa, finding that resource-poor farmers and consumers are the most vulnerable populations. We examine the molecular mechanism of MLN virus transmission, role of vectors and host plant resistance identifying a range of potential opportunities for genetic and phytosanitary interventions to control MLN. We discuss the likely exacerbating effects of climate change on the MLN menace and describe a sobering example of negative genetic association between tolerance to heat/drought and susceptibility to viral infection. We also review role of microRNAs in host plant response to MLN causing viruses as well as heat/drought stress that can be carefully engineered to develop resistant varieties using novel molecular techniques. CONCLUSIONS With the dual drivers of increased crop loss due to MLN and increased demand of maize for food, the development and deployment of simple and safe technologies, like resistant cultivars developed through accelerated breeding or emerging gene editing technologies, will have substantial positive impact on livelihoods in the region. We have summarized the available genetic resources and identified a few large-effect QTLs that can be further exploited to accelerate conversion of existing farmer-preferred varieties into resistant cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshaya Kumar Biswal
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Km. 45, Carretera Mexico-Veracruz, El Batan, Texcoco, C.P. 56237, Mexico.
| | - Amos Emitati Alakonya
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Km. 45, Carretera Mexico-Veracruz, El Batan, Texcoco, C.P. 56237, Mexico
| | - Khondokar Abdul Mottaleb
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Km. 45, Carretera Mexico-Veracruz, El Batan, Texcoco, C.P. 56237, Mexico
| | - Sarah J Hearne
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Km. 45, Carretera Mexico-Veracruz, El Batan, Texcoco, C.P. 56237, Mexico
| | - Kai Sonder
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Km. 45, Carretera Mexico-Veracruz, El Batan, Texcoco, C.P. 56237, Mexico
| | | | - Alan M Jones
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Kevin Vail Pixley
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Km. 45, Carretera Mexico-Veracruz, El Batan, Texcoco, C.P. 56237, Mexico
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Ranjha MMAN, Shafique B, Khalid W, Nadeem HR, Mueen-ud-Din G, Khalid MZ. Applications of Biotechnology in Food and Agriculture: a Mini-Review. PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, INDIA. SECTION B 2022; 92:11-15. [PMID: 35035035 PMCID: PMC8751662 DOI: 10.1007/s40011-021-01320-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Biotechnology is a wide-ranging science that uses modern technologies to construct biological processes, organisms, cells or cellular components. The clinical new instruments, industry, and products developed by biotechnologists are useful in research, agriculture and other major fields. The biotechnology is as ancient as civilization. The food you buy, and the pets you love? Using artificial selection for crops, domesticated animals and other species, you may thank our distant ancestors for setting off the agrarian revolution. When Alexander Fleming discovered antibiotics, and when Edward Jenner invented vaccines, the biotechnology potential was harnessed. And, of course, without the mechanisms of fermentation that gave us beer, wine and cheese, it would not be possible to imagine modern society. This article summarizes some of the applications of biotechnology in food & agriculture. Graphical abstract Applications of biotechnology in animal and plant sector.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bakhtawar Shafique
- Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Waseem Khalid
- Institute of Home and Food Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Hafiz Rehan Nadeem
- Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Ghulam Mueen-ud-Din
- Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Zubair Khalid
- Institute of Home and Food Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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Ko JA, Kim SY, Ahn HS, Go JG, Ryu YB, Lee WS, Wee YJ, Park JS, Kim D, Kim YM. Characterization of a lactic acid bacterium-derived β-glucosidase for the production of rubusoside from stevioside. Enzyme Microb Technol 2021; 153:109939. [PMID: 34798448 DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2021.109939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Rubusoside, which is used as a natural sweetener or a solubilizing agent for water-insoluble functional materials, is currently expensive to produce owing to the high cost of the membrane-based technologies needed for its extraction and purification from the sweet tea plant (Rubus suavissimus S. Lee). Therefore, this study was carried out to screen for lactic acid bacteria that possess enzymes capable of bio-transforming stevioside into rubusoside. Subsequently, one such rubusoside-producing enzyme was isolated from Lactobacillus plantarum GS100. Located on the bacterial cell surface, this enzyme was stable at pH 4.5-6.5 and 30-40 °C, and it produced rubusoside as a major product through its stevioside-hydrolyzing activity. Importantly, the enzyme showed higher β-glucosidase activity toward the β-linked glucosidic bond of stevioside than toward other β-linked glucobioses. Under optimal conditions, 70 U/L of the rubusoside-producing enzyme could produce 69.03 mM rubusoside from 190 mM stevioside. The β-glucosidase activity on the cell surface was high at 35 h of culture. This is the first report detailing the production of rubusoside from stevioside by an enzyme derived from a food-grade lactic acid bacterium. The application of this β-glucosidase could greatly reduce the cost of rubusoside production, hence benefiting all industries that use this natural product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-A Ko
- Department of Food Science & Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Yeon Kim
- Department of Food Science & Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Soo Ahn
- Department of Food Science & Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Gyune Go
- Department of Food Science & Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Bae Ryu
- Functional Biomaterial Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do 56212, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Song Lee
- Functional Biomaterial Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do 56212, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Jung Wee
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Seong Park
- Department of Engineering Chemistry, Chungbuk National University, Chongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Doman Kim
- Graduate School of International Agricultural Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do 25354, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Min Kim
- Department of Food Science & Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea.
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Mutiga SK, Rotich F, Were VM, Kimani JM, Mwongera DT, Mgonja E, Onaga G, Konaté K, Razanaboahirana C, Bigirimana J, Ndayiragije A, Gichuhi E, Yanoria MJ, Otipa M, Wasilwa L, Ouedraogo I, Mitchell T, Wang GL, Correll JC, Talbot NJ. Integrated Strategies for Durable Rice Blast Resistance in Sub-Saharan Africa. PLANT DISEASE 2021; 105:2749-2770. [PMID: 34253045 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-03-21-0593-fe] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Rice is a key food security crop in Africa. The importance of rice has led to increasing country-specific, regional, and multinational efforts to develop germplasm and policy initiatives to boost production for a more food-secure continent. Currently, this critically important cereal crop is predominantly cultivated by small-scale farmers under suboptimal conditions in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Rice blast disease, caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, represents one of the major biotic constraints to rice production under small-scale farming systems of Africa, and developing durable disease resistance is therefore of critical importance. In this review, we provide an overview of the major advances by a multinational collaborative research effort to enhance sustainable rice production across SSA and how it is affected by advances in regional policy. As part of the multinational effort, we highlight the importance of joint international partnerships in tackling multiple crop production constraints through integrated research and outreach programs. More specifically, we highlight recent progress in establishing international networks for rice blast disease surveillance, farmer engagement, monitoring pathogen virulence spectra, and the establishment of regionally based blast resistance breeding programs. To develop blast-resistant, high yielding rice varieties for Africa, we have established a breeding pipeline that utilizes real-time data of pathogen diversity and virulence spectra, to identify major and minor blast resistance genes for introgression into locally adapted rice cultivars. In addition, the project has developed a package to support sustainable rice production through regular stakeholder engagement, training of agricultural extension officers, and establishment of plant clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel K Mutiga
- Biosciences eastern and central Africa - International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, U.S.A
| | - Felix Rotich
- Department of Agricultural Resource Management, University of Embu, Embu, Kenya
| | - Vincent M Were
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7UH, U.K
| | - John M Kimani
- Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - David T Mwongera
- Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Geoffrey Onaga
- National Agricultural Research Organization, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kadougoudiou Konaté
- Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | | | - Emily Gichuhi
- Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Miriam Otipa
- Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lusike Wasilwa
- Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ibrahima Ouedraogo
- Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Thomas Mitchell
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, U.S.A
| | - Guo-Liang Wang
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, U.S.A
| | - James C Correll
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, U.S.A
| | - Nicholas J Talbot
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7UH, U.K
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Gbashi S, Adebo O, Adebiyi JA, Targuma S, Tebele S, Areo OM, Olopade B, Odukoya JO, Njobeh P. Food safety, food security and genetically modified organisms in Africa: a current perspective. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2021; 37:30-63. [PMID: 34309495 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2021.1940735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Moving forward from 2020, Africa faces an eminent challenge of food safety and security in the coming years. The World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations (UN) estimates that 20% of Africa's population of 1.2 billion people face the highest level of undernourishment in the world, likely to worsen due to COVID-19 pandemic that has brought the entire world to its knees. Factors such as insecurity and conflict, poverty, climate change and population growth have been identified as critical contributors to the food security challenges on the continent. Biotechnological research on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) provides a range of opportunities (such as increased crop yields, resistance to pests and diseases, enhanced nutrient composition and food quality) in addressing the hunger, malnutrition and food security issues on the continent. However, the acceptance and adoption of GMOs on the continent has been remarkably slow, perhaps due to contrasting views about the benefits and safety concerns associated with them. With the reality of food insecurity and the booming population in Africa, there is an eminent need for a more pragmatic position to this debate. The present review presents an overview of the current situation of food safety and security and attempts to reconcile major viewpoints on GMOs research considering the current food safety and security crisis in the African continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sefater Gbashi
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O Box 17011, Doornfontein Campus, 2028, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Oluwafemi Adebo
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O Box 17011, Doornfontein Campus, 2028, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Janet Adeyinka Adebiyi
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O Box 17011, Doornfontein Campus, 2028, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Sarem Targuma
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O Box 17011, Doornfontein Campus, 2028, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Shandry Tebele
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701
| | - Oluwaseun Mary Areo
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O Box 17011, Doornfontein Campus, 2028, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Bunmi Olopade
- Department of Biological Sciences, Covenant University, Ota, P.M.B. 1023, km 10, Idiroko Road, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Julianah Olayemi Odukoya
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O Box 17011, Doornfontein Campus, 2028, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Patrick Njobeh
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O Box 17011, Doornfontein Campus, 2028, Gauteng, South Africa
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Anjanappa RB, Gruissem W. Current progress and challenges in crop genetic transformation. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 261:153411. [PMID: 33872932 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2021.153411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Plant transformation remains the most sought-after technology for functional genomics and crop genetic improvement, especially for introducing specific new traits and to modify or recombine already existing traits. Along with many other agricultural technologies, the global production of genetically engineered crops has steadily grown since they were first introduced 25 years ago. Since the first transfer of DNA into plant cells using Agrobacterium tumefaciens, different transformation methods have enabled rapid advances in molecular breeding approaches to bring crop varieties with novel traits to the market that would be difficult or not possible to achieve with conventional breeding methods. Today, transformation to produce genetically engineered crops is the fastest and most widely adopted technology in agriculture. The rapidly increasing number of sequenced plant genomes and information from functional genomics data to understand gene function, together with novel gene cloning and tissue culture methods, is further accelerating crop improvement and trait development. These advances are welcome and needed to make crops more resilient to climate change and to secure their yield for feeding the increasing human population. Despite the success, transformation remains a bottleneck because many plant species and crop genotypes are recalcitrant to established tissue culture and regeneration conditions, or they show poor transformability. Improvements are possible using morphogenetic transcriptional regulators, but their broader applicability remains to be tested. Advances in genome editing techniques and direct, non-tissue culture-based transformation methods offer alternative approaches to enhance varietal development in other recalcitrant crops. Here, we review recent developments in plant transformation and regeneration, and discuss opportunities for new breeding technologies in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi B Anjanappa
- Institute of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Wilhelm Gruissem
- Institute of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; Advanced Plant Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, 145 Xingda Road, Taichung City 402, Taiwan.
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Muzhinji N, Ntuli V. Genetically modified organisms and food security in Southern Africa: conundrum and discourse. GM CROPS & FOOD 2020; 12:25-35. [PMID: 32687427 PMCID: PMC7553747 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2020.1794489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The importance of food security and nourishment is recognized in Southern African region and in many communities, globally. However, the attainment of food security in Southern African countries is affected by many factors, including adverse environmental conditions, pests and diseases. Scientists have been insistently looking for innovative strategies to optimize crop production and combat challenges militating against attainment of food security. In agriculture, strategies of increasing crop production include but not limited to improved crop varieties, farming practices, extension services, irrigation services, mechanization, information technology, use of fertilizers and agrochemicals. Equally important is genetic modification (GM) technology, which brings new prospects in addressing food security problems. Nonetheless, since the introduction of genetically modified crops (GMOs) three decades ago, it has been a topic of public discourse across the globe, conspicuously so in Southern African region. This is regardless of the evidence that planting GMOs positively influenced farmer’s incomes, economic access to food and increased tolerance of crops to various biotic and abiotic stresses. This paper looks at the issues surrounding GMOs adoption in Southern Africa and lack thereof, the discourse, and its potential in contributing to the attainment of food security for the present as well as future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman Muzhinji
- Department of Natural and Applied Sciences, Namibia University of Science and Technology , Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Victor Ntuli
- Department of Biology, National University of Lesotho , Roma, Lesotho
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Fondong VN. The Search for Resistance to Cassava Mosaic Geminiviruses: How Much We Have Accomplished, and What Lies Ahead. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:408. [PMID: 28392798 PMCID: PMC5365051 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.00408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The cassava mosaic disease (CMD), which occurs in all cassava growing regions of Africa and the Indian subcontinent, is caused by cassava mosaic geminiviruses (CMGs). CMGs are considered to be the most damaging vector-borne plant pathogens. So far, the most successful approach used to control these viruses has been the transfer of a polygenic recessive resistance locus, designated CMD1, from wild cassava to cassava cultivars. Further progress in harnessing natural resistance to contain CMGs has come from the discovery of the dominant monogenic resistance locus, CMD2, in some West African cassava cultivars. CMD2 has been combined with CMD1 through genetic crosses. Because of the limitations of the cassava breeding approach, especially with regard to time required to produce a variety and the loss of preferred agronomic attributes, efforts have been directed toward the deployment of genetic engineering approaches. Most of these approaches have been centered on RNA silencing strategies, developed mainly in the model plant Nicotiana benthamiana. Early RNA silencing platforms assessed for CMG resistance have been use of viral genes for co-suppression, antisense suppression or for hairpin RNAs-mediated gene silencing. Here, progress and challenges in the deployment of these approaches in the control of CMGs are discussed. Novel functional genomics approaches with potential to overcome some of the drawbacks of the current strategies are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent N. Fondong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Delaware State UniversityDover, DE, USA
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Tsai JJ, Chang CY, Liao EC. Comparison of Allergenicity at Gly m 4 and Gly m Bd 30K of Soybean after Genetic Modification. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2017; 65:1255-1262. [PMID: 28132509 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.6b05135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite rapid growth of genetically modified (GM) crops, effective evaluations of genetic modification on allergenicity are still lacking. Gly m Bd 30K is cross-reactive with cow's milk protein casein, Gly m 4, and with birch pollen allergen Bet v 1. Here we compared the allergenicity between GM and non-GM soybeans with respect to the foci Gly m 4 and Gly m Bd 30K. Recombinant allergens of Gly m Bd 30K and Gly m 4 were generated and polyclonal antibodies raised to identify these two allergenic components in soybeans. GM soybean was first PCR-confirmed using 35S promoter. A total of 20 soybeans (half GM, half non-GM) obtained from a food market were used to assess their allergenicity based on IgE-binding and histamine release. The concentrations of Gly m Bd 30K and Gly m 4 in soybeans were then determined. Most soybean-allergic patients (9 of 10) showed IgE-positive reactions to the allergen of 30 kDa in molecular weight. That allergen turned out to be Glycine max Gly m Bd 30K based on LC-MS/MS analyses. Gly m Bd 30K is therefore the major allergen in the soybean. An increase in the transcription of both the Gly m 4 (stress-induced protein SAM22) and Gly m Bd 28K (soybean allergen precursor) was found after genetic modification. The protein concentrations of Gly m 4 and Gly m Bd 30K were not statistically significant different between non-GM and GM soybeans. There were also no statistical significances between them in the tests of IgE binding and histamine release. In conclusion, soybeans showed similar concentrations of Gly m Bd 30K and Gly m 4 regardless of genetic modification or absence thereof. The allergenicity of both Gly m Bd 30K and Gly m 4 was therefore not altered after genetic modification. Patients showing hypersensitivity to soybeans and who had pre-existing allergy to birch pollen and cow's milk casein might not further increase their allergic reactions following exposures to the GM soybeans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaw-Ji Tsai
- Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital , Taichung, Taiwan
- College of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University , Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming University , Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Yun Chang
- Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital , Taichung, Taiwan
| | - En-Chih Liao
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College , New Taipei City, Taiwan
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Karikari TK, Yawson NA, Quansah E. Developing Science Communication in Africa: Undergraduate and Graduate Students should be Trained and Actively Involved in Outreach Activity Development and Implementation. JOURNAL OF UNDERGRADUATE NEUROSCIENCE EDUCATION : JUNE : A PUBLICATION OF FUN, FACULTY FOR UNDERGRADUATE NEUROSCIENCE 2016; 14:E5-8. [PMID: 27385932 PMCID: PMC4917354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 01/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite recent improvements in scientific research output from Africa, public understanding of science in many parts of the continent remains low. Science communication there is faced with challenges such as (i) lack of interest among some scientists, (ii) low availability of training programs for scientists, (iii) low literacy rates among the public, and (iv) multiplicity of languages. To address these challenges, new ways of training and motivating scientists to dialogue with non-scientists are essential. Developing communication skills early in researchers' scientific career would be a good way to enhance their public engagement abilities. Therefore, a potentially effective means to develop science communication in Africa would be to actively involve trainee scientists (i.e., undergraduate and graduate students) in outreach activity development and delivery. These students are often enthusiastic about science, eager to develop their teaching and communication skills, and can be good mentors to younger students. Involving them in all aspects of outreach activity is, therefore, likely to be a productive implementation strategy. However, science communication training specifically for students and the involvement of these students in outreach activity design and delivery are lacking in Africa. Here, we argue that improving the training and involvement of budding scientists in science communication activities would be a good way to bridge the wide gap between scientists and the African public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas K Karikari
- Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK;; Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Nat Ato Yawson
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Quansah
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biological Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana;; Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK
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Lin CH, Pan TM. Perspectives on genetically modified crops and food detection. J Food Drug Anal 2016; 24:1-8. [PMID: 28911391 PMCID: PMC9345426 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfda.2015.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Revised: 03/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically modified (GM) crops are a major product of the global food industry. From 1996 to 2014, 357 GM crops were approved and the global value of the GM crop market reached 35% of the global commercial seed market in 2014. However, the rapid growth of the GM crop-based industry has also created controversies in many regions, including the European Union, Egypt, and Taiwan. The effective detection and regulation of GM crops/foods are necessary to reduce the impact of these controversies. In this review, the status of GM crops and the technology for their detection are discussed. As the primary gap in GM crop regulation exists in the application of detection technology to field regulation, efforts should be made to develop an integrated, standardized, and high-throughput GM crop detection system. We propose the development of an integrated GM crop detection system, to be used in combination with a standardized international database, a decision support system, high-throughput DNA analysis, and automated sample processing. By integrating these technologies, we hope that the proposed GM crop detection system will provide a method to facilitate comprehensive GM crop regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hui Lin
- Department of Life Science, National Taitung University, Taitung,
Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Ming Pan
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University,
Taiwan
- Corresponding author. Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Number 1, Section 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan. E-mail address: (T.-M. Pan)
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Nimusiima J, Köberl M, Tumuhairwe JB, Kubiriba J, Staver C, Berg G. Transgenic banana plants expressing Xanthomonas wilt resistance genes revealed a stable non-target bacterial colonization structure. Sci Rep 2015; 5:18078. [PMID: 26657016 PMCID: PMC4674801 DOI: 10.1038/srep18078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Africa is among the continents where the battle over genetically modified crops is currently being played out. The impact of GM in Africa could potentially be very positive. In Uganda, researchers have developed transgenic banana lines resistant to banana Xanthomonas wilt. The transgenic lines expressing hrap and pflp can provide a timely solution to the pandemic. However, the impact of the transgenes expression on non-target microorganisms has not yet been investigated. To study this effect, transgenic and control lines were grown under field conditions and their associated microbiome was investigated by 16S rRNA gene profiling combining amplicon sequencing and molecular fingerprinting. Three years after sucker planting, no statistically significant differences between transgenic lines and their non-modified predecessors were detected for their associated bacterial communities. The overall gammaproteobacterial rhizosphere microbiome was highly dominated by Xanthomonadales, while Pseudomonadales and Enterobacteriales were accumulated in the pseudostem. Shannon indices revealed much higher diversity in the rhizosphere than in the pseudostem endosphere. However, the expression of the transgenes did not result in changes in the diversity of Gammaproteobacteria, the closest relatives of the target pathogen. In this field experiment, the expression of the resistance genes appears to have no consequences for non-target rhizobacteria and endophytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Nimusiima
- National Agricultural Research Organisation, National Agricultural Research Laboratories, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Department of Agricultural Production, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Martina Köberl
- Graz University of Technology, Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Austria
| | - John Baptist Tumuhairwe
- Makerere University, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Department of Agricultural Production, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jerome Kubiriba
- National Agricultural Research Organisation, National Agricultural Research Laboratories, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Gabriele Berg
- Graz University of Technology, Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Austria
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15
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Adenle AA, Aworh OC, Akromah R, Parayil G. Developing GM super cassava for improved health and food security: future challenges in Africa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1186/2048-7010-1-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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