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Wang X, Sheng Z, Huang H, Tang Z, Wei W, Stewart CN, Liu Y. Inheritance and ecological effects of exogenous genes from transgenic Brassica napus to Brassica juncea hybrids. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 349:112245. [PMID: 39236877 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; State Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Regional Ecological Process and Functional Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 8 Dayangfang, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Zhilu Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; State Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Regional Ecological Process and Functional Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 8 Dayangfang, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Hai Huang
- State Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Regional Ecological Process and Functional Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 8 Dayangfang, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Zhixi Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Wei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China.
| | | | - Yongbo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; State Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Regional Ecological Process and Functional Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 8 Dayangfang, Beijing 100012, China.
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Wang X, Niu S, Yang J, Dong Y, Liu X, Jiao Y, Wang Z. Effects of stacking breeding on the methylome and transcriptome profile of transgenic rice with glyphosate tolerance. PLANTA 2023; 258:34. [PMID: 37378818 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-023-04181-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION Transcriptomics and methylomics were used to identify the potential effects resulting from GM rice breeding stacks, which provided scientific data for the safety assessment strategy of stacked GM crops in China. Gene interaction is one of the main concerns for stacked genetically modified crop safety. With the development of technology, the combination of omics and bioinformatics has become a useful tool to evaluate the unintended effects of genetically modified crops. In this study, transcriptomics and methylomics were used as molecular profiling techniques to identify the potential effects of stack through breeding. Stacked transgenic rice En-12 × Ec-26 was used as material, which was obtained through hybridization using parents En-12 and Ec-26, in which the foreign protein can form functional EPSPS protein by intein-mediated trans-splitting. Differentially methylated region (DMR) analysis showed that the effect of stacking breeding on methylation was less than that of genetic transformation at the methylome level. Differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis showed that the DEGs between En-12 × Ec-26 and its parents were far fewer than those between transgenic rice and Zhonghua 11 (ZH11), and no unintended new genes were found in En-12 × Ec-26. Statistical analysis of gene expression and methylation involved in shikimic acid metabolism showed that there was no difference in gene expression, although there were 16 and 10 DMR genes between En-12 × Ec-26 and its parents (En and Ec) in methylation, respectively. The results indicated that the effect of stacking breeding on gene expression and DNA methylation was less than the effect of genetic transformation. This study provides scientific data supporting safety assessments of stacked GM crops in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xujing Wang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
- Key Laboratory on Molecular Safety Assessment of Agri-GMO, MARA, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Shance Niu
- College of Horticulture, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, China
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, China
| | - Jiangtao Yang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
- Key Laboratory on Molecular Safety Assessment of Agri-GMO, MARA, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yufeng Dong
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
- Cropedit Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
- Key Laboratory on Molecular Safety Assessment of Agri-GMO, MARA, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yue Jiao
- Development Center for Science and Technology, MARA, Beijing, 100122, China.
| | - Zhixing Wang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.
- Key Laboratory on Molecular Safety Assessment of Agri-GMO, MARA, Beijing, 100081, China.
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Guan ZJ, Zheng M, Tang ZX, Wei W, Stewart CN. Proteomic Analysis of Bt cry1Ac Transgenic Oilseed Rape ( Brassica napus L.). PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2319. [PMID: 37375944 DOI: 10.3390/plants12122319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) is an important cash crop, but transgenic oilseed rape has not been grown on a commercial scale in China. It is necessary to analyze the characteristics of transgenic oilseed rape before commercial cultivation. In our study, differential expression of total protein from the leaves in two transgenic lines of oilseed rape expressing foreign Bt Cry1Ac insecticidal toxin and their non-transgenic parent plant was analyzed using a proteomic approach. Only shared changes in both of the two transgenic lines were calculated. Fourteen differential protein spots were analyzed and identified, namely, eleven upregulated expressed protein spots and three downregulated protein spots. These proteins are involved in photosynthesis, transporter function, metabolism, protein synthesis, and cell growth and differentiation. The changes of these protein spots in transgenic oilseed rape may be attributable to the insertion of the foreign transgenes. However, the transgenic manipulation might not necessarily cause significant change in proteomes of the oilseed rape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Jun Guan
- Department of Life Sciences, Yuncheng University, Yuncheng 044000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Climate Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Min Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Climate Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- Department of Hotel Management, Linyi Technician Institute, Linyi 276005, China
| | - Zhi-Xi Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Climate Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Wei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Climate Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - C Neal Stewart
- Department of Plant Sciences and Center for Agricultural Synthetic Biology, University of Tennessee, 2505 EJ Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-4561, USA
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Sun Y, Zhao H, Chen Z, Chen H, Li B, Wang C, Lin X, Cai Y, Zhou D, Ouyang L, Zhu C, He H, Peng X. Comparison of the Phenotypic Performance, Molecular Diversity, and Proteomics in Transgenic Rice. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:156. [PMID: 36616286 PMCID: PMC9824520 DOI: 10.3390/plants12010156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The extent of molecular diversity and differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in transgenic lines provide valuable information to understand the phenotypic performance of transgenic crops compared with their parents. Here, we compared the differences in the phenotypic variation of twelve agronomic and end-use quality traits, the extent of microsatellite diversity, and DEPs of a recurrent parent line with three transgenic rice restorer lines carrying either CRY1C gene on chromosome 11 or CRY2A gene on chromosome 12 or both genes. The three transgenic lines had significantly smaller stem borer infestation than the recurrent parent without showing significant differences among most agronomic traits, yield components, and end-use quality traits. Using 512 microsatellite markers, the three transgenic lines inherited 2.9-4.3% of the Minghui 63 donor genome and 96.3-97.1% of the CH891 recurrent parent genome. As compared with the recurrent parent, the number of upregulated and down-regulated proteins in the three transgenic lines varied from 169 to 239 and from 131 to 199, respectively. Most DEPs were associated with the secondary metabolites biosynthesis transport and catabolism, carbohydrate transport and metabolism, post-translational modification, and signal transduction mechanisms. Although several differentially expressed proteins were observed between transgenic rice and its recurrent parent, the differences may not have been associated with grain yield and most other phenotypic traits in transgenic rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Sun
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education/College of Agronomy, JAU, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Huan Zhao
- Jiangxi Biotech Vocational College, JAU, Nanchang 330200, China
| | - Zhongkai Chen
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education/College of Agronomy, JAU, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Huizhen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education/College of Agronomy, JAU, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Bai Li
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education/College of Agronomy, JAU, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Chunlei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education/College of Agronomy, JAU, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Xiaoli Lin
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education/College of Agronomy, JAU, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Yicong Cai
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education/College of Agronomy, JAU, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Dahu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education/College of Agronomy, JAU, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Linjuan Ouyang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education/College of Agronomy, JAU, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Changlan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education/College of Agronomy, JAU, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Haohua He
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education/College of Agronomy, JAU, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Xiaosong Peng
- Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education/College of Agronomy, JAU, Nanchang 330045, China
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Mishra V, Mishra R, Shamra RS. Ribosome inactivating proteins - An unfathomed biomolecule for developing multi-stress tolerant transgenic plants. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 210:107-122. [PMID: 35525494 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Transgenic crops would serve as a tool to overcome the forthcoming crisis in food security and environmental safety posed by degrading land and changing global climate. Commercial transgenic crops developed so far focus on single stress; however, sustaining crop yield to ensure food security requires transgenics tolerant to multiple environmental stresses. Here we argue and demonstrate the untapped potential of ribosome inactivating proteins (RIPs), translation inhibitors, as potential transgenes in developing transgenics to combat multiple stresses in the environment. Plant RIPs target the fundamental processes of the cell with very high specificity to the infecting pests. While controlling pathogens, RIPs also cause ectopic expression of pathogenesis-related proteins and trigger systemic acquired resistance. On the other hand, during abiotic stress, RIPs show antioxidant activity and trigger both enzyme-dependent and enzyme-independent metabolic pathways, alleviating abiotic stress such as drought, salinity, temperature, etc. RIPs express in response to specific environmental signals; therefore, their expression obviates additional physiological load on the transgenic plants instead of the constitutive expression. Based on evidence from its biological significance, ecological roles, laboratory- and controlled-environment success of its transgenics, and ethical merits, we unravel the potential of RIPs in developing transgenic plants showing co-tolerance to multiple environmental stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana Mishra
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.
| | - Ruchi Mishra
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India; Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi, Chanakyapuri, Delhi 110021, India.
| | - Radhey Shyam Shamra
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India; Delhi School of Climate Change & Sustainability, Institute of Eminence, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.
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Goh MS, Lam SD, Yang Y, Naqiuddin M, Addis SNK, Yong WTL, Luang-In V, Sonne C, Ma NL. Omics technologies used in pesticide residue detection and mitigation in crop. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 420:126624. [PMID: 34329083 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In agriculture, the convenience and efficacy of chemical pesticides have become inevitable to manage cultivated crop production. Here, we review the worldwide use of pesticides based on their categories, mode of actions and toxicity. Excessive use of pesticides may lead to hazardous pesticide residues in crops, causing adverse effects on human health and the environment. A wide range of high-tech-analytical methods are available to analyse pesticide residues. However, they are mostly time-consuming and inconvenient for on-site detection, calling for the development of biosensors that detect cellular changes in crops. Such new detection methods that combine biological and physicochemical knowledge may overcome the shortage in current farming to develop sustainable systems that support environmental and human health. This review also comprehensively compiles domestic pesticide residues removal tips from vegetables and fruits. Synthetic pesticide alternatives such as biopesticide and nanopesticide are greener to the environment. However, its safety assessment for large-scale application needs careful evaluation. Lastly, we strongly call for reversions of pesticide application trends based on the changing climate, which is lacking in the current scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Shien Goh
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center for Biomass Value-added Products, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; Biological Security and Sustainability (BioSES) Research Interest Group, Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Su Datt Lam
- Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia; Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, Gower Street, London, United Kingdom
| | - YaFeng Yang
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center for Biomass Value-added Products, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Mohd Naqiuddin
- Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Nor Khadijah Addis
- Biological Security and Sustainability (BioSES) Research Interest Group, Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Wilson Thau Lym Yong
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Vijitra Luang-In
- Natural Antioxidant Innovation Research Unit, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang, Kantharawichai, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
| | - Christian Sonne
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center for Biomass Value-added Products, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Danish Centre for Environment and Energy (DCE), Frederiksborgvej 399, POBox 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Nyuk Ling Ma
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center for Biomass Value-added Products, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; Biological Security and Sustainability (BioSES) Research Interest Group, Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.
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Andersen F, Rocca E. Underdetermination and evidence-based policy. STUDIES IN HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES 2020; 84:101335. [PMID: 32773277 DOI: 10.1016/j.shpsc.2020.101335] [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: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Safety assessment of technologies and interventions is often underdetermined by evidence. For example, scientists have collected evidence concerning genetically modified plants for decades. This evidence was used to ground opposing safety protocols for "stacked genetically modified" plants, in which two or more genetically modified plants are combined. Evidence based policy would thus be rendered more effective by an approach that accounts for underdetermination. Douglas (2012) proposes an explanatory approach, based on the criteria of transparency, empirical competence, internal consistency of explanations, and predictive potency. However, sometimes multiple explanations can satisfy these criteria. We propose an additional criterion based on converse abduction, where explanations are selected on the basis of ontological background assumptions as well as by evidence. We then apply our proposed scheme to the case of the regulation of stacked genetically modified plants. We discuss the implications and suggest follow-up work concerning the generalizability of the approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Andersen
- Faculty of Health and Welfare, Østfold University College, Halden, Norway.
| | - Elena Rocca
- NMBU Centre for Applied Philosophy of Science, School of Economics and Business, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Aas, Norway.
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Lohn AF, Trtikova M, Chapela I, Van den Berg J, du Plessis H, Hilbeck A. Transgene behavior in Zea mays L. crosses across different genetic backgrounds: Segregation patterns, cry1Ab transgene expression, insecticidal protein concentration and bioactivity against insect pests. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238523. [PMID: 32911522 PMCID: PMC7482933 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Brazil and South Africa, countries with economies in transition, are characterized by a dual agrarian structure co-occurring, sometimes, alongside in the same region. Large-scale commercial farming produces crops for export to global markets on the one hand, and small-scale farming, on the other hand, provides for subsistence and local markets. In both systems, maize (Zea mays) is a key crop for these two countries. For the commercial system, maize is a commodity crop while for the small-scale system it is the prime staple crop. In commercial systems, farmers predominantly grow genetically modified (GM) hybrid maize. In small-scale systems, farmers rely on open pollinated varieties (OPVs) and/or landraces and are largely dependent on seed saving systems. The aim of this study was to understand the relationship between transgene expression rates, the resulting concentrations of the transgene product (Bt protein) and its bioactivity in insect pests following transgene flow from GM hybrid maize into non-genetically modified, non-GM near-isogenic maize hybrid (ISO) and OPVs. We modeled segregation patterns and measured cry1Ab transgene expression (mRNA quantification), Cry1Ab protein concentration and pest survival. Two groups of F1, F2 crosses and backcrosses with GM, ISO and OPV maize varieties from Brazil and South Africa were used. Bioassays with the larvae of two lepidopteran maize pest species, Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera littoralis, were carried out. Overall, the cry1Ab transgene outcrossed effectively into the genetic backgrounds tested. The cry1Ab transgene was stably expressed in both ISO and OPV genetic backgrounds. Transgene introgression led to consistent, though highly variable, concentrations of Cry1Ab toxins that were similar to those observed in GM parental maize. Most crosses, but not all, suggested the expected Mendelian segregation pattern. Transgene expression rates were significantly higher than expected from purely Mendelian segregation in the South African crosses. In South African materials, ISO and OPV crosses produced significantly lower Cry1Ab concentrations compared to the GM parental maize. The Cry1Ab toxins from crosses were bioactive and induced mortality rates of ≥92.19% in H. armigera and ≥40.63% in S. littoralis after a period of only 4 days. However, no correlations were observed between the quantitation of mRNA for cry1Ab and the corresponding Cry1Ab protein concentrations, nor between the Cry1Ab concentrations and insect mortality rates across different genetic backgrounds. We therefore suggest that while transcription of the cry1Ab transgene reliably determines the presence of Cry1Ab protein, mRNA levels do not reflect, by themselves, the end Cry1Ab protein concentrations found in the plant. Because predictably high Cry1Ab concentrations are a key prerequisite for effective insect resistance management (IRM) programs, this observation raises questions about the effectiveness of such programs in scenarios with complex crop genetic backgrounds. On the other hand, confirmed bioactivity in all crosses should be expected to impact small farmer's selection behavior, unknowingly favoring the insecticidal trait. This may lead to a fixation of the trait in the wider population, and may influence the genetic diversity of varieties maintained by small-scale farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Felipe Lohn
- Plant Ecological Genetics, Institute of Integrative Biology, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Miluse Trtikova
- Plant Ecological Genetics, Institute of Integrative Biology, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ignacio Chapela
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Johnnie Van den Berg
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Hannalene du Plessis
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Angelika Hilbeck
- Plant Ecological Genetics, Institute of Integrative Biology, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Pott A, Bundschuh M, Bundschuh R, Otto M, Schulz R. Effect of Bt toxin Cry1Ab on two freshwater caddisfly shredders - an attempt to establish dose-effect relationships through food-spiking. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5262. [PMID: 32210265 PMCID: PMC7093423 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62055-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which produce Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins, are widely used in agriculture in some parts of the world. Despite this, ecotoxicological methods, tailored to GMOs, are lacking to assess effects on aquatic environments. With the objective to investigate a food-related exposure pathway for aquatic shredders, we used a new food-spiking method while caddisfly larvae (Chaetopteryx spec., Sericostoma spec.) served as test species. Pure Cry1Ab toxins were spiked on black alder leaf discs and subsequently used in a feeding experiment. The toxin did not influence larval mortality compared to the control. The results, however, showed significant effects on larval lipid content (Chaetopteryx spec.) and development (Sericostoma spec.) at concentrations of 17.2 and 132.4 ng Cry1Ab/mg leaf, respectively. These changes are indicative for impacts on the fitness of the specimen and thus relevant in a risk assessment context. Ultimately, the food-spiking method allowed applying different Bt toxin concentrations leading to the establishment of dose-response relationships for various response variables. The use of long test durations and sublethal endpoints (consumption, lipid content, growth, larval instars) is, moreover, advisable when testing GMO effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Pott
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, 76829, Landau, Germany. .,Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), Konstantinstrasse 110, 53179, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Mirco Bundschuh
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, 76829, Landau, Germany.,Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7050, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Rebecca Bundschuh
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, 76829, Landau, Germany
| | - Mathias Otto
- Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), Konstantinstrasse 110, 53179, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ralf Schulz
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, 76829, Landau, Germany
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Lebedev V. The Rooting of Stem Cuttings and the Stability of uidA Gene Expression in Generative and Vegetative Progeny of Transgenic Pear Rootstock in the Field. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 8:E291. [PMID: 31430873 PMCID: PMC6724118 DOI: 10.3390/plants8080291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Adventitious rooting plays an important role in the commercial vegetative propagation of trees. Adventitious root formation is a complex biological process, but knowledge of the possible unintended effects induced by both the integration/expression of transgenes and in vitro conditions on the rooting is limited. The long-term stability of transgene expression is important both for original transformants of woody plants and its progeny. In this study, we used field-grown pear rootstock GP217 trees transformed with the reporter ß-glucuronidase (uidA) genes with and without intron and re-transformed with the herbicide resistance bar gene as model systems. We assessed the unintended effects on rooting of pear semi-hardwood cuttings and evaluated the stability of transgene expression in progeny produced by generative (seedlings) and vegetative (grafting, cutting) means up to four years. Our investigation revealed that: (1) The single and repeated transformations of clonal pear rootstocks did not result in unintended effects on adventitious root formation in cuttings; (2) stability of the transgene expression was confirmed on both generative and vegetative progeny, and no silenced transgenic plants were detected; (3) yearly variation in the gene expressions was observed and expression levels were decreased in extremely hot and dry summer; (4) the intron enhanced the expression of uidA gene in pear plants approximately two-fold compared to gene without intron. The current study provides useful information on transgene expression in progeny of fruit trees under natural environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim Lebedev
- Branch of the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Science avenue 6, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia.
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Wang X, Zhang X, Yang J, Liu X, Song Y, Wang Z. Genetic variation assessment of stacked-trait transgenic maize via conventional breeding. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 19:346. [PMID: 31391002 PMCID: PMC6686426 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-019-1956-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The safety assessment and control of stacked transgenic crops is increasingly important due to continuous crop development and is urgently needed in China. The genetic stability of foreign genes and unintended effects are the primary problems encountered in safety assessment. Omics techniques are useful for addressing these problems. The stacked transgenic maize variety 12-5 × IE034, which has insect-resistant and glyphosate-tolerant traits, was developed via a breeding stack using 12-5 and IE034 as parents. Using 12-5 × IE034, its parents (12-5 and IE034), and different maize varieties as materials, we performed proteomic profiling, molecular characterization and a genetic stability analysis. RESULTS Our results showed that the copy number of foreign genes in 12-5 × IE034 is identical to that of its parents 12-5 and IE034. Foreign genes can be stably inherited over different generations. Proteomic profiling analysis found no newly expressed proteins in 12-5 × IE034, and the differences in protein expression between 12 and 5 × IE034 and its parents were within the range of variation of conventional maize varieties. The expression levels of key enzymes participating in the shikimic acid pathway which is related to glyphosate tolerance of 12-5 × IE034 were not significantly different from those of its parents or five conventional maize varieties, which indicated that without selective pressure by glyphosate, the introduced EPSPS synthase is not has a pronounced impact on the synthesis of aromatic amino acids in maize. CONCLUSIONS Stacked-trait development via conventional breeding did not have an impact on the genetic stability of T-DNA, and the impact of stacked breeding on the maize proteome was less significant than that of genotypic differences. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the development of a safety assessment approach for stacked-trait transgenic crops in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xujing Wang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, MARA Key Laboratory on Safety Assessment (Molecular) of Agri-GMO, 12 Zhuangguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, MARA Key Laboratory on Safety Assessment (Molecular) of Agri-GMO, 12 Zhuangguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Jiangtao Yang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, MARA Key Laboratory on Safety Assessment (Molecular) of Agri-GMO, 12 Zhuangguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, MARA Key Laboratory on Safety Assessment (Molecular) of Agri-GMO, 12 Zhuangguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Yaya Song
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, MARA Key Laboratory on Safety Assessment (Molecular) of Agri-GMO, 12 Zhuangguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Zhixing Wang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, MARA Key Laboratory on Safety Assessment (Molecular) of Agri-GMO, 12 Zhuangguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081 China
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12
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Tan Y, Zhang J, Sun Y, Tong Z, Peng C, Chang L, Guo A, Wang X. Comparative Proteomics of Phytase-transgenic Maize Seeds Indicates Environmental Influence is More Important than that of Gene Insertion. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8219. [PMID: 31160654 PMCID: PMC6547748 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44748-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteomic differences were compared between phytase-transgenic (PT) maize seeds and nontransgenic (NT) maize seeds through two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) with mass spectrometry (MS). When maize was grown under field conditions, 30 differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) were successfully identified in PT seeds (PT/NT). Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) functional classification of these proteins showed that the largest group was associated with posttranslational modifications. To investigate the effects of environmental factors, we further compared the seed protein profiles of the same maize planted in a greenhouse or under field conditions. There were 76 DAPs between the greenhouse- and field-grown NT maize seeds and 77 DAPs between the greenhouse- and field-grown PT maize seeds However, under the same planting conditions, there were only 43 DAPs (planted in the greenhouse) or 37 DAPs (planted in the field) between PT and NT maize seeds. The results revealed that DAPs caused by environmental factors were more common than those caused by the insertion of exogenous genes, indicating that the environment has much more important effects on the seed protein profiles. Our maize seed proteomics results also indicated that the occurrence of unintended effects is not specific to genetically modified crops (GMCs); instead, such effects often occur in traditionally bred plants. Our data may be beneficial for biosafety assessments of GMCs at the protein profile level in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Tan
- Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, 571101, China
| | - Jiaming Zhang
- Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, 571101, China
| | - Yong Sun
- Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, 571101, China.,College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Ministry of Education, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, 571158, China
| | - Zheng Tong
- Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, 571101, China
| | - Cunzhi Peng
- Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, 571101, China
| | - Lili Chang
- Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, 571101, China
| | - Anping Guo
- Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, 571101, China.
| | - Xuchu Wang
- Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, 571101, China. .,College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Ministry of Education, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, 571158, China.
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13
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Zhao Y, Kim JY, Karan R, Jung JH, Pathak B, Williamson B, Kannan B, Wang D, Fan C, Yu W, Dong S, Srivastava V, Altpeter F. Generation of a selectable marker free, highly expressed single copy locus as landing pad for transgene stacking in sugarcane. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 100:247-263. [PMID: 30919152 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-019-00856-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
A selectable marker free, highly expressed single copy locus flanked by insulators was created as landing pad for transgene stacking in sugarcane. These events displayed superior transgene expression compared to single-copy transgenic lines lacking insulators. Excision of the selectable marker gene from transgenic sugarcane lines was supported by FLPe/FRT site-specific recombination. Sugarcane, a tropical C4 grass in the genus Saccharum (Poaceae), accounts for nearly 80% of sugar produced worldwide and is also an important feedstock for biofuel production. Generating transgenic sugarcane with predictable and stable transgene expression is critical for crop improvement. In this study, we generated a highly expressed single copy locus as landing pad for transgene stacking. Transgenic sugarcane lines with stable integration of a single copy nptII expression cassette flanked by insulators supported higher transgene expression along with reduced line to line variation when compared to single copy events without insulators by NPTII ELISA analysis. Subsequently, the nptII selectable marker gene was efficiently excised from the sugarcane genome by the FLPe/FRT site-specific recombination system to create selectable marker free plants. This study provides valuable resources for future gene stacking using site-specific recombination or genome editing tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Agronomy Department, Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Genetics Institute, University of Florida - IFAS, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Jae Y Kim
- Agronomy Department, Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Genetics Institute, University of Florida - IFAS, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- Department of Plant Resources, College of Industrial Science, Kongju National University, Yesan, 32439, Republic of Korea
| | - Ratna Karan
- Agronomy Department, Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Genetics Institute, University of Florida - IFAS, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Je H Jung
- Agronomy Department, Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Genetics Institute, University of Florida - IFAS, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- Smart Farm Research Center, Institute of Natural Products, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangwon-do, 25451, Republic of Korea
| | - Bhuvan Pathak
- Agronomy Department, Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Genetics Institute, University of Florida - IFAS, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Bruce Williamson
- Agronomy Department, Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Genetics Institute, University of Florida - IFAS, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Baskaran Kannan
- Agronomy Department, Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Genetics Institute, University of Florida - IFAS, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Florida - IFAS, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Duoduo Wang
- Agronomy Department, Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Genetics Institute, University of Florida - IFAS, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Florida - IFAS, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Chunyang Fan
- Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Wenjin Yu
- Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Shujie Dong
- Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Vibha Srivastava
- Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Fredy Altpeter
- Agronomy Department, Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Genetics Institute, University of Florida - IFAS, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Florida - IFAS, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
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14
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Luo XW, Zhang DY, Zhu TH, Zhou XG, Peng J, Zhang SB, Liu Y. Adaptation mechanism and tolerance of Rhodopseudomonas palustris PSB-S under pyrazosulfuron-ethyl stress. BMC Microbiol 2018; 18:207. [PMID: 30526497 PMCID: PMC6286529 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-018-1361-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl is a long lasting herbicide in the agro-ecosystem and its residue is toxic to crops and other non-target organisms. A better understanding of molecular basis in pyrazosulfuron-ethyl tolerant organisms will shed light on the adaptive mechanisms to this herbicide. RESULTS Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl inhibited biomass production in Rhodopseudomonas palustris PSB-S, altered cell morphology, suppressed flagella formation, and reduced pigment biosynthesis through significant suppression of carotenoids biosynthesis. A total of 1127 protein spots were detected in the two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Among them, 72 spots representing 56 different proteins were found to be differently expressed using MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS, including 26 up- and 30 down-regulated proteins in the pyrazosulfuron-ethyl-treated PSB-S cells. The up-regulated proteins were involved predominantly in oxidative stress or energy generation pathways, while most of the down-regulated proteins were involved in the biomass biosynthesis pathway. The protein expression profiles suggested that the elongation factor G, cell division protein FtsZ, and proteins associated with the ABC transporters were crucial for R. palustris PSB-S tolerance against pyrazosulfuron-ethyl. CONCLUSION Up-regulated proteins, including elongation factor G, cell division FtsZ, ATP synthase, and superoxide dismutase, and down-regulated proteins, including ALS III and ABC transporters, as well as some unknown proteins might play roles in R. palustris PSB-S adaptation to pyrazosulfuron-ethyl induced stresses. Functional validations of these candidate proteins should help to develope transgenic crops resistant to pyrazosulfuron-ethyl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Wen Luo
- Key laboratory of pest management of horticultural crop of Hunan province, Hunan Plant Protection Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Science, No 726 Second Yuanda Road, Furong District, Changsha, 410125, Hunan province, People's Republic of China.,Plant Protection College, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - De-Yang Zhang
- Key laboratory of pest management of horticultural crop of Hunan province, Hunan Plant Protection Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Science, No 726 Second Yuanda Road, Furong District, Changsha, 410125, Hunan province, People's Republic of China.,Plant Protection College, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Teng-Hui Zhu
- Plant Protection College, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Xu-Guo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Jing Peng
- Key laboratory of pest management of horticultural crop of Hunan province, Hunan Plant Protection Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Science, No 726 Second Yuanda Road, Furong District, Changsha, 410125, Hunan province, People's Republic of China.,Plant Protection College, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Song-Bai Zhang
- Key laboratory of pest management of horticultural crop of Hunan province, Hunan Plant Protection Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Science, No 726 Second Yuanda Road, Furong District, Changsha, 410125, Hunan province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yong Liu
- Key laboratory of pest management of horticultural crop of Hunan province, Hunan Plant Protection Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Science, No 726 Second Yuanda Road, Furong District, Changsha, 410125, Hunan province, People's Republic of China. .,Plant Protection College, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China.
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15
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Agapito-Tenfen SZ, Vilperte V, Traavik TI, Nodari RO. Systematic miRNome profiling reveals differential microRNAs in transgenic maize metabolism. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE 2018; 30:37. [PMID: 30294516 PMCID: PMC6153861 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-018-0168-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While some genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are created to produce new double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA), in others, such molecules may occur as an unintended effect of the genetic engineering process. Furthermore, GMOs might produce naturally occurring dsRNA molecules in higher or lower quantities than its non-transgenic counterpart. This study is the first to use high-throughput technology to characterize the miRNome of commercialized GM maize events and to investigate potential alterations in miRNA regulatory networks. RESULTS Thirteen different conserved miRNAs were found to be dys-regulated in GM samples. The insecticide Bt GM variety had the most distinct miRNome. These miRNAs target a range of endogenous transcripts, such as transcription factors and nucleic acid binding domains, which play key molecular functions in basic genetic regulation. In addition, we have identified 20 potential novel miRNAs with target transcripts involved in lipid metabolism in maize. isomiRs were also found in 96 conserved miRNAs sequences, as well as potential transgenic miRNA sequences, which both can be a source of potential off-target effects in the plant genome. We have also provided information on technical limitations and when to carry on additional in vivo experimental testing. CONCLUSIONS These findings do not reveal hazards per se but show that robust and reproducible miRNA profiling technique can strengthen the assessment of risk by detecting any new intended and unintended dsRNA molecules, regardless of the outcome, at any stage of GMO development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vinicius Vilperte
- Departamento de Fitotecnia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, 88034000 Brazil
- Present Address: Institute for Plant Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Leibniz University of Hannover, 30419 Hannover, Germany
| | - Terje Ingemar Traavik
- GenØk–Centre for Biosafety, Forskningsparken i Breivika, Sykehusveien 23, 9294 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Rubens Onofre Nodari
- Departamento de Fitotecnia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, 88034000 Brazil
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16
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Antoniou MN, Mesnage R, Agapito-Tenfen S, Séralini GE. Reply to 'Comments on two recent publications on GM maize and Roundup'. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13339. [PMID: 30177789 PMCID: PMC6120931 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30751-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The opinion expressed by Eriksson and colleagues' fails to recognise that there are no standard experimental designs for academic investigations involving omics analyses of genetically modified crops and that the only valid comparator to determine the effect of the process of transgenesis is a near isogenic variety grown at the same time and location, as was the case in our investigation of NK603 maize. Eriksson does not acknowledge that the quality of the rat liver tissues in our chronic Roundup toxicity study has neither been questioned nor branded as unsuitable for further investigation. In addition, Eriksson fails to appreciate that the statistical methods we used to analyse the liver metabolomics dataset are recognised as appropriate as some of a number of approaches that can be taken. Moreover, Eriksson neglects to mention that the proteomics analysis of the liver tissues highlights structural and functional damage from Roundup exposure. Thus our results are sound and the claims by Eriksson and colleagues of experimental flaws are unfounded.Replying to: Eriksson et al. Sci Rep 8 (2018); https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-30440-7 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael N Antoniou
- Gene Expression and Therapy Group, King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, 8th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom.
| | - Robin Mesnage
- Gene Expression and Therapy Group, King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, 8th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Agapito-Tenfen
- Genøk, Center for Biosafety, The Science Park, P.O. Box 6418, Tromsø, 9294, Norway
- CropScience Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Rod. Admar Gonzaga 1346, 88034-000, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Gilles-Eric Séralini
- University of Caen, Institute of Biology, EA 2608 and Network on Risks, Quality and Sustainable Environment, MRSH, Esplanade de la Paix, University of Caen, Caen, 14032, Cedex, France
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17
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Wang XJ, Zhang X, Yang JT, Wang ZX. Effect on transcriptome and metabolome of stacked transgenic maize containing insecticidal cry and glyphosate tolerance epsps genes. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 93:1007-1016. [PMID: 29356248 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.13825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Gene stacking is a developing trend in agricultural biotechnology. Unintended effects in stacked transgenic plants are safety issues considered by the public and researchers. Omics techniques provide useful tools to assess unintended effects. In this paper, stacked transgenic maize 12-5×IE034 that contained insecticidal cry and glyphosate tolerance G10-epsps genes was obtained by crossing of transgenic maize varieties 12-5 and IE034. Transcriptome and metabolome analyses were performed for different maize varieties, including 12-5×IE034, 12-5, IE034, and conventional varieties collected from different provinces in China. The transcriptome results were as follows. The nine maize varieties had obvious differences in gene expression. There were 3561-5538 differentially expressed genes between 12-5×IE034 and its parents and transgenic receptor, which were far fewer than the number of differentially expressed genes in different traditional maize varieties. Cluster analysis indicated that there were close relationships between 12-5×IE034 and its parents. The metabolome results were as follows. For the nine detected maize varieties, the number of different metabolites ranged from 0 to 240. Compared with its parents, 12-5 and IE034, the hybrid variety 12-5×IE034 had 15 and 112 different metabolites, respectively. Hierarchical cluster analysis with Pearson's correlation analysis showed that the differences between 12-5×IE034 and its parents were fewer than those between other maize varieties. Shikimate pathway-related genes and metabolites analysis results showed that the effects of hybrid stacking are less than those from transformation and differing genotypes. Thus, the differences due to breeding stack were fewer than those due to natural variation among maize varieties. This paper provides scientific data for assessing unintended effects in stacked transgenic plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Jing Wang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy Agricultural Sciences, MOA Key Laboratory on Safety Assessment (Molecular) of Agri-GMO, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy Agricultural Sciences, MOA Key Laboratory on Safety Assessment (Molecular) of Agri-GMO, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Jiang-Tao Yang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy Agricultural Sciences, MOA Key Laboratory on Safety Assessment (Molecular) of Agri-GMO, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Zhi-Xing Wang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy Agricultural Sciences, MOA Key Laboratory on Safety Assessment (Molecular) of Agri-GMO, Beijing, 100081, China
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18
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Risk associated with off-target plant genome editing and methods for its limitation. Emerg Top Life Sci 2017; 1:231-240. [PMID: 33525760 PMCID: PMC7288994 DOI: 10.1042/etls20170037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Assessment for potential adverse effects of plant genome editing logically focuses on the specific characteristics of the derived phenotype and its release environment. Genome-edited crops, depending on the editing objective, can be classified as either indistinguishable from crops developed through conventional plant breeding or as crops which are transgenic. Therefore, existing regulatory regimes and risk assessment procedures accommodate genome-edited crops. The ability for regulators and the public to accept a product focus in the evaluation of genome-edited crops will depend on research which clarifies the precision of the genome-editing process and evaluates unanticipated off-target edits from the process. Interpretation of genome-wide effects of genome editing should adhere to existing frameworks for comparative risk assessment where the nature and degree of effects are considered relative to a baseline of genome-wide mutations as found in crop varieties developed through conventional breeding methods. Research addressing current uncertainties regarding unintended changes from plant genome editing, and adopting procedures that clearly avoid the potential for gene drive initiation, will help to clarify anticipated public and regulatory questions regarding risk of crops derived through genome editing.
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19
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Feng X, Zhao Y, Zhang C, Cheng P, He Y. Discrimination of Transgenic Maize Kernel Using NIR Hyperspectral Imaging and Multivariate Data Analysis. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2017; 17:E1894. [PMID: 28817075 PMCID: PMC5580036 DOI: 10.3390/s17081894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
There are possible environmental risks related to gene flow from genetically engineered organisms. It is important to find accurate, fast, and inexpensive methods to detect and monitor the presence of genetically modified (GM) organisms in crops and derived crop products. In the present study, GM maize kernels containing both cry1Ab/cry2Aj-G10evo proteins and their non-GM parents were examined by using hyperspectral imaging in the near-infrared (NIR) range (874.41-1733.91 nm) combined with chemometric data analysis. The hypercubes data were analyzed by applying principal component analysis (PCA) for exploratory purposes, and support vector machine (SVM) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) to build the discriminant models to class the GM maize kernels from their contrast. The results indicate that clear differences between GM and non-GM maize kernels can be easily visualized with a nondestructive determination method developed in this study, and excellent classification could be achieved, with calculation and prediction accuracy of almost 100%. This study also demonstrates that SVM and PLS-DA models can obtain good performance with 54 wavelengths, selected by the competitive adaptive reweighted sampling method (CARS), making the classification processing for online application more rapid. Finally, GM maize kernels were visually identified on the prediction maps by predicting the features of each pixel on individual hyperspectral images. It was concluded that hyperspectral imaging together with chemometric data analysis is a promising technique to identify GM maize kernels, since it overcomes some disadvantages of the traditional analytical methods, such as complex and monotonous sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuping Feng
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Yiying Zhao
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Chu Zhang
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Peng Cheng
- Institute of Quality and Standard for Agro-Products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China.
| | - Yong He
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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20
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Rocca E, Andersen F. How biological background assumptions influence scientific risk evaluation of stacked genetically modified plants: an analysis of research hypotheses and argumentations. LIFE SCIENCES, SOCIETY AND POLICY 2017; 13:11. [PMID: 28804806 PMCID: PMC5554775 DOI: 10.1186/s40504-017-0057-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Scientific risk evaluations are constructed by specific evidence, value judgements and biological background assumptions. The latter are the framework-setting suppositions we apply in order to understand some new phenomenon. That background assumptions co-determine choice of methodology, data interpretation, and choice of relevant evidence is an uncontroversial claim in modern basic science. Furthermore, it is commonly accepted that, unless explicated, disagreements in background assumptions can lead to misunderstanding as well as miscommunication. Here, we extend the discussion on background assumptions from basic science to the debate over genetically modified (GM) plants risk assessment. In this realm, while the different political, social and economic values are often mentioned, the identity and role of background assumptions at play are rarely examined. We use an example from the debate over risk assessment of stacked genetically modified plants (GM stacks), obtained by applying conventional breeding techniques to GM plants. There are two main regulatory practices of GM stacks: (i) regulate as conventional hybrids and (ii) regulate as new GM plants. We analyzed eight papers representative of these positions and found that, in all cases, additional premises are needed to reach the stated conclusions. We suggest that these premises play the role of biological background assumptions and argue that the most effective way toward a unified framework for risk analysis and regulation of GM stacks is by explicating and examining the biological background assumptions of each position. Once explicated, it is possible to either evaluate which background assumptions best reflect contemporary biological knowledge, or to apply Douglas' 'inductive risk' argument.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Rocca
- School of Economics and Business, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003N, -1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Fredrik Andersen
- School of Economics and Business, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003N, -1432 Ås, Norway
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21
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Tsatsakis AM, Nawaz MA, Kouretas D, Balias G, Savolainen K, Tutelyan VA, Golokhvast KS, Lee JD, Yang SH, Chung G. Environmental impacts of genetically modified plants: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 156:818-833. [PMID: 28347490 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Powerful scientific techniques have caused dramatic expansion of genetically modified crops leading to altered agricultural practices posing direct and indirect environmental implications. Despite the enhanced yield potential, risks and biosafety concerns associated with such GM crops are the fundamental issues to be addressed. An increasing interest can be noted among the researchers and policy makers in exploring unintended effects of transgenes associated with gene flow, flow of naked DNA, weediness and chemical toxicity. The current state of knowledge reveals that GM crops impart damaging impacts on the environment such as modification in crop pervasiveness or invasiveness, the emergence of herbicide and insecticide tolerance, transgene stacking and disturbed biodiversity, but these impacts require a more in-depth view and critical research so as to unveil further facts. Most of the reviewed scientific resources provide similar conclusions and currently there is an insufficient amount of data available and up until today, the consumption of GM plant products are safe for consumption to a greater extent with few exceptions. This paper updates the undesirable impacts of GM crops and their products on target and non-target species and attempts to shed light on the emerging challenges and threats associated with it. Underpinning research also realizes the influence of GM crops on a disturbance in biodiversity, development of resistance and evolution slightly resembles with the effects of non-GM cultivation. Future prospects are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristidis M Tsatsakis
- Department of Toxicology and Forensics, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Educational Scientific Center of Nanotechnology, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok 690950, Russian Federation
| | - Muhammad Amjad Nawaz
- Department of Biotechnology, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, Chonnam 59626, Republic of Korea
| | - Demetrios Kouretas
- Department of Biochemistry-Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
| | | | - Kai Savolainen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, POB 40 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Victor A Tutelyan
- Federal Research Centre of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Kirill S Golokhvast
- Educational Scientific Center of Nanotechnology, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok 690950, Russian Federation; Pacific Institute of Geography, FEB RAS, Vladivostok 690041, Russian Federation
| | - Jeong Dong Lee
- School of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hwan Yang
- Department of Biotechnology, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, Chonnam 59626, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyuhwa Chung
- Department of Biotechnology, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, Chonnam 59626, Republic of Korea.
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Tsatsakis AM, Nawaz MA, Tutelyan VA, Golokhvast KS, Kalantzi OI, Chung DH, Kang SJ, Coleman MD, Tyshko N, Yang SH, Chung G. Impact on environment, ecosystem, diversity and health from culturing and using GMOs as feed and food. Food Chem Toxicol 2017. [PMID: 28645870 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Modern agriculture provides the potential for sustainable feeding of the world's increasing population. Up to the present moment, genetically modified (GM) products have enabled increased yields and reduced pesticide usage. Nevertheless, GM products are controversial amongst policy makers, scientists and the consumers, regarding their possible environmental, ecological, and health risks. Scientific-and-political debates can even influence legislation and prospective risk assessment procedure. Currently, the scientifically-assessed direct hazardous impacts of GM food and feed on fauna and flora are conflicting; indeed, a review of literature available data provides some evidence of GM environmental and health risks. Although the consequences of gene flow and risks to biodiversity are debatable. Risks to the environment and ecosystems can exist, such as the evolution of weed herbicide resistance during GM cultivation. A matter of high importance is to provide precise knowledge and adequate current information to regulatory agencies, governments, policy makers, researchers, and commercial GMO-releasing companies to enable them to thoroughly investigate the possible risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristidis M Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Muhammad Amjad Nawaz
- Department of Biotechnology, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, Chonnam, 59626, Republic of Korea
| | - Victor A Tutelyan
- Federal Research Centre of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Kirill S Golokhvast
- Educational Scientific Center of Nanotechnology, Engineering School, Far Eastern Federal Univeristy, 37 Pushkinskaya Street, 690950, Vladivostok, Russian Federation
| | | | - Duck Hwa Chung
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Food Science and Technology, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongnam 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Jo Kang
- Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Geyongnam 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Michael D Coleman
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nadia Tyshko
- Federal Research Centre of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Seung Hwan Yang
- Department of Biotechnology, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, Chonnam, 59626, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyuhwa Chung
- Department of Biotechnology, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, Chonnam, 59626, Republic of Korea.
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Molecular responses of genetically modified maize to abiotic stresses as determined through proteomic and metabolomic analyses. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173069. [PMID: 28245233 PMCID: PMC5330488 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Some genetically modified (GM) plants have transgenes that confer tolerance to abiotic stressors. Meanwhile, other transgenes may interact with abiotic stressors, causing pleiotropic effects that will affect the plant physiology. Thus, physiological alteration might have an impact on the product safety. However, routine risk assessment (RA) analyses do not evaluate the response of GM plants exposed to different environmental conditions. Therefore, we here present a proteome profile of herbicide-tolerant maize, including the levels of phytohormones and related compounds, compared to its near-isogenic non-GM variety under drought and herbicide stresses. Twenty differentially abundant proteins were detected between GM and non-GM hybrids under different water deficiency conditions and herbicide sprays. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that most of these proteins are assigned to energetic/carbohydrate metabolic processes. Among phytohormones and related compounds, different levels of ABA, CA, JA, MeJA and SA were detected in the maize varieties and stress conditions analysed. In pathway and proteome analyses, environment was found to be the major source of variation followed by the genetic transformation factor. Nonetheless, differences were detected in the levels of JA, MeJA and CA and in the abundance of 11 proteins when comparing the GM plant and its non-GM near-isogenic variety under the same environmental conditions. Thus, these findings do support molecular studies in GM plants Risk Assessment analyses.
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Mesnage R, Arno M, Séralini GE, Antoniou MN. Transcriptome and metabolome analysis of liver and kidneys of rats chronically fed NK603 Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE 2017; 29:6. [PMID: 28239534 PMCID: PMC5306156 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-017-0105-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A previous 2-year rat feeding trial assessing potential toxicity of NK603 Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize revealed blood and urine biochemical changes indicative of liver and kidney pathology. In an effort to obtain deeper insight into these findings, molecular profiling of the liver and kidneys from the same animals was undertaken. RESULTS Transcriptomics showed no segregation of NK603 maize and control feed groups with false discovery rates ranging from 43 to 83% at a cut-off p value of 1%. Changes in gene expression were not reflective of liver and kidney toxic effects. Metabolomics identified 692 and 673 metabolites in kidney and liver, respectively. None of the statistically significant disturbances detected (12-56 for different test groups) survived a false discovery rate analysis. Differences in these metabolites between individual animals within a group were greater than the effect of test diets, which prevents a definitive conclusion on either pathology or safety. CONCLUSIONS Even if the biological relevance of the statistical differences presented in this study is unclear, our results are made available for scrutiny by the scientific community and for comparison in future studies investigating potential toxicological properties of the NK603 corn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Mesnage
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Gene Expression and Therapy Group, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, 8th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT UK
| | - Matthew Arno
- Genomics Centre, King’s College London, Waterloo Campus, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH UK
| | - Gilles-Eric Séralini
- Institute of Biology, EA 2608 and Risk Pole, MRSH-CNRS, University of Caen, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France
| | - Michael N. Antoniou
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Gene Expression and Therapy Group, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, 8th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT UK
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Mesnage R, Agapito-Tenfen SZ, Vilperte V, Renney G, Ward M, Séralini GE, Nodari RO, Antoniou MN. An integrated multi-omics analysis of the NK603 Roundup-tolerant GM maize reveals metabolism disturbances caused by the transformation process. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37855. [PMID: 27991589 PMCID: PMC5171704 DOI: 10.1038/srep37855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glyphosate tolerant genetically modified (GM) maize NK603 was assessed as 'substantially equivalent' to its isogenic counterpart by a nutrient composition analysis in order to be granted market approval. We have applied contemporary in depth molecular profiling methods of NK603 maize kernels (sprayed or unsprayed with Roundup) and the isogenic corn to reassess its substantial equivalence status. Proteome profiles of the maize kernels revealed alterations in the levels of enzymes of glycolysis and TCA cycle pathways, which were reflective of an imbalance in energy metabolism. Changes in proteins and metabolites of glutathione metabolism were indicative of increased oxidative stress. The most pronounced metabolome differences between NK603 and its isogenic counterpart consisted of an increase in polyamines including N-acetyl-cadaverine (2.9-fold), N-acetylputrescine (1.8-fold), putrescine (2.7-fold) and cadaverine (28-fold), which depending on context can be either protective or a cause of toxicity. Our molecular profiling results show that NK603 and its isogenic control are not substantially equivalent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Mesnage
- Gene Expression and Therapy Group, King’s College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, 8th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | | | - Vinicius Vilperte
- CropScience Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Rod. Admar Gonzaga 1346, 88034-000 Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - George Renney
- Proteomics Facility, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm Ward
- Proteomics Facility, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom
| | - Gilles-Eric Séralini
- University of Caen, Institute of Biology, EA 2608 and Network on Risks, Quality and Sustainable Environment, MRSH, Esplanade de la Paix, University of Caen, Caen 14032, Cedex, France
| | - Rubens O. Nodari
- CropScience Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Rod. Admar Gonzaga 1346, 88034-000 Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Michael N. Antoniou
- Gene Expression and Therapy Group, King’s College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, 8th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
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26
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Venter HJ, Bøhn T. Interactions between Bt crops and aquatic ecosystems: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2016; 35:2891-2902. [PMID: 27530353 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The term Bt crops collectively refers to crops that have been genetically modified to include a gene (or genes) sourced from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacteria. These genes confer the ability to produce proteins toxic to certain insect pests. The interaction between Bt crops and adjacent aquatic ecosystems has received limited attention in research and risk assessment, despite the fact that some Bt crops have been in commercial use for 20 yr. Reports of effects on aquatic organisms such as Daphnia magna, Elliptio complanata, and Chironomus dilutus suggest that some aquatic species may be negatively affected, whereas other reports suggest that the decreased use of insecticides precipitated by Bt crops may benefit aquatic communities. The present study reviews the literature regarding entry routes and exposure pathways by which aquatic organisms may be exposed to Bt crop material, as well as feeding trials and field surveys that have investigated the effects of Bt-expressing plant material on such organisms. The present review also discusses how Bt crop development has moved past single-gene events, toward multigene stacked varieties that often contain herbicide resistance genes in addition to multiple Bt genes, and how their use (in conjunction with co-technology such as glyphosate/Roundup) may impact and interact with aquatic ecosystems. Lastly, suggestions for further research in this field are provided. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2891-2902. © 2016 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermoine J Venter
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University Potchefstroom Campus, North West Province, South Africa
| | - Thomas Bøhn
- GenØk-Center for Biosafety, Tromsø, Troms, Norway
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Vilperte V, Agapito-Tenfen SZ, Wikmark OG, Nodari RO. Levels of DNA methylation and transcript accumulation in leaves of transgenic maize varieties. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE 2016; 28:29. [PMID: 27942424 PMCID: PMC5120055 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-016-0097-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior to their release in the environment, transgenic crops are examined for their health and environmental safety. In addition, transgene expression needs to be consistent in order to express the introduced trait (e.g. insecticidal and/or herbicide tolerance). Moreover, data on expression levels for GM events are usually required for approval, but these are rarely disclosed or they are considered insufficient. On the other hand, biosafety regulators do not consider epigenetic regulation (e.g. DNA methylation, ncRNAs and histone modifications), which are broadly known to affect gene expression, within their risk assessment analyses. Here we report the results of a DNA methylation (bisulfite sequencing) and transgene transcript accumulation (RT-qPCR) analysis of four Bt-expressing single transgenic maize hybrids, under different genetic backgrounds, and a stacked transgenic hybrid expressing both insecticidal and herbicide tolerance traits. RESULTS Our results showed differences in cytosine methylation levels in the FMV promoter and cry2Ab2 transgene of the four Bt-expressing hybrid varieties. The comparison between single and stacked hybrids under the same genetic background showed differences in the 35S promoter sequence. The results of transgene transcript accumulation levels showed differences in both cry1A.105 and cry2Ab2 transgenes among the four Bt-expressing hybrid varieties. The comparison between single and stacked hybrids showed difference for the cry2Ab2 transgene only. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results show differences in DNA methylation patterns in all varieties, as well as in transgene transcript accumulation levels. Although the detection of changes in DNA methylation and transgenic accumulation levels does not present a safety issue per se, it demonstrates the need for additional studies that focus on detecting possible safety implications of such changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius Vilperte
- Department of Crop Science, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina Brazil
- GenØk - Centre for Biosafety, Tromsø, Norway
- Institute for Plant Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Leibniz University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Odd-Gunnar Wikmark
- GenØk - Centre for Biosafety, Tromsø, Norway
- Unit for Environmental Science and Management, Potchefstroom Campus, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Rubens Onofre Nodari
- Department of Crop Science, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina Brazil
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Castan M, Ben Ali SE, Hochegger R, Ruppitsch W, Haslberger AG, Brandes C. Analysis of the genetic stability of event NK603 in stacked corn varieties using high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis and Sanger sequencing. Eur Food Res Technol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00217-016-2749-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Hawkins R. Facing up to Complexity: Implications for Our Social Experiments. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2016; 22:775-814. [PMID: 26062747 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-015-9657-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Biological systems are highly complex, and for this reason there is a considerable degree of uncertainty as to the consequences of making significant interventions into their workings. Since a number of new technologies are already impinging on living systems, including our bodies, many of us have become participants in large-scale "social experiments". I will discuss biological complexity and its relevance to the technologies that brought us BSE/vCJD and the controversy over GM foods. Then I will consider some of the complexities of our social dynamics, and argue for making a shift from using the precautionary principle to employing the approach of evaluating the introduction of new technologies by conceiving of them as social experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie Hawkins
- Department of Philosophy, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816-1352, USA.
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30
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Vélot C. Scientists and Civil Society Must Move Together toward a New Science. Front Public Health 2016; 4:96. [PMID: 27242988 PMCID: PMC4862975 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2016.00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Vélot
- Laboratoire VEAC, Faculté des Sciences, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France; Pôle Risques MRSH-CNRS, Université de Caen, Caen, France; CRIIGEN, Paris, France; Fondation Sciences Citoyennes, Paris, France
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31
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Benbrook CM. Trends in glyphosate herbicide use in the United States and globally. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE 2016; 28:3. [PMID: 27752438 PMCID: PMC5044953 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-016-0070-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 820] [Impact Index Per Article: 102.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate pesticide use data are essential when studying the environmental and public health impacts of pesticide use. Since the mid-1990s, significant changes have occurred in when and how glyphosate herbicides are applied, and there has been a dramatic increase in the total volume applied. METHODS Data on glyphosate applications were collected from multiple sources and integrated into a dataset spanning agricultural, non-agricultural, and total glyphosate use from 1974-2014 in the United States, and from 1994-2014 globally. RESULTS Since 1974 in the U.S., over 1.6 billion kilograms of glyphosate active ingredient have been applied, or 19 % of estimated global use of glyphosate (8.6 billion kilograms). Globally, glyphosate use has risen almost 15-fold since so-called "Roundup Ready," genetically engineered glyphosate-tolerant crops were introduced in 1996. Two-thirds of the total volume of glyphosate applied in the U.S. from 1974 to 2014 has been sprayed in just the last 10 years. The corresponding share globally is 72 %. In 2014, farmers sprayed enough glyphosate to apply ~1.0 kg/ha (0.8 pound/acre) on every hectare of U.S.-cultivated cropland and nearly 0.53 kg/ha (0.47 pounds/acre) on all cropland worldwide. CONCLUSIONS Genetically engineered herbicide-tolerant crops now account for about 56 % of global glyphosate use. In the U.S., no pesticide has come remotely close to such intensive and widespread use. This is likely the case globally, but published global pesticide use data are sparse. Glyphosate will likely remain the most widely applied pesticide worldwide for years to come, and interest will grow in quantifying ecological and human health impacts. Accurate, accessible time-series data on glyphosate use will accelerate research progress.
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Poidevin L, Andreeva K, Khachatoorian C, Judelson HS. Comparisons of Ribosomal Protein Gene Promoters Indicate Superiority of Heterologous Regulatory Sequences for Expressing Transgenes in Phytophthora infestans. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0145612. [PMID: 26716454 PMCID: PMC4696810 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular genetics approaches in Phytophthora research can be hampered by the limited number of known constitutive promoters for expressing transgenes and the instability of transgene activity. We have therefore characterized genes encoding the cytoplasmic ribosomal proteins of Phytophthora and studied their suitability for expressing transgenes in P. infestans. Phytophthora spp. encode a standard complement of 79 cytoplasmic ribosomal proteins. Several genes are duplicated, and two appear to be pseudogenes. Half of the genes are expressed at similar levels during all stages of asexual development, and we discovered that the majority share a novel promoter motif named the PhRiboBox. This sequence is enriched in genes associated with transcription, translation, and DNA replication, including tRNA and rRNA biogenesis. Promoters from the three P. infestans genes encoding ribosomal proteins S9, L10, and L23 and their orthologs from P. capsici were tested for their ability to drive transgenes in stable transformants of P. infestans. Five of the six promoters yielded strong expression of a GUS reporter, but the stability of expression was higher using the P. capsici promoters. With the RPS9 and RPL10 promoters of P. infestans, about half of transformants stopped making GUS over two years of culture, while their P. capsici orthologs conferred stable expression. Since cross-talk between native and transgene loci may trigger gene silencing, we encourage the use of heterologous promoters in transformation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia Poidevin
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Kalina Andreeva
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Careen Khachatoorian
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Howard S. Judelson
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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