Development of Multiplex PCR Method for Simultaneous Detection of Four Events of Genetically Modified Maize: DAS-59122-7, MIR604, MON863 and MON88017

Compositional analysis of genetically modified corn events (NK603, MON88017×MON810 and MON89034×MON88017) compared to conventional corn

Compositional analysis of genetically modified (GM) crops continues to be an important part of the overall evaluation in the safety assessment for these materials. The present study was designed to detect the genetic modifications and investigate the compositional analysis of GM corn containing traits of multiple genes (NK603, MON88017×MON810 and MON89034×MON88017) compared with non-GM corn. Values for most biochemical components assessed for the GM corn samples were similar to those of the non-GM control or were within the literature range. Significant increases were observed in protein, fat, fiber and fatty acids of the GM corn samples. The observed increases may be due to the synergistic effect of new traits introduced into corn varieties. Furthermore, SDS-PAGE analysis showed high similarity among the protein fractions of the investigated corn samples. These data indicate that GM corn samples were compositionally equivalent to, and as nutritious as, non-GM corn.

Development of event-specific PCR detection methods for genetically modified tomato Huafan No. 1

BACKGROUND

The genetically modified (GM) tomato Huafan No. 1 is a commercial GM event created in China, and the development of specific methods for its identification and quantification is necessary under labeling regulations for genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The event-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method is the most used method for identification of GMOs in routine analysis.

RESULTS

The 3' junction sequence of transgene integration in GM Huafan No. 1 tomato was revealed by thermal asymmetric interlaced PCR (TAIL-PCR) and sequencing analysis. Based on the revealed 3' integration junction sequence, both conventional and real-time PCR assays were developed and validated for GM Huafan No. 1 tomato identification. In the conventional PCR assay, the limit of detection (LOD) was 20 haploid genome copies. In the real-time PCR assay, the LOD and limit of quantification (LOQ) were estimated to be 5 and 10 tomato haploid genome copies, respectively. Furthermore, the developed PCR methods were well validated by in-house validation.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the developed event-specific PCR methods can be routinely used for identification and quantification of GM Huafan No. 1 tomato.