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Smith BL, Carlson AB, Fallers MN, Crumplar SS, Zimmermann CS, Mathesius CA, Mukerji P, McNaughton JL, Herman RA. Rodent and broiler feeding studies with maize containing genetically modified event DP-915635-4 show no adverse effects on health or performance. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 189:114716. [PMID: 38735358 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114716] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Several regulatory agencies continue to require animal feeding studies to approve new genetically modified crops despite such studies providing little value in the safety assessment. Feeding studies with maize grain containing event DP-915635-4 (DP915635), a new corn rootworm management trait, were conducted to fulfill that requirement. Diets fed to Crl:CD®(SD) rats for 90 days contained up to 50% ground maize grain from DP915635, non-transgenic control, or non-transgenic reference hybrids (P1197, 6158, and 6365). Ross 708 broilers received phase diets containing up to 67% maize grain from each source for 42 days. Growth performance was compared between animals fed DP915635 and control diets; rats were further evaluated for clinical and neurobehavioral measures, ophthalmology, clinical pathology, organ weights, and gross and microscopic pathology, whereas carcass parts and select organ yields were determined for broilers. Reference group inclusion assisted in determining natural variation influence on observed significant differences between DP915635 and control groups. DP915635 maize grain diet consumption did not affect any measure evaluated in either feeding study. Results demonstrated DP-915635-4 maize grain safety and nutritional equivalency when fed in nutritionally adequate diets, adding to the existing literature confirming the lack of significant effects of feeding grain from genetically modified plants.
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Anderson JA, Mickelson J, Fast BJ, Smith N, Pauli RC, Walker C. Genetically modified DP915635 maize is agronomically and compositionally comparable to non-genetically modified maize. GM CROPS & FOOD 2023; 14:1-8. [PMID: 37139798 PMCID: PMC10161957 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2023.2208997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
DP915635 maize was genetically modified (GM) to express the IPD079Ea protein for corn rootworm (Diabrotica spp.) control. DP915635 maize also expresses the phosphinothricin acetyltransferase (PAT) protein for tolerance to glufosinate herbicide and the phosphomannose isomerase (PMI) protein that was used as a selectable marker. A field study was conducted at ten sites in the United States and Canada during the 2019 growing season. Of the 11 agronomic endpoints that were evaluated, two of them (early stand count and days to flowering) were statistically significant compared with the control maize based on unadjusted p-values; however, these differences were not significant after FDR-adjustment of p-values. Composition analytes from DP915635 maize grain and forage (proximates, fiber, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, anti-nutrients, and secondary metabolites) were compared to non-GM near-isoline control maize (control maize) and non-GM commercial maize (reference maize). Statistically significant differences were observed for 7 of the 79 compositional analytes (16:1 palmitoleic acid, 18:0 stearic acid, 18:1 oleic acid, 18:2 linoleic acid, 24:0 lignoceric acid, methionine, and α-tocopherol); however, these differences were not significant after FDR-adjustment. Additionally, all of the values for composition analytes fell within the range of natural variation established from the in-study reference range, literature range, and/or tolerance interval. These results demonstrate that DP915635 is agronomically and compositionally comparable to non-GM maize represented by non-GM near-isoline control maize and non-GM commercial maize.
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Zhang Z, Huang Y, Dong Y, Ren Y, Du K, Wang J, Yang M. Effect of T-DNA Integration on Growth of Transgenic Populus × euramericana cv. Neva Underlying Field Stands. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12952. [PMID: 37629133 PMCID: PMC10454723 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Multigene cotransformation has been widely used in the study of genetic improvement in crops and trees. However, little is known about the unintended effects and causes of multigene cotransformation in poplars. To gain insight into the unintended effects of T-DNA integration during multigene cotransformation in field stands, here, three lines (A1-A3) of Populus × euramericana cv. Neva (PEN) carrying Cry1Ac-Cry3A-BADH genes and three lines (B1-B3) of PEN carrying Cry1Ac-Cry3A-NTHK1 genes were used as research objects, with non-transgenic PEN as the control. Experimental stands were established at three common gardens in three locations and next generation sequencing (NGS) was used to identify the insertion sites of exogenous genes in six transgenic lines. We compared the growth data of the transgenic and control lines for four consecutive years. The results demonstrated that the tree height and diameter at breast height (DBH) of transgenic lines were significantly lower than those of the control, and the adaptability of transgenic lines in different locations varied significantly. The genotype and the experimental environment showed an interaction effect. A total of seven insertion sites were detected in the six transgenic lines, with B3 having a double-site insertion and the other lines having single copies. There are four insertion sites in the gene region and three insertion sites in the intergenic region. Analysis of the bases near the insertion sites showed that AT content was higher than the average chromosome content in four of the seven insertion sites within 1000 bp. Transcriptome analysis suggested that the differential expression of genes related to plant hormone transduction and lignin synthesis might be responsible for the slow development of plant height and DBH in transgenic lines. This study provides an integrated analysis of the unintended effects of transgenic poplar, which will benefit the safety assessment and reasonable application of genetically modified trees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijie Zhang
- Institute of Forest Biotechnology, Forestry College, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Tree Genetic Resources and Forest Protection, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Yali Huang
- Institute of Forest Biotechnology, Forestry College, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Tree Genetic Resources and Forest Protection, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Yan Dong
- Institute of Forest Biotechnology, Forestry College, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Tree Genetic Resources and Forest Protection, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Yachao Ren
- Institute of Forest Biotechnology, Forestry College, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Tree Genetic Resources and Forest Protection, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Kejiu Du
- Institute of Forest Biotechnology, Forestry College, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Tree Genetic Resources and Forest Protection, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Jinmao Wang
- Institute of Forest Biotechnology, Forestry College, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Tree Genetic Resources and Forest Protection, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Minsheng Yang
- Institute of Forest Biotechnology, Forestry College, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Tree Genetic Resources and Forest Protection, Baoding 071000, China
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Kleter GA, van der Voet H, Engel J, van der Berg JP. Comparative safety assessment of genetically modified crops: focus on equivalence with reference varieties could contribute to more efficient and effective field trials. Transgenic Res 2023; 32:235-250. [PMID: 37213044 PMCID: PMC10409827 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-023-00344-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The initial compositional analysis of plants plays an important role within the internationally harmonized comparative safety assessment approach for genetically modified plants. Current EFSA guidance prescribes two types of comparison, namely difference tests with regard to a conventional comparator or control, and equivalence tests with regard to a collection of commercial reference varieties. The experience gained so far shows that most of the statistically significant differences between the test and control can be discounted based on the fact that they are still within equivalence limits of reference varieties with a presumed history of safe use. Inclusion of a test variety and reference varieties into field trial design, and of the statistical equivalence test would already suffice for the purpose of finding relevant parameters that warrant further assessment, hence both the inclusion of a conventional counterpart and the performance of difference testing can be omitted. This would also allow for the inclusion of safety testing regimes into plant variety testing VCU (value for cultivation and use) or other, independent variety trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gijs A Kleter
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Part of Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 230, 6700 AE, Wageningen, Netherlands.
| | - Hilko van der Voet
- Biometris, Wageningen Plant Research, Part of Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jasper Engel
- Biometris, Wageningen Plant Research, Part of Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jan-Pieter van der Berg
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Part of Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 230, 6700 AE, Wageningen, Netherlands
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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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Schlathölter I, Meissle M, Boeriis T, Heimo D, Studer B, Broggini GAL, Romeis J, Patocchi A. No adverse dietary effect of a cisgenic fire blight resistant apple line on the non-target arthropods Drosophila melanogaster and Folsomia candida. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 241:113749. [PMID: 35696966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113749] [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: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Genetic modification of apple cultivars through cisgenesis can introduce traits, such as disease resistance from wild relatives, quickly and without crossing. This approach was used to generate the cisgenic apple line C44.4.146, a 'Gala Galaxy' carrying the fire blight resistance gene FB_MR5. In contrast to traditionally bred apple cultivars, genetically modified (GM) plants need to undergo a regulatory risk assessment considering unintended effects before approval for commercial release. To determine potential unintended effects of C44.4.146, we assessed major leaf components and effects on the fitness of the decomposers Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) and Folsomia candida (collembolan), which were fed a diet amended with powdered apple leaf material. Leaf material of 'Gala Galaxy', several natural 'Gala' mutants, and the unrelated apple cultivar 'Ladina' were used for comparison. The genetic modification did not alter major leaf components and did not adversely affect survival, growth, or fecundity of the two decomposers. Consistent with previous studies with other GM crops, the differences between conventionally bred cultivars were greater than between the GM line and its non-GM wild type. These data provide a baseline for future risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Schlathölter
- Agroscope, Research Division Plant Breeding, Breeding Research Group, Mueller-Thurgau-Strasse 29, 8820 Waedenswil, Switzerland; Molecular Plant Breeding, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, Universitaetstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Meissle
- Agroscope, Research Division Agroecology and Environment, Biosafety Research Group, Reckenholzstrasse 191, 8046 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Timea Boeriis
- Agroscope, Research Division Plant Breeding, Breeding Research Group, Mueller-Thurgau-Strasse 29, 8820 Waedenswil, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Heimo
- Agroscope, Research Division Methods Development and Analytics, Feed Chemistry Group, Route de la Tioleyre 4, 1725 Posieux, Switzerland
| | - Bruno Studer
- Molecular Plant Breeding, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, Universitaetstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni A L Broggini
- Molecular Plant Breeding, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, Universitaetstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Romeis
- Agroscope, Research Division Agroecology and Environment, Biosafety Research Group, Reckenholzstrasse 191, 8046 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Patocchi
- Agroscope, Research Division Plant Breeding, Breeding Research Group, Mueller-Thurgau-Strasse 29, 8820 Waedenswil, Switzerland.
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Hejri S, Salimi A, Ali Malboobi M, Fatehi F, Yousefiara M. Investigation of Possible Changes Induced by RNA Silencing in Some Leaf Metabolites of Transgenic Sugar Beet Events. FOOD CHEMISTRY: MOLECULAR SCIENCES 2022; 4:100073. [PMID: 35415694 PMCID: PMC8991520 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochms.2022.100073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Metabolite contents of transgenic sugar beets, S3 and S6, resistant to rhizomania through RNA silencing mechanism, were compared to wild type plant as a part of a risk assessment study. The alteration of S6 transgenic sugar beet metabolites was low and probably due to micro-environmental or natural individual differences. The alteration of S3 transgenic sugar beet metabolites were significant but still within the natural range and, also, beneficial because of high contents of some amino acids, especially essential ones.
Sugar beet is vulnerable to rhizomania as the most destructive viral disease. Two selected events of transgenic sugar beet carrying cassettes inducing RNA silencing mechanism, 219-T3:S3-13.2 (S3) and 6018-T3:S6-44 (S6), were shown to inhibit propagation of Beet Necrotic Yellow Vein Virus, the causative agent. As a method for signifying the substantial equivalence, we analyzed the levels of some metabolites through LC-MS in order to demonstrate possible unintended changes in the leaves of the transgenic events. There was no significant difference in the concentrations of examined key metabolites but cis-aconitate and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase which were decreased in S3. Also, ATP was reduced in both genetically modified sugar beets. Among free amino acids, only glycine level in S6 was increased compared to the wild plant, while the production levels of 5 and 12 ones were increased in S3 compared to S6 event and the wild type plants, respectively.
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Zhang W, Wang Y, Zhang T, Zhang J, Shen L, Zhang B, Ding C, Su X. Transcriptomic Analysis of Mature Transgenic Poplar Expressing the Transcription Factor JERF36 Gene in Two Different Environments. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:929681. [PMID: 35774064 PMCID: PMC9237257 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.929681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last several decades, a number of transgenic or genetically modified tree varieties with enhanced characteristics and new traits have been produced. These trees have become associated with generally unsubstantiated concerns over health and environmental safety. We conducted transcriptome sequencing of transgenic Populus alba × P. berolinensis expressing the transcription factor JERF36 gene (ABJ01) and the non-transgenic progenitor line (9#) to compare the transcriptional changes in the apical buds. We found that 0.77% and 1.31% of the total expressed genes were significant differentially expressed in ABJ01 at the Daqing and Qiqihar sites, respectively. Among them, 30%–50% of the DEGs contained cis-elements recognized by JERF36. Approximately 5% of the total number of expressed genes showed significant differential expression between Daqing and Qiqihar in both ABJ01 and 9#. 10 DEGs resulting from foreign gene introduction, 394 DEGs that resulted solely from the environmental differences, and 47 DEGs that resulted from the combination of foreign gene introduction and the environment were identified. The number of DEGs resulting from environmental factors was significantly greater than that resulting from foreign gene introduction, and the combined effect of the environmental effects with foreign gene introduction was significantly greater than resulting from the introduction of JERF36 alone. GO and KEGG annotation showed that the DEGs mainly participate in the photosynthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, plant hormone signaling, ribosome, endocytosis, and plant-pathogen interaction pathways, which play important roles in the responses to biotic and abiotic stresses ins plant. To enhance its adaptability to salt-alkali stress, the transgenic poplar line may regulate the expression of genes that participate in the photosynthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, MAPK, and plant hormone signaling pathways. The crosstalk between biotic and abiotic stress responses by plant hormones may improve the ability of both transgenic and non-transgenic poplars to defend against pathogens. The results of our study provide a basis for further studies on the molecular mechanisms behind improved stress resistance and the unexpected effects of transgenic gene expression in poplars, which will be significant for improving the biosafety evaluation of transgenic trees and accelerating the breeding of new varieties of forest trees resistant to environmental stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, China
| | - Yanbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, China
- Nanchang Institute of Technology, Nanchang, China
| | - Tengqian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, China
| | - Le Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, China
| | - Bingyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, China
| | - Changjun Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Changjun Ding, ; Xiaohua Su,
| | - Xiaohua Su
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Changjun Ding, ; Xiaohua Su,
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Huang C, Wang Z, Zhu P, Wang C, Wang C, Xu W, Li Z, Fu W, Zhu S. RNA Interference-Based Genetic Engineering Maize Resistant to Apolygus lucorum Does Not Manifest Unpredictable Unintended Effects Relative to Conventional Breeding: Short Interfering RNA, Transcriptome, and Metabolome Analysis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:745708. [PMID: 35283891 PMCID: PMC8908210 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.745708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The use of omics techniques to analyze the differences between genetic engineering organisms and their parents can identify unintended effects and explore whether such unintended effects will have negative consequences. In order to evaluate whether genetic engineering will cause changes in crops beyond the changes introduced by conventional plant breeding, we compared the extent of transcriptome and metabolome modification in the leaves of three lines developed by RNA interference (RNAi)-based genetic engineering and three lines developed by conventional breeding. The results showed that both types of plant breeding methods can manifest changes at the short interfering RNA (siRNA), transcriptomic, and metabolic levels. Relative expression analysis of potential off-target gene revealed that there was no broad gene decline in the three RNAi-based genetic engineering lines. We found that the number of DEGs and DAMs between RNAi-based genetic engineering lines and the parental line was less than that between conventional breeding lines. These unique DEGs and DAMs between RNAi-based genetic engineering lines and the parental lines were not enriched in detrimental metabolic pathways. The results suggest that RNAi-based genetic engineering do not cause unintended effects beyond those found in conventional breeding in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmeng Huang
- College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, China
| | - Pengyu Zhu
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, China
| | - Chenguang Wang
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, China
| | - Chaonan Wang
- College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjie Xu
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihong Li
- College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Fu
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Fu,
| | - Shuifang Zhu
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, China
- Shuifang Zhu,
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10
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Engel J, van der Voet H. Equivalence tests for safety assessment of genetically modified crops using plant composition data. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 156:112517. [PMID: 34411642 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112517] [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: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The evaluation of compositional characteristics of plants harvested from field trials is an important step in the safety assessment of a genetically modified crop and its derived products for food and feed. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) evaluates safety by testing for equivalence between the GM genotype and other genotypes, typically with a history of safe use. Here, a new equivalence test is proposed, which addresses issues with the EFSA test. The method is motivated by a recently proposed equivalence test for analysis of data from animal feeding trials. In order to be suitable for practical safety assessment, the new method has a statistical power set to a desired value, e.g. 95%, by construction. In addition, we assess distributions rather than average values. This way, equivalence limits can also be established when there is limited genotypic variation. The original EFSA equivalence test breaks down in this case. The method is illustrated by its application to data from a field study on maize grain. Simulation studies indicate that the proposed test has appropriate performance characteristics and is competitive with respect to recently proposed alternatives, including the EFSA/EU equivalence test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Engel
- Biometris, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Hilko van der Voet
- Biometris, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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11
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Herman RA, Storer NP, Anderson JA, Amijee F, Cnudde F, Raybould A. Transparency in risk-disproportionate regulation of modern crop-breeding techniques. GM CROPS & FOOD 2021; 12:376-381. [PMID: 34107854 PMCID: PMC8204963 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2021.1934353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Despite over 25 years of safe deployment of genetically engineered crops, the number, complexity, and scope of regulatory studies required for global approvals continue to increase devoid of adequate scientific justification. Recently, there have been calls to further expand the scope of study and data requirements to improve public acceptance. However, increased regulation can actually generate consumer distrust due to the misperception that risks are high. We believe risk-disproportionate regulation as a means to advocate for acceptance of technology is counterproductive, even though some regulatory authorities believe it part of their mandate. To help avoid public distrust, the concept of regulatory transparency to demystify regulatory decision-making should be extended to clearly justifying specific regulatory requirements as: 1) risk-driven (i.e., proportionately addressing increased risk compared with traditional breeding), or 2) advocacy-driven (i.e., primarily addressing consumer concerns and acceptance). Such transparency in the motivation for requiring risk-disproportionate studies would: 1) lessen over-prescriptive regulation, 2) save public and private resources, 3) make beneficial products and technologies available to society sooner, 4) reduce needless animal sacrifice, 5) improve regulatory decision-making regarding safety, and 6) lessen public distrust that is generated by risk-disproportionate regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rod A Herman
- Regulatory and Stewardship, Corteva Agriscience, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Nicholas P Storer
- Regulatory and Stewardship, Corteva Agriscience, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Firoz Amijee
- Regulatory and Stewardship, Corteva Agriscience, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Filip Cnudde
- Regulatory and Stewardship, Corteva Agriscience, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alan Raybould
- Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security, the University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK.,Science, Technology and Innovation Studies, the University of Edinburgh EH1 1LZ, UK
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Robinson KM, Möller L, Bhalerao RP, Hertzberg M, Nilsson O, Jansson S. Variation in non-target traits in genetically modified hybrid aspens does not exceed natural variation. N Biotechnol 2021; 64:27-36. [PMID: 34048978 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Genetically modified hybrid aspens (Populus tremula L. x P. tremuloides Michx.), selected for increased growth under controlled conditions, have been grown in highly replicated field trials to evaluate how the target trait (growth) translated to natural conditions. Moreover, the variation was compared among genotypes of ecologically important non-target traits: number of shoots, bud set, pathogen infection, amount of insect herbivory, composition of the insect herbivore community and flower bud induction. This variation was compared with the variation in a population of randomly selected natural accessions of P. tremula grown in common garden trials, to estimate how the "unintended variation" present in transgenic trees, which in the future may be commercialized, compares with natural variation. The natural variation in the traits was found to be typically significantly greater. The data suggest that when authorities evaluate the potential risks associated with a field experiment or commercial introduction of transgenic trees, risk evaluation should focus on target traits and that unintentional variation in non-target traits is of less concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Robinson
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Linus Möller
- SweTree Technologies AB, P.O Box 4095, 904 03, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Rishikesh P Bhalerao
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 901 83, Umeå, Sweden.
| | | | - Ove Nilsson
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 901 83, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Stefan Jansson
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden.
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13
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Brini A, Avagyan V, de Vos RCH, Vossen JH, van den Heuvel ER, Engel J. Improved One-Class Modeling of High-Dimensional Metabolomics Data via Eigenvalue-Shrinkage. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11040237. [PMID: 33924479 PMCID: PMC8069634 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11040237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
One-class modelling is a useful approach in metabolomics for the untargeted detection of abnormal metabolite profiles, when information from a set of reference observations is available to model "normal" or baseline metabolite profiles. Such outlying profiles are typically identified by comparing the distance between an observation and the reference class to a critical limit. Often, multivariate distance measures such as the Mahalanobis distance (MD) or principal component-based measures are used. These approaches, however, are either not applicable to untargeted metabolomics data, or their results are unreliable. In this paper, five distance measures for one-class modeling in untargeted metabolites are proposed. They are based on a combination of the MD and five so-called eigenvalue-shrinkage estimators of the covariance matrix of the reference class. A simple cross-validation procedure is proposed to set the critical limit for outlier detection. Simulation studies are used to identify which distance measure provides the best performance for one-class modeling, in terms of type I error and power to identify abnormal metabolite profiles. Empirical evidence demonstrates that this method has better type I error (false positive rate) and improved outlier detection power than the standard (principal component-based) one-class models. The method is illustrated by its application to liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and nuclear magnetic response spectroscopy (NMR) untargeted metabolomics data from two studies on food safety assessment and diagnosis of rare diseases, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Brini
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence:
| | - Vahe Avagyan
- Biometris, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands; (V.A.); (J.E.)
| | - Ric C. H. de Vos
- Bioscience, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Jack H. Vossen
- Plant Breeding, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6700 AJ Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Edwin R. van den Heuvel
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
| | - Jasper Engel
- Biometris, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands; (V.A.); (J.E.)
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14
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Zarka KA, Hokanson K, Douches DS. Molecular characterization for food safety assessment of a genetically modified late blight resistant potato: an unusual case. Transgenic Res 2021; 30:169-183. [PMID: 33751337 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-021-00241-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Standard food safety assessments of genetically modified crops require a thorough molecular characterization of the novel DNA as inserted into the plant that is intended for commercialization, as well as a comparison of agronomic and nutritional characteristics of the genetically modified to the non-modified counterpart. These characterization data are used to identify any unintended changes in the inserted DNA or in the modified plant that would require assessment for safety in addition to the assessment of the intended modification. An unusual case of an unintended effect discovered from the molecular characterization of a genetically modified late blight resistant potato developed for growing in Bangladesh and Indonesia is presented here. Not only was a significant portion of the plasmid vector backbone DNA inserted into the plant along with the intended insertion of an R-gene for late blight resistance, but the inserted DNA was split into two separate fragments and inserted into two separate chromosomes. One fragment carries the R-gene and the other fragment carries the NPTII selectable marker gene and the plasmid backbone DNA. The implications of this for the food safety assessment of this late blight resistant potato are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A Zarka
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Molecular Plant Science Bldg, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| | - Karen Hokanson
- Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - David S Douches
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Molecular Plant Science Bldg, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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15
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Mallikarjuna Swamy BP, Marundan S, Samia M, Ordonio RL, Rebong DB, Miranda R, Alibuyog A, Rebong AT, Tabil MA, Suralta RR, Alfonso AA, Biswas PS, Kader MA, Reinke RF, Boncodin R, MacKenzie DJ. Development and characterization of GR2E Golden rice introgression lines. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2496. [PMID: 33510272 PMCID: PMC7843986 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82001-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Golden Rice with β-carotene in the grain helps to address the problem of vitamin A deficiency. Prior to commercialize Golden Rice, several performance and regulatory checkpoints must be achieved. We report results of marker assisted backcross breeding of the GR2E trait into three popular rice varieties followed by a series of confined field tests of event GR2E introgression lines to assess their agronomic performance and carotenoid expression. Results from confined tests in the Philippines and Bangladesh have shown that GR2E introgression lines matched the performance of the recurrent parents for agronomic and yield performance, and the key components of grain quality. Moreover, no differences were observed in terms of pest and disease reaction. The best performing lines identified in each genetic background had significant amounts of carotenoids in the milled grains. These lines can supply 30–50% of the estimated average requirements of vitamin A.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Severino Marundan
- International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), DAPO Box 7777, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Mercy Samia
- International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), DAPO Box 7777, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Reynante L Ordonio
- Philippines Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Maligaya, Science City of Munoz, Philippines
| | - Democrito B Rebong
- Philippines Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Maligaya, Science City of Munoz, Philippines
| | - Ronalyn Miranda
- Philippines Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Maligaya, Science City of Munoz, Philippines
| | - Anielyn Alibuyog
- Philippines Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Maligaya, Science City of Munoz, Philippines
| | - Anna Theresa Rebong
- Philippines Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Maligaya, Science City of Munoz, Philippines
| | - Ma Angela Tabil
- Philippines Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Maligaya, Science City of Munoz, Philippines
| | - Roel R Suralta
- Philippines Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Maligaya, Science City of Munoz, Philippines
| | - Antonio A Alfonso
- Philippines Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Maligaya, Science City of Munoz, Philippines
| | - Partha Sarathi Biswas
- Plant Breeding Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Gazipur, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abdul Kader
- Plant Breeding Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Gazipur, Bangladesh
| | - Russell F Reinke
- International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), DAPO Box 7777, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Raul Boncodin
- International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), DAPO Box 7777, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Donald J MacKenzie
- Institute for International Crop Improvement, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Saint Louis, MO, USA
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16
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Anderson JA, Herman RA, Carlson A, Mathesius C, Maxwell C, Mirsky H, Roper J, Smith B, Walker C, Wu J. Hypothesis-based food, feed, and environmental safety assessment of GM crops: A case study using maize event DP-202216-6. GM CROPS & FOOD 2021; 12:282-291. [PMID: 33472515 PMCID: PMC7833765 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2020.1869492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Event DP-2Ø2216-6 (referred to as DP202216 maize) was genetically modified to increase and extend the expression of the introduced zmm28 gene relative to endogenous zmm28 gene expression, resulting in plants with enhanced grain yield potential. The zmm28 gene expresses the ZMM28 protein, a MADS-box transcription factor. The safety assessment of DP202216 maize included an assessment of the potential hazard of the ZMM28 protein, as well as an assessment of potential unintended effects of the genetic insertion on agronomics, composition, and nutrition. The history of safe use (HOSU) of the ZMM28 protein was evaluated and a bioinformatics approach was used to compare the deduced amino acid sequence of the ZMM28 protein to databases of known allergens and toxins. Based on HOSU and the bioinformatics assessment, the ZMM28 protein was determined to be unlikely to be either allergenic or toxic to humans. The composition of DP202216 maize forage and grain was comparable to non-modified forage and grain, with no unintended effects on nutrition or food and feed safety. Additionally, feeding studies with broiler chickens and rats demonstrated a low likelihood of unintentional alterations in nutrition and low potential for adverse effects. Furthermore, the agronomics observed for DP202216 maize and non-modified maize were comparable, indicating that the likelihood of increased weediness or invasiveness of DP202216 maize in the environment is low. This comprehensive review serves as a reference for regulatory agencies and decision-makers in countries where authorization of DP202216 maize will be pursued, and for others interested in food, feed, and environmental safety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jingrui Wu
- Corteva Agriscience™, Johnston, Iowa, USA
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17
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Wagaba H, Kuria P, Wangari P, Aleu J, Obiero H, Beyene G, Alicai T, Bua A, Esuma W, Nuwamanya E, Gichuki S, Miano D, Raymond P, Kiggundu A, Taylor N, Zawedde BM, Taracha C, MacKenzie DJ. Comparative compositional analysis of cassava brown streak disease resistant 4046 cassava and its non-transgenic parental cultivar. GM CROPS & FOOD 2021; 12:158-169. [PMID: 33147421 PMCID: PMC7657582 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2020.1836924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Compositional analysis is an important component of an integrated comparative approach to assessing the food and feed safety of new crops developed using biotechnology. As part of the safety assessment of cassava brown streak disease resistant 4046 cassava, a comprehensive assessment of proximates, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, anti-nutrients, and secondary metabolites was performed on leaf and storage root samples of 4046 cassava and its non-transgenic parental control, TME 204, collected from confined field trials in Kenya and Uganda over two successive cropping cycles. Among the 100 compositional components that were assessed in samples of 4046 and control TME 204 cassava roots (47 components) and leaves (53 components), there were no nutritionally relevant differences noted. Although there were statistically significant differences between the transgenic and control samples for some parameters, in most cases the magnitudes of these differences were small (<20%), and in every case where comparative literature data were available, the mean values for 4046 and control cassava samples were within the range of normal variation reported for the compositional component in question. Overall, no consistent patterns emerged to suggest that biologically meaningful adverse changes in the composition or nutritive value of the leaves or storage roots occurred as an unintended or unexpected consequence of the genetic modification resulting in 4046 cassava. The data presented here provide convincing evidence of the safety of 4046 cassava with respect to its biochemical composition for food and feed, and it could be considered as safe as its non-transgenic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Wagaba
- National Crops Resources Research Institute , Kampala, Uganda
| | - P Kuria
- Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization , Nairobi, Kenya
| | - P Wangari
- Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization , Nairobi, Kenya
| | - J Aleu
- National Crops Resources Research Institute , Kampala, Uganda
| | - H Obiero
- Institute for International Crop Improvement , Kakamega, Kenya
| | - G Beyene
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center , St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - T Alicai
- National Crops Resources Research Institute , Kampala, Uganda
| | - A Bua
- National Crops Resources Research Institute , Kampala, Uganda
| | - W Esuma
- National Crops Resources Research Institute , Kampala, Uganda
| | - E Nuwamanya
- National Crops Resources Research Institute , Kampala, Uganda
| | - S Gichuki
- Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization , Nairobi, Kenya
| | - D Miano
- Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, University of Nairobi , Nairobi, Kenya
| | - P Raymond
- AG SCI Consulting, LLC ., Cottageville, SC, USA
| | - A Kiggundu
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center , St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - N Taylor
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center , St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - B M Zawedde
- National Crops Resources Research Institute , Kampala, Uganda
| | - C Taracha
- Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization , Nairobi, Kenya
| | - D J MacKenzie
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center , St. Louis, MO, USA
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18
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Jarrell ZR, Ahammad MU, Benson AP. Glyphosate-based herbicide formulations and reproductive toxicity in animals. Vet Anim Sci 2020; 10:100126. [PMID: 32734026 PMCID: PMC7386766 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2020.100126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The adoption of genetically engineered (GE) crops in agriculture has increased dramatically over the last few decades. Among the transgenic plants, those tolerant to the herbicide glyphosate are among the most common. Weed resistance to glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) has been on the rise, leading to increased herbicide applications. This, in turn, has led to increased glyphosate residues in feed. Although glyphosate has been considered to be generally safe to animal health, recent studies have shown that GBHs have potential to cause adverse effects in animal reproduction, including disruption of key regulatory enzymes in androgen synthesis, alteration of serum levels of estrogen and testosterone, damage to reproductive tissues and impairment of gametogenesis. This review emphasizes known effects of GBHs on reproductive health as well as the potential risk GBH residues pose to animal agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muslah Uddin Ahammad
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - Andrew Parks Benson
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States
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19
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Bedair M, Glenn KC. Evaluation of the use of untargeted metabolomics in the safety assessment of genetically modified crops. Metabolomics 2020; 16:111. [PMID: 33037482 PMCID: PMC7547035 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-020-01733-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The safety assessment of foods and feeds from genetically modified (GM) crops includes the comparison of key characteristics, such as crop composition, agronomic phenotype and observations from animal feeding studies compared to conventional counterpart varieties that have a history of safe consumption, often including a near isogenic variety. The comparative compositional analysis of GM crops has been based on targeted, validated, quantitative analytical methods for the key food and feed nutrients and antinutrients for each crop, as identified by Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OCED). As technologies for untargeted metabolomic methods have evolved, proposals have emerged for their use to complement or replace targeted compositional analytical methods in regulatory risk assessments of GM crops to increase the number of analyzed metabolites. AIM OF REVIEW The technical opportunities, challenges and strategies of including untargeted metabolomics analysis in the comparative safety assessment of GM crops are reviewed. The results from metabolomics studies of GM and conventional crops published over the last eight years provide context to enable the discussion of whether metabolomics can materially improve the risk assessment of food and feed from GM crops beyond that possible by the Codex-defined practices used worldwide for more than 25 years. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW Published studies to date show that environmental and genetic factors affect plant metabolomics profiles. In contrast, the plant biotechnology process used to make GM crops has little, if any consequence, unless the inserted GM trait is intended to alter food or feed composition. The nutritional value and safety of food and feed from GM crops is well informed by the quantitative, validated compositional methods for list of key analytes defined by crop-specific OECD consensus documents. Untargeted metabolic profiling has yet to provide data that better informs the safety assessment of GM crops than the already rigorous Codex-defined quantitative comparative assessment. Furthermore, technical challenges limit the implementation of untargeted metabolomics for regulatory purposes: no single extraction method or analytical technique captures the complete plant metabolome; a large percentage of metabolites features are unknown, requiring additional research to understand if differences for such unknowns affect food/feed safety; and standardized methods are needed to provide reproducible data over time and laboratories.
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20
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Carlson AB, Mukerji P, Mathesius CA, Huang E, Herman RA, Hoban D, Thurman JD, Roper JM. DP-2Ø2216-6 maize does not adversely affect rats in a 90-day feeding study. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2020; 117:104779. [PMID: 32888975 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2020.104779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Maize plants containing event DP-2Ø2216-6 (DP202216), which confers herbicide tolerance through expression of phosphinothricin acetyltransferase and enhanced grain yield potential via temporal modulation of the native ZMM28 protein, were developed for commercialization. To address current regulatory expectations, a mandatory 90-day rodent feeding study was conducted to support the safety assessment. Diets containing 50% by weight of ground maize grain from DP202216, non-transgenic control, and 3 non-transgenic reference varieties, were fully characterized, along with the grain, and diets were fed to Crl:CD®(SD) rats for at least 90 days. As anticipated, no biologically-relevant effects or toxicologically-significant differences were observed on survival, body weight/gain, food consumption/efficiency, clinical and neurobehavioral evaluations, ophthalmology, clinical pathology (hematology, coagulation, clinical chemistry, urinalysis), organ weights, or gross and microscopic pathology parameters in rats fed a diet containing up to 50% DP202216 maize grain when compared with rats fed diets containing control or reference maize grains. The results of this study support the conclusion that maize grain from plants containing event DP-2Ø2216-6 is as safe and nutritious as maize grain not containing the event and add to the significant existing database of rodent subchronic studies demonstrating the absence of hazards from consumption of edible fractions of genetically modified plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne B Carlson
- Corteva Agriscience, 8325 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, IA, 50131, USA
| | - Pushkor Mukerji
- Corteva Agriscience, Haskell R&D Center, P.O. Box 20, Newark, DE, 19714, USA
| | | | - Emily Huang
- Corteva Agriscience, 8325 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, IA, 50131, USA
| | - Rod A Herman
- Corteva Agriscience, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46268, USA
| | - Denise Hoban
- Corteva Agriscience, Haskell R&D Center, P.O. Box 20, Newark, DE, 19714, USA
| | - J Dale Thurman
- Corteva Agriscience, Haskell R&D Center, P.O. Box 20, Newark, DE, 19714, USA
| | - Jason M Roper
- Corteva Agriscience, Haskell R&D Center, P.O. Box 20, Newark, DE, 19714, USA.
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21
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Liu Q, Yang X, Tzin V, Peng Y, Romeis J, Li Y. Plant breeding involving genetic engineering does not result in unacceptable unintended effects in rice relative to conventional cross-breeding. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 103:2236-2249. [PMID: 32593184 PMCID: PMC7540705 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Advancements in -omics techniques provide powerful tools to assess the potential effects in composition of a plant at the RNA, protein and metabolite levels. These technologies can thus be deployed to assess whether genetic engineering (GE) causes changes in plants that go beyond the changes introduced by conventional plant breeding. Here, we compare the extent of transcriptome and metabolome modification occurring in leaves of four GE rice lines expressing Bacillus thuringiensis genes developed by GE and seven rice lines developed by conventional cross-breeding. The results showed that both types of crop breeding methods can bring changes at transcriptomic and metabolic levels, but the differences were comparable between the two methods, and were less than those between conventional non-GE lines were. Metabolome profiling analysis found several new metabolites in GE rice lines when compared with the closest non-GE parental lines, but these compounds were also found in several of the conventionally bred rice lines. Functional analyses suggest that the differentially expressed genes and metabolites caused by both GE and conventional cross-breeding do not involve detrimental metabolic pathways. The study successfully employed RNA-sequencing and high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry technology to assess the unintended changes in new rice varieties, and the results suggest that GE does not cause unintended effects that go beyond conventional cross-breeding in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingsong Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect PestsInstitute of Plant ProtectionChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing100193People’s Republic of China
- College of Life SciencesXinyang Normal UniversityXinyang464000People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaowei Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect PestsInstitute of Plant ProtectionChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing100193People’s Republic of China
| | - Vered Tzin
- French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of DrylandsJacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert ResearchBen‐Gurion University of the NegevSede Boqer CampusMidreseht Ben Gurion8499000Israel
| | - Yufa Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect PestsInstitute of Plant ProtectionChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing100193People’s Republic of China
| | - Jörg Romeis
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect PestsInstitute of Plant ProtectionChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing100193People’s Republic of China
- Agroscope, Research Division Agroecology and EnvironmentZurich8046Switzerland
| | - Yunhe Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect PestsInstitute of Plant ProtectionChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing100193People’s Republic of China
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22
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Fedorova M, Herman RA. Obligatory metabolomic profiling of gene-edited crops is risk disproportionate. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 103:1985-1988. [PMID: 32593232 PMCID: PMC7540486 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
It has been argued that the application of metabolomics to gene-edited crops would present value in three areas: (i) the detection of gene-edited crops; (ii) the characterization of unexpected changes that might affect safety; and (iii) building on the track record of rigorous government regulation in supporting consumer acceptance of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Here, we offer a different perspective, relative to each of these areas: (i) metabolomics is unable to differentiate whether a mutation has resulted from gene editing or from traditional breeding techniques; (ii) it is risk-disproportionate to apply metabolomics for regulatory purposes to search for possible compositional differences within crops developed using the least likely technique to generate unexpected compositional changes; and (iii) onerous regulations for genetically engineered crops have only contributed to unwarranted public fears, and repeating this approach for gene-edited crops is unlikely to result in a different outcome. It is also suggested that article proposing the utility of specific analytical techniques to support risk assessment would benefit from the input of scientists with subject matter expertise in risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fedorova
- Corteva Agriscience7100 NW 62 AvePO Box 1000JohnstonIA50131USA
| | - Rod A. Herman
- Corteva Agriscience9330 Zionsville RoadIndianapolisIN46268USA
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23
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McNaughton J, Roberts M, Smith B, Carlson A, Mathesius C, Roper J, Zimmermann C, Walker C, Huang E, Herman R. Evaluation of broiler performance and carcass yields when fed diets containing maize grain from transgenic product DP-2Ø2216-6. J APPL POULTRY RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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24
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Anderson JA, Mickelson J, Challender M, Moellring E, Sult T, TeRonde S, Walker C, Wang Y, Maxwell CA. Agronomic and compositional assessment of genetically modified DP23211 maize for corn rootworm control. GM CROPS & FOOD 2020; 11:206-214. [PMID: 32552236 PMCID: PMC7518745 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2020.1770556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
DP23211 maize was genetically modified (GM) to express DvSSJ1 double-stranded RNA and the IPD072Aa protein for control of corn rootworm (Diabrotica spp.). DP23211 maize also expresses the phosphinothricin acetyltransferase (PAT) protein for tolerance to glufosinate herbicide, and the phosphomannose isomerase (PMI) protein that was used as a selectable marker. A multi-location field trial was conducted during the 2018 growing season at 12 sites selected to be representative of the major maize-growing regions of the U.S. and Canada. Standard agronomic endpoints as well as compositional analytes from grain and forage (e.g., proximates, fibers, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, anti-nutrients, secondary metabolites) were evaluated and compared to non-GM near-isoline control maize (control maize) and non-GM commercial maize (reference maize). A small number of agronomic endpoints were statistically significant compared to the control maize, but were not considered to be biologically relevant when adjusted using the false discovery rate method (FDR) or when compared to the range of natural variation established from in-study reference maize. A small number of composition analytes were statistically significant compared to the control maize. These analytes were not statistically significant when adjusted using FDR, and all analyte values fell within the range of natural variation established from in-study reference range, literature range or tolerance interval, indicating that the composition of DP23211 maize grain and forage is substantially equivalent to conventional maize represented by non-GM near-isoline control maize and non-GM commercial maize.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yiwei Wang
- Corteva Agriscience™ , Johnston, Iowa, USA
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Herman RA, Storer NP, Walker C. Clarification on "EFSA Genetically Engineered Crop Composition Equivalence Approach: Performance and Consistency". JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:5787-5789. [PMID: 32353233 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c01550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A recent perspective defends the approach of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for evaluating the compositional normality of genetically engineered (GE) crops using a concurrently grown subset of non-GE varieties within the risk assessment. While the approach of the EFSA manages the risk of falsely claiming equivalence, this is achieved at the expense of low power to detect true equivalence. This generates inconsistent findings and safety conclusions across studies for the same GE event based on the selected non-GE comparators. Because variation in GE crop composition has not been associated with safety, we suggest policy improvements that would better align with consumer protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rod A Herman
- Corteva Agriscience, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268, United States
- Corteva Agriscience, 8325 Northwest 62nd Avenue, Johnston, Iowa 50131, United States
| | - Nicholas P Storer
- Corteva Agriscience, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268, United States
| | - Carl Walker
- Corteva Agriscience, 8325 Northwest 62nd Avenue, Johnston, Iowa 50131, United States
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Muccilli V, Vitale A, Sheng L, Gentile A, Cardullo N, Tringali C, Oliveri C, La Rosa R, Di Guardo M, La Malfa S, Deng Z, Distefano G. Substantial Equivalence of a Transgenic Lemon Fruit Showing Postharvest Fungal Pathogens Resistance. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:3806-3816. [PMID: 32096635 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b07925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The development of genetically modified (GM) crops speeds up the obtainment of novel varieties with improved agronomic characteristics. However, the risk evaluation of the use of GMs is mandatory before their release in the market. In this paper, an untargeted and comprehensive nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomic study was carried out on the peel and flesh of a transgenic lemon clone (E23) expressing the chit42 gene and exhibiting an increased tolerance to some pathogenic fungi and on its wild type. Results highlighted a substantial equivalence of the metabolomics profile of the transgenic clone compared to the wild type. In addition, an enhanced response of the E23 clone toward fungal pathogens affecting the postharvest management in lemon was evidenced. These results confirm the potential of genetic engineering for the punctual modification of specific agronomic traits without altering the whole pattern of metabolites and open new perspectives for a more sustainable and effective management of specific postharvest diseases in citrus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Muccilli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vitale
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Ling Sheng
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Hunan Agricultural University, 410128 Changsha, China
| | - Alessandra Gentile
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Hunan Agricultural University, 410128 Changsha, China
| | - Nunzio Cardullo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Corrado Tringali
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Cinzia Oliveri
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Rosa La Rosa
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Mario Di Guardo
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Stefano La Malfa
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Ziniu Deng
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Hunan Agricultural University, 410128 Changsha, China
| | - Gaetano Distefano
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Fast BJ, Shan G, Gampala SS, Herman RA. Transgene expression in sprayed and non-sprayed herbicide-tolerant genetically engineered crops is equivalent. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2020; 111:104572. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2019.104572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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28
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Darsan Singh JK, Mat Jalaluddin NS, Sanan-Mishra N, Harikrishna JA. Genetic modification in Malaysia and India: current regulatory framework and the special case of non-transformative RNAi in agriculture. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2019; 38:1449-1463. [PMID: 31350570 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-019-02446-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Recent developments in modern biotechnology such as the use of RNA interference (RNAi) have broadened the scope of crop genetic modification. RNAi strategies have led to significant achievements in crop protection against biotic and abiotic stresses, modification of plant traits, and yield improvement. As RNAi-derived varieties of crops become more useful in the field, it is important to examine the capacity of current regulatory systems to deal with such varieties, and to determine if changes are needed to improve the existing frameworks. We review the biosafety frameworks from the perspective of developing countries that are increasingly involved in modern biotechnology research, including RNAi applications, and make some recommendations. Malaysia and India have approved laws regulating living modified organisms and products thereof, highlighting that the use of any genetically modified step requires regulatory scrutiny. In view of production methods for exogenously applied double-stranded RNAs and potential risks from the resulting double-stranded RNA-based products, we argue that a process-based system may be inappropriate for the non-transformative RNAi technology. We here propose that the current legislation needs rewording to take account of the non-transgenic RNAi technology, and discuss the best alternative for regulatory systems in India and Malaysia in comparison with the existing frameworks in other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasdeep Kaur Darsan Singh
- Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), Level 3, Research Management and Innovation Complex, University of Malaya, Jalan Universiti, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Jalan Universiti, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nurzatil Sharleeza Mat Jalaluddin
- Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), Level 3, Research Management and Innovation Complex, University of Malaya, Jalan Universiti, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Neeti Sanan-Mishra
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Jennifer Ann Harikrishna
- Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), Level 3, Research Management and Innovation Complex, University of Malaya, Jalan Universiti, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Jalan Universiti, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Shahid AA, Salisu IB, Yaqoob A, Rao AQ, Ullah I, Husnain T. Assessing the fate of recombinant plant DNA in rabbit's tissues fed genetically modified cotton. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2019; 104:343-351. [PMID: 31701592 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13243] [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: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Various feeding studies have been conducted with the different species of animals to evaluate the possible transfer of transgenic DNA (tDNA) from genetically modified (GM) feed into the animal tissues. However, the conclusions drawn from most of such studies are sometimes controversial. Thus, in the present study, an attempt has been made to evaluate the fate of tDNA in rabbits raised on GM cotton-based diet through PCR analysis of the DNA extracted specifically from blood, liver, kidney, heart and intestine (jejunum). A total of 48 rabbits were fed a mixed diet consisting variable proportions of transgenic cottonseeds meal (i.e. 0% w/w, 20% w/w, 30% w/w and 40% w/w) for 180 days. The presence of transgenic DNA fragments (Cry1Ac, Cry2A and CP4 EPSPS) or plant endogenous gene (Sad1) was traced in those specific tissues and organs. The presence of β-actin (ACTB) was also monitored as an internal control. Neither the transgenic fragments (459 bp of Cry1Ac gene, 167 bp of Cry2A gene and111 bp of CP4 EPSPS gene) nor cotton endogenous reference gene (155 bp of Sad1) could be detected in any of the DNA samples extracted from the rabbit's tissues in both control and transgenic groups. However, 155 bp fragment of the rabbit's reference gene (ACTB) was recovered in all the DNA samples extracted from rabbit tissues. The results obtained from this study revealed that both plant endogenous and transgenic DNA fragments have same fate in rabbit's tissues and were efficiently degraded in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Ali Shahid
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ibrahim Bala Salisu
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.,Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University Dutse, Dutse, Nigeria
| | - Amina Yaqoob
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Qayyum Rao
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Inayat Ullah
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Tayyab Husnain
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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Vicini JL, Reeves WR, Swarthout JT, Karberg KA. Glyphosate in livestock: feed residues and animal health1. J Anim Sci 2019; 97:4509-4518. [PMID: 31495885 PMCID: PMC6827263 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glyphosate is a nonselective systemic herbicide used in agriculture since 1974. It inhibits 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate (EPSP) synthase, an enzyme in the shikimate pathway present in cells of plants and some microorganisms but not human or other animal cells. Glyphosate-tolerant crops have been commercialized for more than 20 yr using a transgene from a resistant bacterial EPSP synthase that renders the crops insensitive to glyphosate. Much of the forage or grain from these crops are consumed by farm animals. Glyphosate protects crop yields, lowers the cost of feed production, and reduces CO2 emissions attributable to agriculture by reducing tillage and fuel usage. Despite these benefits and even though global regulatory agencies continue to reaffirm its safety, the public hears conflicting information about glyphosate's safety. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency determines for every agricultural chemical a maximum daily allowable human exposure (called the reference dose, RfD). The RfD is based on amounts that are 1/100th (for sensitive populations) to 1/1,000th (for children) the no observed adverse effects level (NOAEL) identified through a comprehensive battery of animal toxicology studies. Recent surveys for residues have indicated that amounts of glyphosate in food/feed are at or below established tolerances and actual intakes for humans or livestock are much lower than these conservative exposure limits. While the EPSP synthase of some bacteria is sensitive to glyphosate, in vivo or in vitro dynamic culture systems with mixed bacteria and media that resembles rumen digesta have not demonstrated an impact on microbial function from adding glyphosate. Moreover, one chemical characteristic of glyphosate cited as a reason for concern is that it is a tridentate chelating ligand for divalent and trivalent metals; however, other more potent chelators are ubiquitous in livestock diets, such as certain amino acids. Regulatory testing identifies potential hazards, but risks of these hazards need to be evaluated in the context of realistic exposures and conditions. Conclusions about safety should be based on empirical results within the limitations of model systems or experimental design. This review summarizes how pesticide residues, particularly glyphosate, in food and feed are quantified, and how their safety is determined by regulatory agencies to establish safe use levels.
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31
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Petrick JS, Bell E, Koch MS. Weight of the evidence: independent research projects confirm industry conclusions on the safety of insect-protected maize MON 810. GM CROPS & FOOD 2019; 11:30-46. [PMID: 31651217 PMCID: PMC7064210 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2019.1680242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The cumulative weight of the evidence demonstrates the safety and equivalence of genetically engineered (GE) crops compared to the conventional varieties from which they have been derived. Confirmatory toxicology and animal nutrition studies have nevertheless become an expected/mandated component of GE crop safety assessments, despite the lack of additional value these studies provide for product safety assessment. Characterization and safety data (e.g. trait protein safety; molecular, compositional, and agronomic/phenotypic assessments), and animal feeding studies form a weight of the evidence supporting the safety of insect-protected maize MON 810. Independent animal testing has recently confirmed the lack of MON 810 toxicity in subchronic and chronic toxicity studies. These results could have been predicted from the available safety data. Animal testing of GE crops should be supported by testable scientific hypotheses and testing should be consistent with ethical obligations to reduce, refine, and replace (3Rs) animal testing when possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay S. Petrick
- Product Safety Center, Bayer Crop Science, Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
| | - Erin Bell
- Product Safety Center, Monsanto Company, Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
| | - Michael S. Koch
- Product Safety Center, Bayer Crop Science, Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
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32
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Swamy BPM, Samia M, Boncodin R, Marundan S, Rebong DB, Ordonio RL, Miranda RT, Rebong ATO, Alibuyog AY, Adeva CC, Reinke R, MacKenzie DJ. Compositional Analysis of Genetically Engineered GR2E "Golden Rice" in Comparison to That of Conventional Rice. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2019; 67:7986-7994. [PMID: 31282158 PMCID: PMC6646955 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b01524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Compositional analyses were performed on samples of rice grain, straw, and derived bran obtained from golden rice event GR2E and near-isogenic control PSBRc82 rice grown at four locations in the Philippines during 2015 and 2016. Grain samples were analyzed for key nutritional components, including proximates, fiber, polysaccharides, fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and antinutrients. Samples of straw and bran were analyzed for proximates and minerals. The only biologically meaningful difference between GR2E and control rice was in levels of β-carotene and other provitamin A carotenoids in the grain. Except for β-carotene and related carotenoids, the compositional parameters of GR2E rice were within the range of natural variability of those components in conventional rice varieties with a history of safe consumption. Mean provitamin A concentrations in milled rice of GR2E can contribute up to 89-113% and 57-99% of the estimated average requirement for vitamin A for preschool children in Bangladesh and the Philippines, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mercy Samia
- International
Rice Research Institute, Los Banos, Laguna 4031, Philippines
| | - Raul Boncodin
- International
Rice Research Institute, Los Banos, Laguna 4031, Philippines
| | - Severino Marundan
- International
Rice Research Institute, Los Banos, Laguna 4031, Philippines
| | - Democrito B. Rebong
- The
Philippines Rice Research Institute, Science City of Munoz, 3119 Nueva Ecija, Philippines
| | - Reynante L. Ordonio
- The
Philippines Rice Research Institute, Science City of Munoz, 3119 Nueva Ecija, Philippines
| | - Ronalyn T. Miranda
- The
Philippines Rice Research Institute, Science City of Munoz, 3119 Nueva Ecija, Philippines
| | - Anna T. O. Rebong
- The
Philippines Rice Research Institute, Science City of Munoz, 3119 Nueva Ecija, Philippines
| | - Anielyn Y. Alibuyog
- The
Philippines Rice Research Institute, Science City of Munoz, 3119 Nueva Ecija, Philippines
| | - Cheryl C. Adeva
- The
Philippines Rice Research Institute, Science City of Munoz, 3119 Nueva Ecija, Philippines
| | | | - Donald J. MacKenzie
- Donald
Danforth Plant Science Center, Saint Louis, Missouri 63132, United States
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33
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Bhatti F, Asad S, Khan QM, Mobeen A, Iqbal MJ, Asif M. Risk assessment of genetically modified sugarcane expressing AVP1 gene. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 130:267-275. [PMID: 31132391 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Biosafety is a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses social, societal, ethical issues and policies for the regulations of genetically modified (GM) organisms. The potential health risks associated with GM sugarcane containing AVP1 gene confers resistance against drought and salinity were evaluated by animal feeding studies and some genotoxicity assays. Acute and sub-chronic toxicity examinations were carried out via oral dose administration of GM sugarcane juice supplemented with the normal diet (modified from certified rodent standard diet) on Wistar rats. AVP1 protein concentration in sugarcane juice was 1mg/1 mL. Biochemical, haematological blood analyses were performed and the results revealed that there were non-significant differences among all the treatment groups; GM sugarcane juice, non-GM sugarcane juice and the control group (normal diet and water). Genotoxicity assessment based on the comet assay and the micronucleus assay data exhibited that AVP1 GM sugarcane was not genotoxic or cytotoxic in rat's peripheral blood. These research findings supported the conclusion that GM AVP1 sugarcane was non-toxic in experimental animals. Therefore, data generated through this research work would be helpful for the commercial release of GM AVP1 sugarcane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farheen Bhatti
- National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), P. O Box 577, Jhang Road, Faisalabad, Pakistan; Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Shaheen Asad
- National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), P. O Box 577, Jhang Road, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
| | - Qaiser Mahmood Khan
- National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), P. O Box 577, Jhang Road, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ameena Mobeen
- National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), P. O Box 577, Jhang Road, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Javed Iqbal
- National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), P. O Box 577, Jhang Road, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Asif
- National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), P. O Box 577, Jhang Road, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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Anderson JA, Hong B, Moellring E, TeRonde S, Walker C, Wang Y, Maxwell C. Composition of forage and grain from genetically modified DP202216 maize is equivalent to non-modified conventional maize ( Zea mays L.). GM CROPS & FOOD 2019; 10:77-89. [PMID: 31094289 PMCID: PMC6615539 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2019.1609849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
DP202216 maize was genetically modified to increase and extend the expression of the zmm28 gene relative to native zmm28 gene expression, resulting in plants with enhanced grain yield potential. Standard nutritional and compositional parameters for maize grain and forage (e.g., proximates, fiber, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, anti-nutrients, secondary metabolites) from DP202216 maize were compared to grain and forage from non-modified near-isoline maize (control). Three amino acids (glycine, methionine, and serine) and two vitamins (vitamin B1 and vitamin B3) were statistically different between DP202216 and control maize grain but were not statistically different when adjusted using the false discovery rate method. These analyte values also fell within the ranges of natural variation of non-modified commercial maize varieties supporting that statistical differences were not biologically relevant. The composition of grain and forage from DP202216 maize is comparable to grain and forage from non-modified maize with a history of safe use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Anderson
- a Corteva Agriscience™ , Agriculture Division of DowDuPont , Johnston , IA USA
| | - Bonnie Hong
- a Corteva Agriscience™ , Agriculture Division of DowDuPont , Johnston , IA USA
| | - Emily Moellring
- a Corteva Agriscience™ , Agriculture Division of DowDuPont , Johnston , IA USA
| | - Sarah TeRonde
- a Corteva Agriscience™ , Agriculture Division of DowDuPont , Johnston , IA USA
| | - Carl Walker
- a Corteva Agriscience™ , Agriculture Division of DowDuPont , Johnston , IA USA
| | - Yiwei Wang
- a Corteva Agriscience™ , Agriculture Division of DowDuPont , Johnston , IA USA
| | - Carl Maxwell
- a Corteva Agriscience™ , Agriculture Division of DowDuPont , Johnston , IA USA
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35
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Delaney B, Hazebroek J, Herman R, Juberg D, Storer NP. Untargeted Metabolomics Are Not Useful in the Risk Assessment of GM Crops. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 24:383-384. [PMID: 30926379 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Delaney
- Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, 7100 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, IA 50131, USA
| | - Jan Hazebroek
- Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, 7100 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, IA 50131, USA
| | - Rod Herman
- Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, Indianapolis, IN 46268, USA
| | - Daland Juberg
- Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, Indianapolis, IN 46268, USA
| | - Nicholas P Storer
- Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, 7100 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, IA 50131, USA.
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Schiemann J, Dietz-Pfeilstetter A, Hartung F, Kohl C, Romeis J, Sprink T. Risk Assessment and Regulation of Plants Modified by Modern Biotechniques: Current Status and Future Challenges. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 70:699-726. [PMID: 30822113 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-050718-100025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
This review describes the current status and future challenges of risk assessment and regulation of plants modified by modern biotechniques, namely genetic engineering and genome editing. It provides a general overview of the biosafety and regulation of genetically modified plants and details different regulatory frameworks with a focus on the European situation. The environmental risk and safety assessment of genetically modified plants is explained, and aspects of toxicological assessments are discussed, especially the controversial debate in Europe on the added scientific value of untargeted animal feeding studies. Because RNA interference (RNAi) is increasingly explored for commercial applications, the risk and safety assessment of RNAi-based genetically modified plants is also elucidated. The production, detection, and identification of genome-edited plants are described. Recent applications of modern biotechniques, namely synthetic biology and gene drives, are discussed, and a short outlook on the future follows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Schiemann
- Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology, Julius Kühn-Institut, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, 06484 Quedlinburg, Germany;
| | - Antje Dietz-Pfeilstetter
- Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology, Julius Kühn-Institut, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, 06484 Quedlinburg, Germany;
| | - Frank Hartung
- Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology, Julius Kühn-Institut, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, 06484 Quedlinburg, Germany;
| | - Christian Kohl
- Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology, Julius Kühn-Institut, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, 06484 Quedlinburg, Germany;
| | - Jörg Romeis
- Research Division Agroecology and Environment, Agroscope, 8046 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thorben Sprink
- Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology, Julius Kühn-Institut, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, 06484 Quedlinburg, Germany;
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37
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Herman RA, Huang E, Fast BJ, Walker C. EFSA Genetically Engineered Crop Composition Equivalence Approach: Performance and Consistency. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2019; 67:4080-4088. [PMID: 30896940 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b00156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) oversees the safety assessment of genetically engineered (GE) crops in the European Union and has developed a study design and statistical approach for assessing the compositional equivalency between a GE crop and the corresponding non-GE crop on the basis of the results from a small number of concurrently grown reference lines. Confidence limits around the differences in mean analyte composition between the GE variety and the reference lines are compared with equivalence limits on the basis of the variability of the reference lines. Here, we evaluated the performance and consistency of the equivalence conclusions using a non-GE variety that is, by definition, equivalent to the non-GE crop. Using this approach across the same analytes with the same non-GE variety, it was found that equivalence could not be concluded for 19.7, 22.9, 25.4, and 53.5% of the analytes in four separate studies. In addition, equivalency conclusions for the same analyte often differed from study to study. These results call into question the consistency and value of this approach in the risk assessment of GE crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rod A Herman
- Corteva Agriscience, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, USA , 9330 Zionsville Road , Indianapolis , Indiana 46268 , United States
- Corteva Agriscience, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, USA , 8325 Northwest 62nd Avenue , Johnston , Iowa 50131 , United States
| | - Emily Huang
- Corteva Agriscience, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, USA , 8325 Northwest 62nd Avenue , Johnston , Iowa 50131 , United States
| | - Brandon J Fast
- Corteva Agriscience, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, USA , 8325 Northwest 62nd Avenue , Johnston , Iowa 50131 , United States
| | - Carl Walker
- Corteva Agriscience, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, USA , 8325 Northwest 62nd Avenue , Johnston , Iowa 50131 , United States
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Herman RA, Zhuang M, Storer NP, Cnudde F, Delaney B. Risk-Only Assessment of Genetically Engineered Crops Is Risky. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 24:58-68. [PMID: 30385102 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The risks of not considering benefits in risk assessment are often overlooked. Risks are also often evaluated without consideration of the broader context. We discuss these two concepts in relation to genetically engineered (GE) crops. The health, environmental, and economic risks and benefits of GE crops are exemplified and presented in the context of modern agriculture. Misattribution of unique risks to GE crops are discussed. It is concluded that the scale of modern agriculture is its distinguishing characteristic and that the greater knowledge around GE crops allows for a more thorough characterization of risk. By considering the benefits and risks in the context of modern agriculture, society will be better served and benefits will be less likely to be forgone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rod A Herman
- Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont TM, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268, USA.
| | - Meibao Zhuang
- Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont TM, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268, USA
| | - Nicholas P Storer
- Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont TM, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268, USA
| | - Filip Cnudde
- Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont TM, Avenue des Arts 44 1040, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bryan Delaney
- Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont TM, 7100 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, IA, 50131, USA
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Christ B, Pluskal T, Aubry S, Weng JK. Contribution of Untargeted Metabolomics for Future Assessment of Biotech Crops. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 23:1047-1056. [PMID: 30361071 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2018.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The nutritional value and safety of food crops are ultimately determined by their chemical composition. Recent developments in the field of metabolomics have made it possible to characterize the metabolic profile of crops in a comprehensive and high-throughput manner. Here, we propose that state-of-the-art untargeted metabolomics technology should be leveraged for safety assessment of new crop products. We suggest generally applicable experimental design principles that facilitate the efficient and rigorous identification of both intended and unintended metabolic alterations associated with a newly engineered trait. Our proposition could contribute to increased transparency of the safety assessment process for new biotech crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Christ
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Tomáš Pluskal
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Sylvain Aubry
- Federal Office for Agriculture, 3003 Bern, Switzerland; Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Jing-Ke Weng
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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Ladics GS. Assessment of the potential allergenicity of genetically-engineered food crops. J Immunotoxicol 2018; 16:43-53. [PMID: 30409058 DOI: 10.1080/1547691x.2018.1533904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An extensive safety assessment process exists for genetically-engineered (GE) crops. The assessment includes an evaluation of the introduced protein as well as the crop containing the protein with the goal of demonstrating the GE crop is "as-safe-as" non-GE crops in the food supply. One of the evaluations for GE crops is to assess the expressed protein for allergenic potential. Currently, no single factor is recognized as a predictor for protein allergenicity. Therefore, a weight-of-the-evidence approach, which accounts for a variety of factors and approaches for an overall assessment of allergenic potential, is conducted. This assessment includes an evaluation of the history of exposure and safety of the gene(s) source; protein structure (e.g. amino acid sequence identity to human allergens); stability of the protein to pepsin digestion in vitro; heat stability of the protein; glycosylation status; and when appropriate, specific IgE binding studies with sera from relevant clinically allergic subjects. Since GE crops were first commercialized over 20 years ago, there is no proof that the introduced novel protein(s) in any commercialized GE food crop has caused food allergy.
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Herman RA, Fast BJ, Mathesius C, Delaney B. Isoline use in crop composition studies with genetically modified crops under EFSA guidance - Short communication. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2018; 95:204-206. [PMID: 29596977 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2018.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) oversees the safety evaluation of genetically modified (GM) crops in the European Union. EFSA requires inclusion of commercial non-GM reference lines and a non-GM isoline in crop composition studies with GM crops. Reference lines are used to construct equivalence limits for each compositional analyte. Results for the GM line are compared with these equivalence limits to assess compositional equivalence between the GM crop and the non-GM crop. If compositional equivalence cannot be concluded from this comparison, then results for the non-GM isoline can be used to determine if this finding is likely the result of the background non-GM genetics of the GM crop. If this latter comparison is not sufficient to assess the compositional safety of the GM crop, then a biological-relevance assessment for the analytes in question can be completed taking into account the greater body of knowledge of composition for the crop and diets. Thus, the isoline is a useful comparator but not required to assess the compositional safety of the GM crop, and therefore, unavoidable genotype differences between the isoline and GM line should not be grounds for rejection of compositional studies where the biological relevance of potential non-equivalence is addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rod A Herman
- Dow AgroSciences LLC, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268, United States.
| | - Brandon J Fast
- Dow AgroSciences LLC, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268, United States
| | - Carey Mathesius
- DuPont Pioneer, 8325 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, IA 50131, United States
| | - Bryan Delaney
- DuPont Pioneer, 7100 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, IA 50131, United States
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Raybould A, Macdonald P. Policy-Led Comparative Environmental Risk Assessment of Genetically Modified Crops: Testing for Increased Risk Rather Than Profiling Phenotypes Leads to Predictable and Transparent Decision-Making. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2018; 6:43. [PMID: 29755975 PMCID: PMC5932390 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe two contrasting methods of comparative environmental risk assessment for genetically modified (GM) crops. Both are science-based, in the sense that they use science to help make decisions, but they differ in the relationship between science and policy. Policy-led comparative risk assessment begins by defining what would be regarded as unacceptable changes when the use a particular GM crop replaces an accepted use of another crop. Hypotheses that these changes will not occur are tested using existing or new data, and corroboration or falsification of the hypotheses is used to inform decision-making. Science-led comparative risk assessment, on the other hand, tends to test null hypotheses of no difference between a GM crop and a comparator. The variables that are compared may have little or no relevance to any previously stated policy objective and hence decision-making tends to be ad hoc in response to possibly spurious statistical significance. We argue that policy-led comparative risk assessment is the far more effective method. With this in mind, we caution that phenotypic profiling of GM crops, particularly with omics methods, is potentially detrimental to risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Phil Macdonald
- Plant Health Science Services, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Papineni S, Passage JK, Ekmay RD, Thomas J. Evaluation of 30% DAS-444Ø6-6 soybean meal in a subchronic rat toxicity study. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2018; 94:57-69. [PMID: 29317244 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Event DAS-444Ø6-6 soybean is genetically modified (GM) to provide tolerance to 2,4-diclorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), glyphosate, and glufosinate herbicides through expression of the AAD-12, 2mEPSPS, and PAT proteins, respectively. DAS-444Ø6-6 soybeans were evaluated for safety in subchronic rat feeding studies. The results from two previous subchronic rat feeding studies evaluating diets formulated with 20% inclusion of DAS-444Ø6-6 soybean meal (the latter also containing DAS-444Ø6-6 derived hulls and oil) did not show any treatment-related adverse effects. In 2017, to comply with recent guidance from EFSA, a third 90-day rat feeding study was conducted with Sprague-Dawley rats (16/sex/group) with diets formulated either with 15% or 30% w/w of toasted DAS-444Ø6-6 soybean meal. DAS-444Ø6-6 soybean hulls and oil were also added to the transgenic test diets at 1% or 2% w/w and 1.35% or 2.7%, respectively, for the low- and high-dose groups. No toxicologically significant effects were observed under the conditions of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie K Passage
- Toxicology and Environmental Research and Consulting, The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI, 48674, USA
| | | | - Johnson Thomas
- Toxicology and Environmental Research and Consulting, The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI, 48674, USA
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Herman RA, Ekmay RD, Schafer BW, Song P, Fast BJ, Papineni S, Shan G, Juberg DR. Food and feed safety of DAS-444Ø6-6 herbicide-tolerant soybean. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2018; 94:70-74. [PMID: 29366656 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2018.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
DAS-444Ø6-6 soybean was genetically engineered (GE) to withstand applications of three different herbicides. Tolerance to glufosinate and glyphosate is achieved through expression of the phosphinothricin acetyltransferase (PAT) and double-mutated maize 5-enolpyruvyl shikimate-3-phosphate synthase (2mEPSPS) enzymes, respectively. These proteins are expressed in currently commercialized crops and represent no novel risk. Tolerance to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is achieved through expression of the aryloxyalkanoate dioxygenase 12 (AAD-12) enzyme, which is novel in crops. The safety of the AAD-12 protein and DAS-444Ø6-6 event was assessed for food and feed safety based on the weight of evidence and found to be as safe as non-GE soybean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rod A Herman
- Dow AgroSciences LLC, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46268, USA.
| | - Ricardo D Ekmay
- Dow AgroSciences LLC, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46268, USA
| | - Barry W Schafer
- Dow AgroSciences LLC, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46268, USA
| | - Ping Song
- Dow AgroSciences LLC, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46268, USA
| | - Brandon J Fast
- Dow AgroSciences LLC, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46268, USA
| | - Sabitha Papineni
- Dow AgroSciences LLC, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46268, USA
| | - Guomin Shan
- Dow AgroSciences LLC, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46268, USA
| | - Daland R Juberg
- Dow AgroSciences LLC, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46268, USA
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Impact of genetically engineered maize on agronomic, environmental and toxicological traits: a meta-analysis of 21 years of field data. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3113. [PMID: 29449686 PMCID: PMC5814441 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21284-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the extensive cultivation of genetically engineered (GE) maize and considerable number of scientific reports on its agro-environmental impact, the risks and benefits of GE maize are still being debated and concerns about safety remain. This meta-analysis aimed at increasing knowledge on agronomic, environmental and toxicological traits of GE maize by analyzing the peer-reviewed literature (from 1996 to 2016) on yield, grain quality, non-target organisms (NTOs), target organisms (TOs) and soil biomass decomposition. Results provided strong evidence that GE maize performed better than its near isogenic line: grain yield was 5.6 to 24.5% higher with lower concentrations of mycotoxins (−28.8%), fumonisin (−30.6%) and thricotecens (−36.5%). The NTOs analyzed were not affected by GE maize, except for Braconidae, represented by a parasitoid of European corn borer, the target of Lepidoptera active Bt maize. Biogeochemical cycle parameters such as lignin content in stalks and leaves did not vary, whereas biomass decomposition was higher in GE maize. The results support the cultivation of GE maize, mainly due to enhanced grain quality and reduction of human exposure to mycotoxins. Furthermore, the reduction of the parasitoid of the target and the lack of consistent effects on other NTOs are confirmed.
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Nouri-Ellouz O, Samet M, Fetoui H, Makni S, Chaabouni K, Makni-Ayadi F, Kallel C, Sellami-Boudawara T, Gargouri-Bouzid R. Nutritional quality assessment of two potato intraspecific somatic hybrid lines. QUALITY ASSURANCE AND SAFETY OF CROPS & FOODS 2017. [DOI: 10.3920/qas2016.1034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- O. Nouri-Ellouz
- Institut Préparatoire aux Etudes d’Ingénieurs de Sfax, Département de Biologie et Géologie, BP 1172, 3018 Sfax, Tunisia
- Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Laboratoire des Biotechnologies Végétales Appliquées à l’Amélioration des Cultures, BP 1171, 3000 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - M. Samet
- Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Laboratoire des Biotechnologies Végétales Appliquées à l’Amélioration des Cultures, BP 1171, 3000 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - H. Fetoui
- Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Laboratoire de Toxicologie-Microbiologie Environnementale et Santé, BP 1171, 3000 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - S. Makni
- Université de Sfax, Département de Pathologie, CHU Habib Bourguiba, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - K. Chaabouni
- Université de Sfax, Laboratoire de Biochimie, CHU Habib Bourguiba, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - F. Makni-Ayadi
- Université de Sfax, Laboratoire de Biochimie, CHU Habib Bourguiba, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - C. Kallel
- Université de Sfax, Laboratoire d’Hématologie, CHU Habib Bourguiba, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - T. Sellami-Boudawara
- Université de Sfax, Département de Pathologie, CHU Habib Bourguiba, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - R. Gargouri-Bouzid
- Ecole Nationale d’Ingénieurs de Sfax, Département de Génie Biologique, BP 1173, 3038 Sfax, Tunisia
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Herman RA, Fast BJ, Scherer PN, Brune AM, de Cerqueira DT, Schafer BW, Ekmay RD, Harrigan GG, Bradfisch GA. Stacking transgenic event DAS-Ø15Ø7-1 alters maize composition less than traditional breeding. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2017; 15:1264-1272. [PMID: 28218975 PMCID: PMC5595772 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The impact of crossing ('stacking') genetically modified (GM) events on maize-grain biochemical composition was compared with the impact of generating nonGM hybrids. The compositional similarity of seven GM stacks containing event DAS-Ø15Ø7-1, and their matched nonGM near-isogenic hybrids (iso-hybrids) was compared with the compositional similarity of concurrently grown nonGM hybrids and these same iso-hybrids. Scatter plots were used to visualize comparisons among hybrids and a coefficient of identity (per cent of variation explained by line of identity) was calculated to quantify the relationships within analyte profiles. The composition of GM breeding stacks was more similar to the composition of iso-hybrids than was the composition of nonGM hybrids. NonGM breeding more strongly influenced crop composition than did transgenesis or stacking of GM events. These findings call into question the value of uniquely requiring composition studies for GM crops, especially for breeding stacks composed of GM events previously found to be compositionally normal.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - George G. Harrigan
- Dow AgroSciences LLCIndianapolisINUSA
- Present address:
The Coca‐Cola Company1 Coca Cola PlazaAtlantaGA30313USA
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Taylor M, Bickel A, Mannion R, Bell E, Harrigan GG. Dicamba-Tolerant Soybeans (Glycine max L.) MON 87708 and MON 87708 × MON 89788 Are Compositionally Equivalent to Conventional Soybean. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2017; 65:8037-8045. [PMID: 28825823 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b03844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Herbicide-tolerant crops can expand both tools for and timing of weed control strategies. MON 87708 soybean has been developed through genetic modification and confers tolerance to the dicamba herbicide. As part of the safety assessment conducted for new genetically modified (GM) crop varieties, a compositional assessment of MON 87708 was performed. Levels of key soybean nutrients and anti-nutrients in harvested MON 87708 were compared to levels of those components in a closely related non-GM variety as well as to levels measured in other conventional soybean varieties. From this analysis, MON 87708 was shown to be compositionally equivalent to its comparator. A similar analysis conducted for a stacked trait product produced by conventional breeding, MON 87708 × MON 89788, which confers tolerance to both dicamba and glyphosate herbicides, reached the same conclusion. These results are consistent with other results that demonstrate no compositional impact of genetic modification, except in those cases where an impact was an intended outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Taylor
- Monsanto Company , 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63167, United States
| | - Anna Bickel
- Monsanto Company , 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63167, United States
| | - Rhonda Mannion
- Monsanto Company , 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63167, United States
| | - Erin Bell
- Monsanto Company , 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63167, United States
| | - George G Harrigan
- Monsanto Company , 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63167, United States
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Tang W, Hazebroek J, Zhong C, Harp T, Vlahakis C, Baumhover B, Asiago V. Effect of Genetics, Environment, and Phenotype on the Metabolome of Maize Hybrids Using GC/MS and LC/MS. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2017; 65:5215-5225. [PMID: 28574696 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b00456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the variability of metabolites in various maize hybrids due to the effect of environment, genotype, phenotype as well as the interaction of the first two factors. We analyzed 480 forage and the same number of grain samples from 21 genetically diverse non-GM Pioneer brand maize hybrids, including some with drought tolerance and viral resistance phenotypes, grown at eight North American locations. As complementary platforms, both GC/MS and LC/MS were utilized to detect a wide diversity of metabolites. GC/MS revealed 166 and 137 metabolites in forage and grain samples, respectively, while LC/MS captured 1341 and 635 metabolites in forage and grain samples, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were utilized to investigate the response of the maize metabolome to the environment, genotype, phenotype, and their interaction. Based on combined percentages from GC/MS and LC/MS datasets, the environment affected 36% to 84% of forage metabolites, while less than 7% were affected by genotype. The environment affected 12% to 90% of grain metabolites, whereas less than 27% were affected by genotype. Less than 10% and 11% of the metabolites were affected by phenotype in forage and grain, respectively. Unsupervised PCA and HCA analyses revealed similar trends, i.e., environmental effect was much stronger than genotype or phenotype effects. On the basis of comparisons of disease tolerant and disease susceptible hybrids, neither forage nor grain samples originating from different locations showed obvious phenotype effects. Our findings demonstrate that the combination of GC/MS and LC/MS based metabolite profiling followed by broad statistical analysis is an effective approach to identify the relative impact of environmental, genetic and phenotypic effects on the forage and grain composition of maize hybrids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijuan Tang
- Corporate Center for Analytical Sciences, DuPont Experimental Station , 200 Powder Mill Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19803, United States
| | - Jan Hazebroek
- Analytical & Genomics Technologies, DuPont Pioneer , 8325 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, Iowa 50131-7062, United States
| | - Cathy Zhong
- Global Regulatory Science, DuPont Experimental Station , 200 Powder Mill Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19803-0400, United States
| | - Teresa Harp
- Analytical & Genomics Technologies, DuPont Pioneer , 8325 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, Iowa 50131-7062, United States
| | - Chris Vlahakis
- Analytical & Genomics Technologies, DuPont Pioneer , 8325 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, Iowa 50131-7062, United States
| | - Brian Baumhover
- Global Regulatory Science, DuPont Pioneer , 8325 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, Iowa 50131-7060, United States
| | - Vincent Asiago
- Analytical & Genomics Technologies, DuPont Pioneer , 8325 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, Iowa 50131-7062, United States
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