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Musiyiwa K, Simbanegavi TT, Marumure J, Makuvara Z, Chaukura N, Gwenzi W. The soil-microbe-plant resistome: A focus on the source-pathway-receptor continuum. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:12666-12682. [PMID: 38253827 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31788-8] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The One World, One Health concept implies that antibiotic resistance (AR) in the soil-microbe-plant resistome is intricately linked to the human resistome. However, the literature is mainly confined to sources and types of AR in soils or microbes, but comprehensive reviews tracking AR in the soil-microbe-plant resistome are limited. The present review applies the source-pathway-receptor concept to understand the sources, behaviour, and health hazards of the soil-microbe-plant resistome. The results showed that the soil-microbe-plant system harbours various antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs), antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), and mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Anthropogenic sources and drivers include soil application of solid waste, wastewater, biosolids, and industrial waste. Water-, wind-, and human-driven processes and horizontal gene transfer circulate AR in the soil-microbe-plant resistome. The AR in bulk soil, soil components that include soil microorganisms, soil meso- and macro-organisms, and possible mechanisms of AR transfer to soil components and ultimately to plants are discussed. The health risks of the soil-microbe-plant resistome are less studied, but potential impacts include (1) the transfer of AR to previously susceptible organisms and other resistomes, including the human resistome. Overall, the study tracks the behaviour and health risks of AR in the soil-plant system. Future research should focus on (1) ecological risks of AR at different levels of biological organization, (2) partitioning of AR among various phases of the soil-plant system, (3) physico-chemical parameters controlling the fate of AR, and (4) increasing research from low-income regions particularly Africa as most of the available literature is from developed countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumbirai Musiyiwa
- Department of Crop Science and Post-Harvest Technology, School of Agricultural Science and Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Private Bag 7724, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe
| | - Tinoziva T Simbanegavi
- Department of Soil Science and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Environment, and Food Systems, University of Zimbabwe, Mt. Pleasant, P.O. Box MP167, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Jerikias Marumure
- Department of Physics, Geography and Environmental Science, School of Natural Sciences, Great Zimbabwe University, P.O. Box 1235, Masvingo, Zimbabwe
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Zakio Makuvara
- Department of Physics, Geography and Environmental Science, School of Natural Sciences, Great Zimbabwe University, P.O. Box 1235, Masvingo, Zimbabwe
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Nhamo Chaukura
- Department of Physical and Earth Sciences, Sol Plaatje University, Kimberley, 8301, South Africa
| | - Willis Gwenzi
- Grassland Science and Renewable Plant Resources, Universitat Kassel, Steinstraβe 19, 37213, Witzenhausen, Germany.
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Residual Effects of Transgenic Cotton on the Intestinal Microbiota of Dysdercus concinnus. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020261. [PMID: 36838225 PMCID: PMC9967337 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction among plants, insects, and microbes (PIM) is a determinant factor for the assembly and functioning of natural and anthropic ecosystems. In agroecosystems, the relationships among PIM are based on the interacting taxa, environmental conditions, and agricultural management, including genetically modified (GM) organisms. Although evidence for the unintended effects of GM plants on non-target insects is increasingly robust, our knowledge remains limited regarding their impact on gut microbes and their repercussions on the host's ecology, especially in the wild. In this study, we compared the gut microbial community of Dysdercus concinnus bugs collected on wild cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), with and without insecticidal transgenes (cry1ab/ac), in its center of origin and diversity. By sequencing the V4-V5 region of 16S rRNA, we show differences in the diversity, structure, and topology of D. concinnus gut microbial interactions between specimens foraging cotton plants with and without transgenes. Identifying unintended residual effects of genetic engineering in natural ecosystems will provide first-line knowledge for informed decision-making to manage genetic, ecological, and evolutionary resources. Thus, determining which organisms interact with GM plants and how is the first step toward conserving natural ecosystems with evidence of transgenic introgression.
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James C, Dixon R, Talbot L, James SJ, Williams N, Onarinde BA. Assessing the Impact of Heat Treatment of Food on Antimicrobial Resistance Genes and Their Potential Uptake by Other Bacteria-A Critical Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:1440. [PMID: 34943652 PMCID: PMC8698031 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10121440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is a global health concern. This study identifies and critically reviews the published evidence on whether cooking (heating) food to eliminate bacterial contamination induces sufficient damage to the functionality of ARGs. Overall, the review found that there is evidence in the literature that Antimicrobial Resistant (AMR) bacteria are no more heat resistant than non-AMR bacteria. Consequently, recommended heat treatments sufficient to kill non-AMR bacteria in food (70 °C for at least 2 min, or equivalent) should be equally effective in killing AMR bacteria. The literature shows there are several mechanisms through which functional genes from AMR bacteria could theoretically persist in heat-treated food and be transferred to other bacteria. The literature search found sparce published evidence on whether ARGs may actually persist in food after effective heat treatments, and whether functional genes can be transferred to other bacteria. However, three publications have demonstrated that functional ARGs in plasmids may be capable of persisting in foods after effective heat treatments. Given the global impact of AMR, there is clearly a need for further practical research on this topic to provide sufficient evidence to fully assess whether there is a risk to human health from the persistence of functional ARGs in heat-treated and cooked foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian James
- Food Refrigeration & Process Engineering Research Centre (FRPERC), Grimsby Institute, Nuns Corner, Grimsby DN34 5BQ, UK; (L.T.); (S.J.J.)
- National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM), University of Lincoln, Park Road, Holbeach PE12 7PT, UK;
| | - Ronald Dixon
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK;
| | - Luke Talbot
- Food Refrigeration & Process Engineering Research Centre (FRPERC), Grimsby Institute, Nuns Corner, Grimsby DN34 5BQ, UK; (L.T.); (S.J.J.)
| | - Stephen J. James
- Food Refrigeration & Process Engineering Research Centre (FRPERC), Grimsby Institute, Nuns Corner, Grimsby DN34 5BQ, UK; (L.T.); (S.J.J.)
- National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM), University of Lincoln, Park Road, Holbeach PE12 7PT, UK;
| | - Nicola Williams
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Leahurst Campus, University of Liverpool, Neston CH64 7TE, UK;
| | - Bukola A. Onarinde
- National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM), University of Lincoln, Park Road, Holbeach PE12 7PT, UK;
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Chowdhury NN, Cox AR, Wiesner MR. Nanoparticles as vectors for antibiotic resistance: The association of silica nanoparticles with environmentally relevant extracellular antibiotic resistance genes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 761:143261. [PMID: 33223180 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
A relevant but yet unconsidered subset of particles that may alter the fate of extracellular antibiotic resistance genes (eARGs) are nano-scale particles (NPs), which are ubiquitous in natural environments and have unique properties. In this study, sorption isotherms were developed describing the association of linear DNA fragments isolated from widespread eARGs (blaI and nptII) with either micon-sized kaolinite or silica nanoparticles (SNPs), to determine if sorption capacity was enhanced at the nanoscale. For each isotherm, eARG fragments were added at five starting concentrations (5-40 μg/mL) to mixed batch systems with 0.25 g of particles and nuclease-free water. Sorption was quantified by the removal of DNA from solution, as detected by a Qubit fluorimeter. Isotherms were developed for eARGs of various fragment lengths (508, 680 and 861 bp), guanine-cytosine (GC) contents (34%, 47% and 54%) and both double and single stranded eARGs, to assess the impact of DNA properties on particle association. Sorption isotherms were also developed in systems with added humic acid and/or CaCl2, to assess the impact of these environmental parameters on sorption. FTIR analysis was performed to analyze the conformation of sorbed eARGs. Desorption of eARGs was studied by quantifying the removal of eDNA from washed and vortexed post-sorption particles. Statistically significant irreversible sorption of eARGs to environmentally relevant NPs (humic acid functionalized silica nanoparticles) was demonstrated for the first time. Nano-emergent properties did not increase sorption capacity of eARGs, but led to a unique compressed conformation of sorbed eARGs. The addition of humic acid, increased CaCl2 concentration and small DNA fragment size favored sorption. NPs showed a slight preference for the sorption of single-stranded DNA over double-stranded DNA. These findings suggest that NP association with eARGs may be a significant and unique environmental phenomenon that could influence the spread of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadratun N Chowdhury
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke Hudson Hall, Box 90287, Durham, NC 27708-0287, USA.
| | - Akylah R Cox
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke Hudson Hall, Box 90287, Durham, NC 27708-0287, USA
| | - Mark R Wiesner
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke Hudson Hall, Box 90287, Durham, NC 27708-0287, USA
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Ghanbarpour R, Aflatoonian MR, Askari A, Abiri Z, Naderi Z, Bagheri M, Jajarmi M, Shobeiri S, Molaei R, Askari N. Domestic and game pigeons as reservoirs for Escherichia coli harbouring antimicrobial resistance genes. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2020; 22:571-577. [PMID: 32097757 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2020.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In Iran, pigeons are kept and bred on the roofs of houses, which indicates the potential significance of pigeons in the dispersal of antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli strains. Here we characterized antimicrobial resistance genotypes in relation to phenotypic presentations and phylogenetic backgrounds of the E. coli isolates from household pigeons in Kerman in southeast Iran. METHODS Totally, 152 faecal E. coli isolates from domestic and household pigeons were screened for 13 antimicrobial resistance genes, blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M, sulI, sulII, dhfrI, dhfrV, aadA, aac(3)-I, tetA, tetB, floR and qnrA, by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Clermont phylogenetic background of E. coli strains was studied and antibiotic resistance of all strains was assessed for seven antibiotics. RESULTS The antimicrobial resistance genes blaTEM, tetA, tetB and aadA were detected in 52.6%, 6.5%, 6.5% and 5.9% of the isolates, respectively. PCR phylotyping revealed that a significant number of isolates within A0 (54%), A1 (70%), B1 (57.6%), B22 (75%) and D1 (87.5%) phylogroups were positive for the studied resistance genes. One phenotypic resistance pattern (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) was associated with the presence of the corresponding gene sul2. CONCLUSIONS An alarming rate of phenotypic resistance was observed in this study. Many isolates were positive for the screened resistance genes. According to the phylogenetic background, most resistant isolates belonged to the commensal phylotypes, representing significant role of commensal strains as a source of resistance genes. These findings highlight the role of the pigeon as disseminator of resistant E. coli strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Ghanbarpour
- Molecular Microbiology Research Group, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran; Research Center for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Reza Aflatoonian
- Research Center for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Asma Askari
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zeinab Abiri
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahedeh Naderi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahboube Bagheri
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Bardsir Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maziar Jajarmi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sajad Shobeiri
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Reza Molaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Nasrin Askari
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
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Gardner CM, Volkoff SJ, Gunsch CK. Examining the behavior of crop‐derived antibiotic resistance genes in anaerobic sludge batch reactors under thermophilic conditions. Biotechnol Bioeng 2019; 116:3063-3071. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.27134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney M. Gardner
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Duke University Durham North Carolina
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Washington State University 405 Spokane Street, P.O. Box 642910 Pullman WA 99164
| | - Savannah J. Volkoff
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Duke University Durham North Carolina
| | - Claudia K. Gunsch
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Duke University Durham North Carolina
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Shukla M, Al-Busaidi KT, Trivedi M, Tiwari RK. Status of research, regulations and challenges for genetically modified crops in India. GM CROPS & FOOD 2018; 9:173-188. [PMID: 30346874 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2018.1529518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
A large number of genetically modified (GM) crops, including both food and non-food crops carrying novel traits have been developed and released for commercial agriculture production. Soybean, maize, canola and cotton for the traits insect resistance and herbicide tolerance are the main crops under commercial cultivation worldwide. In addition, many other GM crops are under development and not yet released commercially. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in its report, the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2017, highlights the severity of food security and malnourishment problem in most of the Asian and developing countries. GM crops could be an option for nutrients enhancement and yield increase in major crops and solve the problem of malnourishment and food security. India has progressed tremendously in GM crops research, evaluation and monitoring in last two decades but regulatory system impeded gravely due to lack of coordination and common stand on GM technology across different governments, ministries and departments. The increasing cultivation of genetically modified crops has raised a wide range of concerns with respect to food safety, environmental effects and socio-economic issues. Here, we discussed the current status of GM crops research, regulatory framework, and challenges involved with transgenic plants research in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Shukla
- a Amity Institute of Biotechnology , Amity University Uttar Pradesh , Lucknow , India.,b Plant Production Research Centre, Directorate General of Agriculture and Livestock Research , Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries , Seeb , Sultanate of Oman
| | - Khair Tuwair Al-Busaidi
- b Plant Production Research Centre, Directorate General of Agriculture and Livestock Research , Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries , Seeb , Sultanate of Oman
| | - Mala Trivedi
- a Amity Institute of Biotechnology , Amity University Uttar Pradesh , Lucknow , India
| | - Rajesh K Tiwari
- a Amity Institute of Biotechnology , Amity University Uttar Pradesh , Lucknow , India
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de Santis B, Stockhofe N, Wal JM, Weesendorp E, Lallès JP, van Dijk J, Kok E, De Giacomo M, Einspanier R, Onori R, Brera C, Bikker P, van der Meulen J, Kleter G. Case studies on genetically modified organisms (GMOs): Potential risk scenarios and associated health indicators. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 117:36-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Gardner CM, Gwin CA, Gunsch CK. A survey of crop-derived transgenes in activated and digester sludges in wastewater treatment plants in the United States. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2018; 77:1810-1818. [PMID: 29676738 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2018.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The use of transgenic crops has become increasingly common in the United States over the last several decades. Increasing evidence suggests that DNA may be protected from enzymatic digestion and acid hydrolysis in the digestive tract, suggesting that crop-derived transgenes may enter into wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) intact. Given the historical use of antibiotic resistance genes as selection markers in transgenic crop development, it is important to consider the fate of these transgenes. Herein we detected and quantified crop-derived transgenes in WWTPs. All viable US WWTP samples were found to contain multiple gene targets (p35, nos, bla and nptII) at significantly higher levels than control samples. Control wastewater samples obtained from France, where transgenic crops are not cultivated, contained significantly fewer copies of the nptII gene than US activated and digester sludges. No significant differences were measured for the bla antibiotic resistance gene (ARG). In addition, a nested PCR (polymerase chain reaction) assay was developed that targeted the bla ARG located in regions flanked by the p35 promoter and nos terminator. Overall this work suggests that transgenic crops may have provided an environmental source of nptII; however, follow-up studies are needed to ascertain the viability of these genes as they exit WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney M Gardner
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA E-mail: ; Present address: Duke University, Box 90287 Hudson Hall, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Carley A Gwin
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA E-mail: ; Present address: Civil and Environmental Engineering, Bucknell University 1 Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA
| | - Claudia K Gunsch
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA E-mail: ; Present address: Duke University, Box 90287 Hudson Hall, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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Hilgert J, Sura-De Jong M, Fišer J, Tupá K, Vrbová M, Griga M, Macek T, Žiarovská J. The use of phosphomannose isomerase selection system for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of tobacco and flax aimed for phytoremediation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART. B, PESTICIDES, FOOD CONTAMINANTS, AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES 2017; 52:338-345. [PMID: 28277078 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2017.1283136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A plant selection system based on the phosphomannose isomerase gene (pmi) as a selectable marker is often used to avoid selection using antibiotic resistance. Nevertheless, pmi gene is endogenous in several plant species and therefore difficult to use in such cases. Here we evaluated and compared Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Linum usitatissimum breeding line AGT-952 (without endogenous pmi gene) and Nicotiana tabacum var. WSC-38 (with endogenous pmi gene). Transformation was evaluated for vectors bearing transgenes that have the potential to be involved in improved phytoremediation of contaminated environment. Tobacco regenerants selection resulted in 6.8% transformation efficiency when using a medium supplemented with 30 g/L mannose with stepwise decrease of the sucrose concentration. Similar transformation efficiency (5.3%) was achieved in transformation of flax. Relatively low selection efficiency was achieved (12.5% and 34.8%, respectively). The final detection of efficient pmi selection was conducted using PCR and the non-endogenous genes; pmi transgene for flax and todC2 transgene for tobacco plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitka Hilgert
- a Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology , University of Chemistry and Technology , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Martina Sura-De Jong
- a Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology , University of Chemistry and Technology , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Fišer
- a Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology , University of Chemistry and Technology , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Tupá
- a Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology , University of Chemistry and Technology , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Miroslava Vrbová
- b Plant Biotechnology Department , AGRITEC Plant Research Ltd. , Šumperk , Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Griga
- b Plant Biotechnology Department , AGRITEC Plant Research Ltd. , Šumperk , Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Macek
- a Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology , University of Chemistry and Technology , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Jana Žiarovská
- c Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding , University of Agriculture in Nitra , Slovak Republic
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Gardner CM, Gunsch CK. Adsorption capacity of multiple DNA sources to clay minerals and environmental soil matrices less than previously estimated. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 175:45-51. [PMID: 28211334 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The cultivation and consumption of transgenic crops continues to be a widely debated topic, as the potential ecological impacts are not fully understood. In particular, because antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have historically been used as selectable markers in the genetic engineering of transgenic crops, it is important to determine if the genetic constructs found in decomposing transgenic crops persist long enough in the environment and if they can be transferred horizontally to indigenous microorganisms. In the present study, we address the question of persistence. Others have also estimated the DNA adsorption capacity of various clays, but have done so by manipulating the surface charge and size of particles tested which may overestimate sorption and underestimate the DNA available for horizontal transfer. In the present study, isotherms were generated using model Calf Thymus DNA and transgenic maize DNA without surface modification. Montmorillonite, kaolinite, and 3 soil mixtures with varying clay content were used in this study. The adsorption capacity of pure montmorillonite and kaolinite minerals was found to be one to two orders of magnitude less than previously estimated likely due to the distribution of clay particle sizes and heteroionic particle surface charge. However, it appears that a substantial amount of DNA is still able to adsorb onto these matrices (up to 200 mg DNA per gram of clay) suggesting the potential availability of free transgenic DNA in the environment may still be significant. Future studies should be conducted to determine the fate of these genes in agricultural soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney M Gardner
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Claudia K Gunsch
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
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12
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Woegerbauer M, Zeinzinger J, Gottsberger RA, Pascher K, Hufnagl P, Indra A, Fuchs R, Hofrichter J, Kopacka I, Korschineck I, Schleicher C, Schwarz M, Steinwider J, Springer B, Allerberger F, Nielsen KM, Fuchs K. Antibiotic resistance marker genes as environmental pollutants in GMO-pristine agricultural soils in Austria. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2015; 206:342-351. [PMID: 26232739 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/18/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes may be considered as environmental pollutants if anthropogenic emission and manipulations increase their prevalence above usually occurring background levels. The prevalence of aph(3')-IIa/nptII and aph(3')-IIIa/nptIII - frequent marker genes in plant biotechnology conferring resistance to certain aminoglycosides - was determined in Austrian soils from 100 maize and potato fields not yet exposed to but eligible for GMO crop cultivation. Total soil DNA extracts were analysed by nptII/nptIII-specific TaqMan real time PCR. Of all fields 6% were positive for nptII (median: 150 copies/g soil; range: 31-856) and 85% for nptIII (1190 copies/g soil; 13-61600). The copy-number deduced prevalence of nptIII carriers was 14-fold higher compared to nptII. Of the cultivable kanamycin-resistant soil bacteria 1.8% (95% confidence interval: 0-3.3%) were positive for nptIII, none for nptII (0-0.8%). The nptII-load of the studied soils was low rendering nptII a typical candidate as environmental pollutant upon anthropogenic release into these ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Woegerbauer
- Division for Data, Statistics and Risk Assessment, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES - Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit), Vienna and Graz, Austria.
| | - Josef Zeinzinger
- Division for Public Health, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES - Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit), Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard Alexander Gottsberger
- Division for Food Security, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES - Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit), Vienna, Austria
| | - Kathrin Pascher
- Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research (DIB), Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Hufnagl
- Division for Public Health, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES - Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit), Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Indra
- Division for Public Health, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES - Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit), Vienna, Austria
| | - Reinhard Fuchs
- Division for Data, Statistics and Risk Assessment, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES - Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit), Vienna and Graz, Austria
| | - Johannes Hofrichter
- Division for Data, Statistics and Risk Assessment, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES - Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit), Vienna and Graz, Austria
| | - Ian Kopacka
- Division for Data, Statistics and Risk Assessment, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES - Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit), Vienna and Graz, Austria
| | | | - Corina Schleicher
- Division for Data, Statistics and Risk Assessment, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES - Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit), Vienna and Graz, Austria
| | - Michael Schwarz
- Division for Data, Statistics and Risk Assessment, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES - Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit), Vienna and Graz, Austria
| | - Johann Steinwider
- Division for Data, Statistics and Risk Assessment, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES - Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit), Vienna and Graz, Austria
| | - Burkhard Springer
- Division for Public Health, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES - Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit), Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz Allerberger
- Division for Public Health, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES - Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit), Vienna, Austria
| | - Kaare M Nielsen
- GenØk - Centre for Biosafety and Department of Pharmacy, University of Tromsø, Norway
| | - Klemens Fuchs
- Division for Data, Statistics and Risk Assessment, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES - Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit), Vienna and Graz, Austria
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13
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Lin B, Tan Z, Xiao G, Zeng J, Tang S, Han X, Wang M, Liu S. Qualitative observation on persistence and microbial transformation of recombinant DNA from transgenic rice biomass incubated in in vitrorumen system. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2012.739086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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14
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Transgenic Approaches to Enhance Phytoremediation of Heavy Metal-Polluted Soils. SOIL BIOLOGY 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-35564-6_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Rizzi A, Raddadi N, Sorlini C, Nordgrd L, Nielsen KM, Daffonchio D. The Stability and Degradation of Dietary DNA in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Mammals: Implications for Horizontal Gene Transfer and the Biosafety of GMOs. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2012; 52:142-61. [DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2010.499480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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16
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Prakash D, Verma S, Bhatia R, Tiwary BN. Risks and Precautions of Genetically Modified Organisms. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.5402/2011/369573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Commercial potential of biotechnology is immense since the scope of its activity covers the entire spectrum of human life. The most potent biotechnological approach is the transfer of specifically constructed gene assemblies through various techniques. However, this deliberate modification and the resulting entities thereof have become the bone of contention all over the world. Benefits aside, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have always been considered a threat to environment and human health. In view of this, it has been considered necessary by biosafety regulations of individual countries to test the feasibility of GMOs in contained and controlled environments for any potential risks they may pose. This paper describes the various aspects of risk, its assessment, and management which are imperative in decision making regarding the safe use of GMOs. Efficient efforts are necessary for implementation of regulations. Importance of the risk assessment, management, and precautionary approach in environmental agreements and activism is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhan Prakash
- Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR), Sector 39A, Chandigarh 160036, India
| | - Sonika Verma
- Department of Biotechnology, UIET, Punjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ranjana Bhatia
- Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR), Sector 39A, Chandigarh 160036, India
| | - B. N. Tiwary
- Department of Biotechnology, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur 495009, India
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Burgess EPJ, Barraclough EI, Kean AM, Walter C, Malone LA. No impact of transgenic nptII-leafy Pinus radiata (Pinales: Pinaceae) on Pseudocoremia suavis (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) or its endoparasitoid Meteorus pulchricornis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2011; 40:1331-1340. [PMID: 22251744 DOI: 10.1603/en11116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the biosafety to insects of transgenic Pinus radiata D. Don containing the antibiotic resistance marker gene nptII and the reproductive control gene leafy, bioassays were conducted with an endemic lepidopteran pest of New Zealand plantation pine forests and a hymenopteran endoparasitoid. Larvae of the common forest looper, Pseudocoremia suavis (Butler), were fed from hatching on P. radiata needles from either one of two nptII-leafy transgenic clones, or an isogenic unmodified control line. For both unparasitized P. suavis and those parasitized by Meteorus pulchricornis (Wesmael), consuming transgenic versus control pine had no impact on larval growth rate or mass at any age, larval duration, survival, pupation or successful emergence as an adult. Total larval duration was 1 d (3%) longer in larvae fed nptII-2 than nptII-1, but this difference was considered trivial and neither differed from the control. In unparasitized P. suavis larvae, pine type consumed did not affect rate of pupation or adult emergence, pupal mass, or pupal duration. Pine type had no effect on the duration or survival of M. pulchricornis larval or pupal stages, mass of cocoons, stage at which they died, adult emergence, or fecundity. Parasitism by M. pulchricornis reduced P. suavis larval growth rate, increased the duration of the third larval stadium, and resulted in the death of all host larvae before pupation. The lack of impact of an exclusive diet of nptII-leafy transgenic pines on the life history of P. suavis and M. pulchricornis suggests that transgenic plantation pines expressing nptII are unlikely to affect insect populations in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- E P J Burgess
- The NewZealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand
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Brigulla M, Wackernagel W. Molecular aspects of gene transfer and foreign DNA acquisition in prokaryotes with regard to safety issues. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2010; 86:1027-41. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-010-2489-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2009] [Revised: 12/18/2009] [Accepted: 01/31/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Genetically modified plants in phytoremediation of heavy metal and metalloid soil and sediment pollution. Biotechnol Adv 2009; 27:799-810. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2009.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2009] [Revised: 06/16/2009] [Accepted: 06/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is the stable transfer of genetic material from one organism to another without reproduction or human intervention. Transfer occurs by the passage of donor genetic material across cellular boundaries, followed by heritable incorporation to the genome of the recipient organism. In addition to conjugation, transformation and transduction, other diverse mechanisms of DNA and RNA uptake occur in nature. The genome of almost every organism reveals the footprint of many ancient HGT events. Most commonly, HGT involves the transmission of genes on viruses or mobile genetic elements. HGT first became an issue of public concern in the 1970s through the natural spread of antibiotic resistance genes amongst pathogenic bacteria, and more recently with commercial production of genetically modified (GM) crops. However, the frequency of HGT from plants to other eukaryotes or prokaryotes is extremely low. The frequency of HGT to viruses is potentially greater, but is restricted by stringent selection pressures. In most cases the occurrence of HGT from GM crops to other organisms is expected to be lower than background rates. Therefore, HGT from GM plants poses negligible risks to human health or the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Keese
- Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, GPO Box 9848 Canberra, ACT 2601 [corrected] Australia.
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22
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Foodborne antimicrobial resistance as a biological hazard - Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Biological Hazards. EFSA J 2008. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2008.765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Abstract
Genetically modified (or GM) plants have attracted a large amount of media attention in recent years and continue to do so. Despite this, the general public remains largely unaware of what a GM plant actually is or what advantages and disadvantages the technology has to offer, particularly with regard to the range of applications for which they can be used. From the first generation of GM crops, two main areas of concern have emerged, namely risk to the environment and risk to human health. As GM plants are gradually being introduced into the European Union there is likely to be increasing public concern regarding potential health issues. Although it is now commonplace for the press to adopt 'health campaigns', the information they publish is often unreliable and unrepresentative of the available scientific evidence. We consider it important that the medical profession should be aware of the state of the art, and, as they are often the first port of call for a concerned patient, be in a position to provide an informed opinion. This review will examine how GM plants may impact on human health both directly - through applications targeted at nutrition and enhancement of recombinant medicine production - but also indirectly, through potential effects on the environment. Finally, it will examine the most important opposition currently facing the worldwide adoption of this technology: public opinion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzie Key
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Centre for Infection, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, St George's University of London Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
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Edible safety requirements and assessment standards for agricultural genetically modified organisms. Food Chem Toxicol 2008; 46:1414-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2008.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2007] [Revised: 12/05/2007] [Accepted: 01/04/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Plasmid encoded antibiotic resistance: acquisition and transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria. Br J Pharmacol 2008; 153 Suppl 1:S347-57. [PMID: 18193080 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 454] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria have existed on Earth for three billion years or so and have become adept at protecting themselves against toxic chemicals. Antibiotics have been in clinical use for a little more than 6 decades. That antibiotic resistance is now a major clinical problem all over the world attests to the success and speed of bacterial adaptation. Mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in bacteria are varied and include target protection, target substitution, antibiotic detoxification and block of intracellular antibiotic accumulation. Acquisition of genes needed to elaborate the various mechanisms is greatly aided by a variety of promiscuous gene transfer systems, such as bacterial conjugative plasmids, transposable elements and integron systems, that move genes from one DNA system to another and from one bacterial cell to another, not necessarily one related to the gene donor. Bacterial plasmids serve as the scaffold on which are assembled arrays of antibiotic resistance genes, by transposition (transposable elements and ISCR mediated transposition) and site-specific recombination mechanisms (integron gene cassettes).The evidence suggests that antibiotic resistance genes in human bacterial pathogens originate from a multitude of bacterial sources, indicating that the genomes of all bacteria can be considered as a single global gene pool into which most, if not all, bacteria can dip for genes necessary for survival. In terms of antibiotic resistance, plasmids serve a central role, as the vehicles for resistance gene capture and their subsequent dissemination. These various aspects of bacterial resistance to antibiotics will be explored in this presentation.
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Ferrini AM, Mannoni V, Pontieri E, Pourshaban M. Longer resistance of some DNA traits from BT176 maize to gastric juice from gastrointestinal affected patients. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2007; 20:111-8. [PMID: 17346434 DOI: 10.1177/039463200702000113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of antibiotic resistance marker genes in genetically engineered plants is one of the most controversial issues related to Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)-containing food, raising concern about the possibility that these markers could increase the pool of antibiotic resistance genes. This study investigates the in vitro survival of genes bla and cryIA(b) of maize Bt176 in human gastric juice samples. Five samples of gastric juice were collected from patients affected by gastro-esophageal reflux or celiac disease and three additional samples were obtained by pH modification with NaHCO3. DNA was extracted from maize Bt176 and incubated with samples of gastric juices at different times. The survival of the target traits (bla gene, whole 1914 bp gene cry1A(b), and its 211 bp fragment) was determined using PCR. The stability of the target genes was an inverse function of their lengths in all the samples. Survival in samples from untreated subjects was below the normal physiological time of gastric digestion. On the contrary, survival time in samples from patients under anti-acid drug treatment or in samples whose pH was modified, resulted strongly increased. Our data indicate the possibility that in particular cases the survival time could be so delayed that, as a consequence, some traits of DNA could reach the intestine. In general, this aspect must be considered for vulnerable consumers (people suffering from gastrointestinal diseases related to altered digestive functionality, physiological problems or drug side-effects) in the risk analysis usually referred to healthy subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Ferrini
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, National Centre for Food Quality and Risk Assessment, Rome, Italy.
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Ramessar K, Peremarti A, Gómez-Galera S, Naqvi S, Moralejo M, Muñoz P, Capell T, Christou P. Biosafety and risk assessment framework for selectable marker genes in transgenic crop plants: a case of the science not supporting the politics. Transgenic Res 2007; 16:261-80. [PMID: 17436060 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-007-9083-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2006] [Accepted: 02/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Selectable marker gene systems are vital for the development of transgenic crops. Since the creation of the first transgenic plants in the early 1980s and their subsequent commercialization worldwide over almost an entire decade, antibiotic and herbicide resistance selectable marker gene systems have been an integral feature of plant genetic modification. Without them, creating transgenic crops is not feasible on purely economic and practical terms. These systems allow the relatively straightforward identification and selection of plants that have stably incorporated not only the marker genes but also genes of interest, for example herbicide tolerance and pest resistance. Bacterial antibiotic resistance genes are also crucial in molecular biology manipulations in the laboratory. An unprecedented debate has accompanied the development and commercialization of transgenic crops. Divergent policies and their implementation in the European Union on one hand and the rest of the world on the other (industrialized and developing countries alike), have resulted in disputes with serious consequences on agricultural policy, world trade and food security. A lot of research effort has been directed towards the development of marker-free transformation or systems to remove selectable markers. Such research has been in a large part motivated by perceived problems with antibiotic resistance selectable markers; however, it is not justified from a safety point of view. The aim of this review is to discuss in some detail the currently available scientific evidence that overwhelmingly argues for the safety of these marker gene systems. Our conclusion, supported by numerous studies, most of which are commissioned by some of the very parties that have taken a position against the use of antibiotic selectable marker gene systems, is that there is no scientific basis to argue against the use and presence of selectable marker genes as a class in transgenic plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koreen Ramessar
- Departament de Produccio Vegetal i Ciencia Forestal, Universitat de Lleida, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 191, Lleida 25198, Spain
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Statement on the safe use of the nptII antibiotic resistance marker gene in genetically modified plants by the Scientific Panel on genetically modified organisms (GMO). EFSA J 2007. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2007.742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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29
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Devos Y, Reheul D, De Waele D, Van Speybroeck L. The interplay between societal concerns and the regulatory frame on GM crops in the European Union. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 5:127-49. [PMID: 17445510 DOI: 10.1051/ebr:2007002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Recapitulating how genetic modification technology and its agro-food products aroused strong societal opposition in the European Union, this paper demonstrates how this opposition contributed to shape the European regulatory frame on GM crops. More specifically, it describes how this opposition contributed to a de facto moratorium on the commercialization of new GM crop events in the end of the nineties. From this period onwards, the regulatory frame has been continuously revised in order to slow down further erosion of public and market confidence. Various scientific and technical reforms were made to meet societal concerns relating to the safety of GM crops. In this context, the precautionary principle, environmental post-market monitoring and traceability were adopted as ways to cope with scientific uncertainties. Labeling, traceability, co-existence and public information were installed in an attempt to meet the general public request for more information about GM agro-food products, and the specific demand to respect the consumers' and farmers' freedom of choice. Despite these efforts, today, the explicit role of public participation and/or ethical consultation during authorization procedures is at best minimal. Moreover, no legal room was created to progress to an integral sustainability evaluation during market procedures. It remains to be seen whether the recent policy shift towards greater transparency about value judgments, plural viewpoints and scientific uncertainties will be one step forward in integrating ethical concerns more explicitly in risk analysis. As such, the regulatory frame stands open for further interpretation, reflecting in various degrees a continued interplay with societal concerns relating to GM agro-food products. In this regard, both societal concerns and diversely interpreted regulatory criteria can be inferred as signaling a request - and even a quest - to render more explicit the broader-than-scientific dimension of the actual risk analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Devos
- Department of Plant Production, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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da Costa PM, Oliveira M, Bica A, Vaz-Pires P, Bernardo F. Antimicrobial resistance in Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli isolated from poultry feed and feed ingredients. Vet Microbiol 2007; 120:122-31. [PMID: 17098382 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2006.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2006] [Revised: 09/07/2006] [Accepted: 10/04/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Poultry feed is at the start of the food safety chain in the "farm-to-fork" model, and might serve as a source of antimicrobial resistant bacteria present in poultry meat. Antimicrobial resistance was investigated in 1137 enterococci and 163 Escherichia coli strains recovered from 23 samples of commercial broiler feed and 66 samples of raw feeding materials taken over half a year timespan. Enumeration of enterococci and E. coli were also performed using traditional plating and fluorescent in situ hybridisation methods. Viable enterococci were detected in all feed samples and in 66% of samples of separate feed ingredients, while E. coli was present in 50% and 32% of feed and raw feeding materials, respectively. The median values (50th percentile) for plate and FISH counts for feeds were, respectively, 2.70 log CFU/g and 5.52 log cells/g for enterococci, and 0.15 log CFU/g and 6.00 log cells/g for E. coli. Among enterococci recovered from feed ingredients, resistance to rifampicin, erythromycin, nitrofurantoin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin was found in 59.8%, 21.6%, 21.2%, 18.0% and 6.9% of the isolates, respectively. A considerable proportion of the enterococci isolates obtained from broiler feed displayed resistance to tetracycline (69.1%), rifampicin (58.5%), erythromycin (52.9%) and nitrofurantoin (36.2%). Lower percentage of resistance was observed to chloramphenicol (4.6%), ciprofloxacin (3.9%), vancomycin (1.9%) and ampicillin (1.2%). Among E. coli recovered from feed ingredients and poultry feeds, resistance to ampicillin, tetracycline and streptomycin was found in 22.9%, 27.6% and 19.0% and in 22.4%, 41.4% and 17.0% of the isolates, respectively. These data show that feedstuffs and poultry feeds are extensively contaminated by resistant enterococci and, in a lesser extent, by E. coli, thus leading to their introduction in the farm environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Martins da Costa
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Largo Professor Abel Salazar 2, 4099-003 Porto, Portugal.
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Brinkmann N, Tebbe CC. Leaf-feeding larvae of Manduca sexta (Insecta, Lepidoptera) drastically reduce copy numbers of aadA antibiotic resistance genes from transplastomic tobacco but maintain intact aadA genes in their feces. ENVIRONMENTAL BIOSAFETY RESEARCH 2007; 6:121-33. [PMID: 17961486 DOI: 10.1051/ebr:2007028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of insect larval feeding on the fate and genetic transformability of recombinant DNA from a transplastomic plant. Leaves of tobacco plants with an aadA antibiotic resistance gene inserted into their chloroplast genome were incubated with larvae of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta (Lepidoptera). The specifically designed Acinetobacter strain BD413 pBAB(2) was chosen to analyze the functional integrity of the aadA transgene for natural transformation after gut passages. No gene transfer was detected after simultaneous feeding of leaves and the Acinetobacter BD413 pBAB(2) as a recipient, even though 15% of ingested Acinetobacter BD413 cells could be recovered as viable cells from feces 6 h after feeding. Results with real-time PCR indicated that an average of 98.2 to 99.99% of the aadA gene was degraded during the gut passage, but the range in the number of aadA genes in feces of larvae fed with transplastomic leaves was enormous, varying from 5 x 10(6) to 1 x 10(9) copies.g(-1). DNA extracted from feces of larvae fed with transplastomic leaves was still able to transform externally added competent Acinetobacter BD413 pBAB(2) in vitro. Transformation frequencies with concentrated feces DNA were in the same range as those found with leaves (10(-4)-10(-6) transformants per recipient) or purified plasmid DNA (10(-3)-10(-7)). The presence of functionally intact DNA was also qualitatively observed after incubation of 30 mg freshly shed feces directly with competent Acinetobacter BD413 pBAB(2), demonstrating that aadA genes in feces have a potential to undergo further horizontal gene transfer under environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Brinkmann
- Institute of Agroecology, Federal Agricultural Research Centre (FAL), Bundesallee 50, 38116, Braunschweig, Germany
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Opinion of the Scientific Panel on genetically modified organisms [GMO] on an application (Reference EFSA-GMO-UK-2005-14) for the placing on the market of genetically modified potato EH92-527-1 with altered starch composition, for production of starch and. EFSA J 2006. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2006.324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Gay PB, Gillespie SH. Antibiotic resistance markers in genetically modified plants: a risk to human health? THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2005; 5:637-46. [PMID: 16183518 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(05)70241-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Cotransformation with an antibiotic-resistance marker is often necessary in the process of creating a genetically modified (GM) plant. Concern has been expressed that the release of these markers in GM plants may result in an increase in the rate of antibiotic resistance in human pathogens. For such an event to occur, DNA must not be totally degraded in field conditions, and the antibiotic-resistance marker must encounter potential recipient bacteria and be taken up by them, before being integrated into the bacterial genome, and the genes then expressed. In addition, the new recombinant must overcome the physiological disadvantage of acquisition of a piece of foreign DNA, probably in conditions where the new gene does not provide a selective advantage. We review each of these stages, summarising the investigations that have followed each of these steps. We contrast the potential increase in the antibiotic resistance reservoir created by antibiotic-resistance markers in GM plants with the current situation created by medical antibiotic prescribing. We conclude that, although fragments of DNA large enough to contain an antibiotic-resistance gene may survive in the environment, the barriers to transfer, incorporation, and transmission are so substantial that any contribution to antibiotic resistance made by GM plants must be overwhelmed by the contribution made by antibiotic prescription in clinical practice.
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Jeeves CL, Drummond CWE, Reeves DS. Conflicts of interest/transparency declarations: new policy. J Antimicrob Chemother 2005; 56:609-10. [PMID: 16144870 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dki313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Bradford KJ, Van Deynze A, Gutterson N, Parrott W, Strauss SH. Regulating transgenic crops sensibly: lessons from plant breeding, biotechnology and genomics. Nat Biotechnol 2005; 23:439-44. [PMID: 15815671 DOI: 10.1038/nbt1084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The costs of meeting regulatory requirements and market restrictions guided by regulatory criteria are substantial impediments to the commercialization of transgenic crops. Although a cautious approach may have been prudent initially, we argue that some regulatory requirements can now be modified to reduce costs and uncertainty without compromising safety. Long-accepted plant breeding methods for incorporating new diversity into crop varieties, experience from two decades of research on and commercialization of transgenic crops, and expanding knowledge of plant genome structure and dynamics all indicate that if a gene or trait is safe, the genetic engineering process itself presents little potential for unexpected consequences that would not be identified or eliminated in the variety development process before commercialization. We propose that as in conventional breeding, regulatory emphasis should be on phenotypic rather than genomic characteristics once a gene or trait has been shown to be safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kent J Bradford
- Seed Biotechnology Center, One Shields Avenue, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Bradford KJ, Gutterson N, Parrott W, Van Deynze A, Strauss SH. Reply to Regulatory regimes for transgenic crops. Nat Biotechnol 2005. [DOI: 10.1038/nbt0705-787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Opinion of the Scientific Panel on genetically modified organisms [GMO] on an application (Reference EFSA GMO UK 2004 06) for the placing on the market of insect-protected glyphosate-tolerant genetically modified maize MON863 × NK603, for food and feed us. EFSA J 2005. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2005.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Opinion of the Scientific Panel on genetically modified organisms [GMO] related to the Notification for the placing on the market of insect-protected genetically modified maize MON 863 × MON 810, for import and processing, under Part C of Directive 2001/1. EFSA J 2005. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2005.251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Opinion of the Scientific Panel on genetically modified organisms [GMO] on an application (Reference EFSA GMO BE 2004 07) for the placing on the market of insect-protected glyphosate-tolerant genetically modified maize MON863 × MON810 × NK603, for food an. EFSA J 2005. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2005.256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Opinion of the Scientific Panel on genetically modified organisms [GMO] on an application (Reference EFSA GMO DE 2004 03) for the placing on the market of insect protected genetically modified maize MON 863 × MON 810, for food and feed use, under Regulati. EFSA J 2005. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2005.252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Davison J. Risk mitigation of genetically modified bacteria and plants designed for bioremediation. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2005; 32:639-50. [PMID: 15973534 DOI: 10.1007/s10295-005-0242-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2004] [Accepted: 04/01/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
While the possible advantages of bioremediation and phytoremediation, by both recombinant microbes and plants, have been extensively reviewed, the biosafety concerns have been less extensively treated. This article reviews the possible risks associated with the use of recombinant bacteria and plants for bioremediation, with particular emphasis on ways in which molecular genetics could contribute to risk mitigation. For example, genetic techniques exist that permit the site-specific excision of unnecessary DNA, so that only the transgenes of interest remain. Other mechanisms exist whereby the recombinant plants or bacteria contain conditional suicide genes that may be activated under certain conditions. These methods act to prevent the spread and survival of the transgenic bacteria or plants in the environment, and to prevent horizontal gene flow to wild or cultivated relatives. Ways in which these genetic technologies may be applied to risk mitigation in bioremediation and phytoremediation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Davison
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Route de St Cyr, Versailles, 78026, France.
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Abstract
So far, no compelling scientific evidence has been found to suggest that the consumption of transgenic or genetically modified (GM) plants by animals or humans is more likely to cause harm than is the consumption of their conventional counterparts. Despite this lack of scientific evidence, the economic prospects for GM plants are probably limited in the short term and there is public opposition to the technology. Now is a good time to address several issues concerning GM plants, including the potential for transgenes to migrate from GM plants to gut microbes or to animal or human tissues, the consequences of consuming GM crops, either as fresh plants or as silage, and the problems caused by current legislation on GM labelling and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Heritage
- School of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
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Goodyear KL. Comment on: An assessment of the risks associated with the use of antibiotic resistance genes in genetically modified plants: report of the Working Party of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. J Antimicrob Chemother 2004; 54:959; author reply 960. [PMID: 15448127 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkh419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Bennett PM, Livesey CT, Nathwani D, Reeves DS, Saunders JR, Wise R. Reply. J Antimicrob Chemother 2004. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkh464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms on the use of antibiotic resistance genes as marker genes in genetically modified plants. EFSA J 2004. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2004.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Opinion of the Scientific Panel on genetically modified organisms [GMO] on a request from the Commission related to the Notification (Reference C/DE/02/9) for the placing on the market of insect-protected genetically modified maize MON 863 and MON 863 × M. EFSA J 2004. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2004.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Opinion of the Scientific Panel on genetically modified organisms [GMO] on a request from the Commission related to the safety of foods and food ingredients derived from insect-protected genetically modified maize MON 863 and MON 863 × MON 810, for which. EFSA J 2004. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2004.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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