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Detection methods for new genetic engineering: DARWIN Project presented at the VLOG Forum
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Odd-Gunnar Wikmark at the VLOG .:. Forum 2024, Photo: Concept Photography Berlin
More transparency with CRISPR/Cas and Co
Dr Odd-Gunnar Wikmark, Research Director for Genetic Engineering, Environment and Society at the Norwegian Research Centre (NORCE), presented methods and objectives of detection research for plants from so-called new genetic engineering (NGT) in his lecture. In the DARWIN project, which he coordinates and, among other things, in which 15 organisations from 11 countries are involved, reliable detection methods and validated detection instruments are being developed, he explained. To date, reliable detection of NGT in products has not yet been possible.
This should ensure that all genetically modified products (GMOs) can be traced in future, including those produced using new genetic engineering methods (NGT) such as the gene scissors CRISPR/Cas and the like. This is the only way that players involved in the agricultural and food industry who want to avoid GMOs in their supply chains will be able to provide any analytical evidence of this. A further aim of DARWIN is to improve transparency throughout the entire food chain in order to enable consumers to make educated purchasing decisions, Wikmark explained in Berlin. DARWIN will run from the beginning of 2024 until June 2027.
Wikmark: New genetic engineering is clearly genetic engineering
Molecular biologist and DARWIN project manager Wikmark explained how gene scissors work in comparison to ‘old genetic engineering’ and stated: ‘NGT are GMOs’. Targeted interventions with gene scissors (deletion) modify the plant DNA and are therefore, by definition, genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
According to Wikmark, gene editing can achieve relatively large effects with few changes in the genome and many new products can be developed in a short time. However, these possibilities are hypothetical, Wikmark explained: ‘It's like playing the lottery. Having the potential to win is not yet having won.’
A comparison between random mutagenesis, which is not subject to regulation, and NGT is also inadmissible. In contrast to random mutagenesis, NGT methods could achieve much more precise and targeted changes in the genome and penetrate into DNA areas that are impossible for other methods to reach, he warned.
The EU Commission's draft legislative proposal on the re-regulation of genetic engineering categorises 94% of plants currently being developed using new genetic engineering as NGT-1. They are categorised as equivalent to conventional breeds and are not to be regulated.
"We are delighted we could attract Dr Odd-Gunnar Wikmark as a proven expert for our VLOG Forum," explains VLOG Managing Director Alexander Hissting. "He introduced us to the complex DARWIN research project and held out the prospect that new genetic engineering will also be detectable. Validated procedures for detection and traceability underpin the fact that the proven genetic engineering regulation can endure and that we do not need any dilution." The German Association Food without Genetic Engineering (VLOG) is part of the DARWIN consortium and is particularly involved in issues relating to the implementation of detection procedures in practice. On October 8, 2024, Dr. Wikmark will give an update on the research work of the DARWIN project at the Non-GMO Summit in Frankfurt.
The Berchtesgadener Land dairy company, who has been an "Ohne GenTechnik" (Non-GMO) seal user from the very beginning, was an ideal and particularly convincing partner for the VLOG seal anniversary and all associated events. REWE Group and Ariana Laboratories were sponsors of the VLOG forum, while other supporters included Tegut, Wiesenhof, Planton, Schwarzwaldmilch and TÜV Süd.
