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"Genetic fingerprinting" enables detection test for NGT plants
EU consultations on the deregulation of NGT plants are in full swing. If the NGT legislative amendment were to be implemented in the EU as planned by the European Commission and the Council of Ministers, genetically modified plants would be placed on the market without appropriate labelling. The detection of organisms that have been modified using new genetic engineering techniques is central to traceability in food, but is not yet possible across the board: Particularly in the case of tiny changes in the genetic material, such as the replacement of individual genetic "letters" distributed throughout the DNA (known as SNVs), detection is still difficult.
Detection of minute genetic modifications in DNA
The study by the Belgian government research institute Sciensano was conducted as part of the EU-funded DARWIN project. The authors developed a new approach to create a unique "genetic fingerprint" for such modified organisms. They used methods for whole-genome sequencing, artificial intelligence and publicly available genome databases. The SNVs were ultimately detected in the rice line’s genetic pattern using a high-throughput sequencing approach.
Method only possible with detailed genome information
As proof of concept, the authors Fraiture et al. chose a CRISPR/Cas-9-edited rice line with a single altered DNA base pair. For verification, they needed not only the information about the specific SNV obtained with CRISPR/Cas, but also information about the genetic background of the crop. According to the scientists involved in the study, the "fingerprint" verification method is only possible "if precise and detailed sequence information about the genomic background and a large database of known varieties are available".
First marketers are required to provide information
According to the EU Commission's plans to deregulate NGT, companies wishing to market these genetically modified plants will generally not be required to provide verification procedures, reference material or detailed information on genetic modification, unlike under current legislation. Proponents of genetic engineering argue in favour of such a change in the law on the grounds that NGT processes are not detectable. Current research findings, however, confirm that it is precisely the lack of such information that unnecessarily complicates the development of detection methods. VLOG Managing Director Alexander Hissting therefore demands: "Even with a changed approval procedure, first marketers must be obliged to publish detailed information about genetic modifications. This enables efficient traceability for companies along the production chain and creates transparency and freedom of choice for European consumers."
EU DARWIN project develops NGT detection methods
Scientists from various institutions across Europe are participating in the DARWIN project to develop innovative detection methods for traceability and transparency in products from new genetic engineering. Fifteen organisations from 11 countries are involved in the EU-funded project, among them VLOG. The planned new methods will not only make it possible to detect known DNA sequences (specific detection), but also to identify the method used to produce the DNA changes (non-specific detection). DARWIN also aims to develop digital solutions for traceability.
DARWIN: New genetic fingerprint approach enhances detection of gene-edited organisms
Detection methods for new genetic engineering: DARWIN Project presented at the VLOG Forum
Start of trilogue negotiations on the regulation of new genetic engineering