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Fine structural analyses of pancreatic acinar cell nuclei from mice fed on genetically modified soybean.

We carried out ultrastructural morphometrical and immunocytochemical analyses on pancreatic acinar cell nuclei from mice fed on genetically modified (GM) soybean, in order to investigate possible structural and molecular modifications of nucleoplasmic and nucleolar constituents. We found a significant lowering of nucleoplasmic and nucleolar splicing factors as well as a perichromatin granule accumulation in GM-fed mice, suggestive of reduced post-transcriptional hnRNA processing and/or nuclear export. This is in accordance to already described zymogen synthesis and processing modifications in the same animals.

Animals↗

Impact of biocontrol agents Pseudomonas fluorescens CHA0 and its genetically modified derivatives on the diversity of culturable fungi in the rhizosphere of mungbean.

AIMS: To assess whether Pseudomonas fluorescens strain CHA0 and its genetically modified derivatives, CHA0/pME3424 (antibiotic over-producer) and CHA89 (antibiotic-deficient) could have an impact on the fungal community structure and composition in the rhizosphere of mungbean. METHODS AND RESULTS: Under glasshouse conditions, mungbean was grown repeatedly in the same soil, which was inoculated with CHA0, CHA0/pME3424, CHA89 or was left untreated. Treatments were applied to soil at the start of each 36-day mungbean growth cycle, and their effects on the diversity of the rhizosphere populations of culturable fungi were assessed at the end of the first, second and third cycles. The effects of CHA0 and CHA0/pME3424 did differ from the controls while CHA89 did not. Whereas all major fungal species were frequently isolated from both bacterized and nonbacterized rhizospheres, certain fungal species were exclusively promoted or specifically suppressed from Pseudomonas-treated soils. In general, fungal diversity and equitability tended to decrease with time while species richness slightly increased. Whilst a total of 29 fungal species were isolated from the mungbean rhizosphere, only eight species colonized the root tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Soil inoculation with Ps. fluorescens CHA0 or CHA0/pME3424 altered fungal community structure in mungbean rhizosphere but strain CHA89 failed to produce such effect. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Pseudomonas fluorescens-mediated alteration in the composition and structure of fungal communities might have acute or lasting effects on ecosystem functioning. Furthermore, the study provides useful data pertinent to characterization of the fate of genetically modified inoculants (e.g. antibiotic-overproducing Pseudomonas strains) released into the environment.

Antibiosis↗

Mutant and genetically modified mice as models for studying the relationship between aging and carcinogenesis.

Increased interest is emerging in using mouse models to assess the genetics of aging and age-related diseases, including cancer. However, only limited information is available regarding the relationship between aging and spontaneous tumor development in genetically modified mice. Analysis of various transgenic and knockout rodent models with either a shortened or an extended life span, provides a unique opportunity to evaluate interactions of genes involved in the aging process and carcinogenesis. There are only a few models which show life span extension. Ames dwarf mutant mice, p66(-/-) knockout mice, alpha MUPA and MGMT transgenic mice live longer than wild-type strains. The incidence of spontaneous tumors in these mutant mice was usually similar to those in controls, whereas the latent period of tumor development was increased. Practically all models of accelerated aging showed increased incidence and shorter latency of tumors. This phenomenon has been observed in animals which display a phenotype that more closely resembles natural aging, and in animals which manifest only some features of the normal aging process. These observations are in agreement with an earlier established positive correlation between tumor incidence and the rate of tumor incidence increase associated with aging and the aging rate in a population. Thus, genetically modified animals are a valuable tool in unravelling mechanisms underlying aging and cancer. Systemic evaluation of newly generated models should include onco-gerontological studies.

Aging↗

Ultrastructural analysis of testes from mice fed on genetically modified soybean.

We have considered the possible effects of a diet containing genetically modified (GM) soybean on mouse testis. This organ, in fact, is a well known bioindicator and it has already been utilized, for instance, to monitor pollution by heavy metals. In this preliminary study, we have focussed our attention on Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes by means of immunoelectron microscopy. Our results point out that the immunolabelling for Sm antigen, hnRNPs, SC35 and RNA Polymerase II is decreased in 2 and 5 month-old GM-fed mice, and is restored to normal at 8 months. In GM-fed mice of all ages considered, the number of perichromatin granules is higher and the nuclear pore density lower. Moreover, we found enlargements in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum in GM-fed mice Sertoli cells. A possible role played by traces of the herbicide to which the soybean is resistant is discussed.

Animals↗

Development of cell-based tuberculosis vaccines: genetically modified dendritic cell vaccine is a much more potent activator of CD4 and CD8 T cells than peptide- or protein-loaded counterparts.

Genetically modified dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines have not been explored for immunization against tuberculosis. A gene-modified DC vaccine expressing Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) antigen 85A (Ag85A) was developed by using a recombinant replication-deficient adenoviral gene transfer vector (AdAg85A). AdAg85A-transduced DC vaccine (AdAg85/DC) expressed higher levels of IL-12 and was much more immunogenic than Ag85 protein-loaded (pro/DC) or CD4/CD8 T cell peptide-loaded (pep/DC) DC vaccines. Compared to pro/DC or pep/DC, AdAg85/DC elicited a remarkably higher level of ex vivo IFN-gamma production by CD4 and CD8 T cells at weeks 2, 6, and 12 postimmunization, which was coupled with higher frequencies of antigen-specific T cells. By an in vivo CD8 or CD4 T cell cytotoxicity (CTL) assay, AdAg85/DC was shown to provoke much higher and more sustained levels of CD8 and CD4 CTL activity up to 12 weeks postimmunization. Intramuscular (im) AdAg85/DC immunization was more potent than the iv route of AdAg85/DC immunization. Such stronger immunogenicity of im AdAg85/DC vaccination was corroborated with better protection from M.tb challenge. Our results thus suggest that genetically modified DC-based TB vaccine is superior to subunit DC vaccines and has the potential for therapeutic applications.

Adenoviridae↗

Reversibility of hepatocyte nuclear modifications in mice fed on genetically modified soybean.

In the literature, the reports on the effects of a genetically modified (GM) diet are scanty and heterogeneous; in particular, no direct evidence has so far been reported that GM food may affect human or animal health. Hepatocytes represent a suitable model for monitoring the effects of a GM diet, the liver potentially being a primary target. In a previous study, we demonstrated that some modifications occur in hepatocyte nuclei of mice fed on GM soybean. In order to elucidate whether such modifications can be reversed, in the present study, 3 months old mice fed on GM soybean since their weaning were submitted to a diet containing wild type soybean, for one month. In parallel, to investigate the influence of GM soybean on adult individuals, mice fed on wild type soybean were changed to a GM diet, for the same time. Using immunoelectron microscopy, we demonstrated that a one-month diet reversion can influence some nuclear features in adult mice, restoring typical characteristics of controls in GM-fed animals, and inducing in control mice modifications similar to those observed in animals fed on GM soybean from weaning. This suggests that the modifications related to GM soybean are potentially reversible, but also that some modifications are inducible in adult organisms in a short time.

Aging↗

Event-specific quantitative detection of nine genetically modified maizes using one novel standard reference molecule.

With the development of genetically modified organism (GMO) detection techniques, the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique has been the mainstay for GMO detection, and real-time PCR is the most effective and important method for GMO quantification. An event-specific detection strategy based on the unique and specific integration junction sequences between the host plant genome DNA and the integrated gene is being developed for its high specificity. This study establishes the event-specific detection methods for TC1507 and CBH351 maizes. In addition, the event-specific TaqMan real-time PCR detection methods for another seven GM maize events (Bt11, Bt176, GA21, MON810, MON863, NK603, and T25) were systematically optimized and developed. In these PCR assays, the fluorescent quencher, TAMRA, was dyed on the T-base of the probe at the internal position to improve the intensity of the fluorescent signal. To overcome the difficulties in obtaining the certified reference materials of these GM maizes, one novel standard reference molecule containing all nine specific integration junction sequences of these GM maizes and the maize endogenous reference gene, zSSIIb, was constructed and used for quantitative analysis. The limits of detection of these methods were 20 copies for these different GM maizes, the limits of quantitation were about 20 copies, and the dynamic ranges for quantification were from 0.05 to 100% in 100 ng of DNA template. Furthermore, nine groups of the mixed maize samples of these nine GM maize events were quantitatively analyzed to evaluate the accuracy and precision. The accuracy expressed as bias varied from 0.67 to 28.00% for the nine tested groups of GM maize samples, and the precision expressed as relative standard deviations was from 0.83 to 26.20%. All of these indicated that the established event-specific real-time PCR detection systems and the reference molecule in this study are suitable for the identification and quantification of these GM maizes.

Base Sequence↗

Detection of genetically modified coho salmon using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification.

A PCR-based protocol for the identification of genetically modified salmon carrying a growth hormone transgene was developed. Several primer pairs were examined, and the primers that gave consistent results were selected to conduct routine testing. Comparison among several DNA extraction procedures, as well as different buffer compositions, led to the adoption of TriZol as the method of choice. Low potassium and high magnesium chloride concentrations were very important in the overall success of the PCR reaction, whereas buffer pH, ranging from 8.3 to 9.2, had little impact on the amplification reaction. The optimal primer annealing temperature was 52 degrees C. Although fish muscle tissues were the primary source for DNA samples, detection of the transgene was also possible in bones, skin, fins, and other organs. No benefits were achieved by the addition of additives such as dimethyl sulfoxide and betaine to the PCR reaction. This optimized PCR method was used to identify all samples tested (61 samples and 17 controls) with 100% accuracy.

Animals↗

Evidence for genetic modifiers of ovarian follicular endowment and development from studies of five inbred mouse strains.

The laboratory mouse is the model of choice for genetic studies in mammals due to the availability of many genetically defined inbred strains and inbred congenic strains, as well as the ability to study the effects of over-expression (transgenics) or inactivation (knockouts) of a given gene on cells or tissues. During our studies using these technologies to uncover the importance of various genes to apoptosis in the ovary, we observed that the size of the primordial oocyte reserve was affected by mouse strain in the absence of any other genetic manipulation. To determine if genetic modifiers of oocyte endowment truly exist, herein we examined follicle numbers in one outbred (CD-1) and several inbred (129/Sv, DBA/2, C57BL/6, FVB, AKR/J) strains of mice at day 4 (neonatal) and day 42 (young adult) postpartum. In neonatal life, ovaries of AKR/J females had the lowest total number of follicles, whereas 129/Sv females possessed the highest total number of follicles (P < 0.05 for AKR/J versus 129/Sv). There were more primordial follicles in 129/Sv compared with DBA/2 (P < 0.05), C57BL/6 (P < 0.05), FVB (P < 0.05) or AKR/J (P < 0.05) females, and in CD-1 compared with AKR/J (P < 0.05) females. Although no significant strain-dependent differences in primary follicle numbers were noted, C57BL/6 females had the fewest number of small preantral follicles (P < 0.05 versus all other strains). Evaluation of ovaries at 42 days of age revealed the persistence of strain-dependent differences in early follicle growth patterns, although the total numbers of follicles were comparable. Of interest, marked strain-dependent differences in the rate of primordial follicle growth activation, as well as in the rate of follicle loss (atresia), between days 4 and 42 were observed. These results indicate that genetic modifiers play a major role in follicle endowment, development and atresia in the mouse ovary.

Aging↗

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.

Development of genetically modified (GM) plants is contentious, in part because bacterial antibiotic resistance (AR) genes are used in their construction and often become part of the plant genome. This arouses concern that cultivation of GM plants might provide a reservoir of AR genes that could power the evolution of new drug-resistant bacteria. We have considered bacterial DNA transfer systems (conjugation, transduction and transformation) and mechanisms of recombination (homologous recombination, transposition, site-specific recombination and DNA repair) that together might productively transfer AR genes from GM plants to bacterial cells, but are unable to identify a credible scenario whereby new drug-resistant bacteria would be created. However, we cannot entirely rule out the possibility of rare transfer events that involve novel mechanisms. Hence, we also considered if occasional transfers of AR genes (bla(TEM), aph(3'), aadA) from GM plants into bacteria would pose a threat to public health. These AR genes are common in many bacteria and each is found on mobile genetic elements that have moved extensively between DNA molecules and bacterial cells. This gene mobility has already severely compromised clinical use of antibiotics to which resistance is conferred. Accordingly, the argument that occasional transfer of these particular resistance genes from GM plants to bacteria would pose an unacceptable risk to human or animal health has little substance. We conclude that the risk of transfer of AR genes from GM plants to bacteria is remote, and that the hazard arising from any such gene transfer is, at worst, slight.

Bacteria↗

Genetically modified soybeans: false-positive detection in fermented natural soybean (tempe).

Tempe was prepared using mixtures of natural soybean and genetically modified Roundup Ready (RUR) soybean fermented with natural Rhizopus sp. The amount of RUR soybean was quantified using an ELISA plate test. The RUR signal decreased during fermentation. In the control experiments on fermentation of non-RUR soybean, the tempe gave a false-positive RUR signal. The cross-reacting substance was generated only in non-RUR soybean during fermentation by Rhizopus sp., Rhizopus oligosporus, R. oryzae, Mucor rouxii and Aspergillus awamori.

Antigens↗

The utility of genetically modified mouse assays for identifying human carcinogens: a basic understanding and path forward. The Alternatives to Carcinogenicity Testing Committee ILSI HESI.

The Alternatives to Carcinogenicity Testing Committee of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (HESI) conducted a large-scale, multinational collaborative research program to evaluate several genetically modified mouse assays for assessing the human carcinogenic potential of compounds. The data from this testing program have made an important contribution to the general understanding of how these models can be best applied in hazard identification; however, questions still exist regarding methodology and data interpretation. To address these issues, ILSI HESI hosted a February 2003 workshop on the Utility of Transgenic Assays for Risk Assessment. The purpose of this workshop was to reach an understanding of how data from genetically modified mouse models are viewed by different regulatory bodies in the pharmaceutical sector and, based on this understanding, to identify areas in which more experimental work may be needed to increase the utility of data derived from these assays. In the course of discussions, various data gaps related to model selection and protocol issues were identified. Based on the outcome of the workshop, various studies are proposed to provide data to improve the utility of currently available assays for cancer hazard identification and risk assessment purposes.

Animals↗

Exosomes derived from genetically modified DC expressing FasL are anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive.

We previously have demonstrated the ability of primary murine bone marrow-derived DC (BM-DC), genetically modified by adenoviral infection to express FasL, to inhibit progression of established collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) following systemic delivery. Here we demonstrate that exosomes derived from genetically modified BM-DC expressing FasL are able to inhibit inflammation in a murine footpad model of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH). Local administration of exosomes derived from DC expressing FasL (Exo/FasL) as well as the parental DC/FasL resulted in a significant reduction in swelling in both the treated and the untreated distal paw. However, both the DC/FasL and the Exo/FasL were unable to suppress the DTH response in lpr (Fas-deficient) mice. Gene transfer of FasL to BM-DC from gld (FasL-deficient) mice resulted in restoration of the ability of DC as well as DC-derived exosomes to suppress DTH. The ability of DC-derived exosomes and DC to suppress DTH responses was antigen specific and MHC class II dependent, but class I independent. The injected exosomes were found to be internalized into CD11c(+) cells at the site of injection and in the draining popliteal lymph node. Systemic injection of exosome/FasL into mice with established CIA resulted in significant disease amelioration. These results demonstrate that both systemic and local administration of exosomes derived from FasL-expressing DC are able to suppress antigen-specific immune responses through an MHC class II-dependent pathway, resulting in effective and sustained treatment of established collagen-induced arthritis and suppression of the DTH inflammatory response. These results suggest that DC/FasL-derived exosomes could be used clinically for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Animals↗

Ex vivo MR determined apparent diffusion coefficients correlate with motor recovery mediated by intraspinal transplants of fibroblasts genetically modified to express BDNF.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) in ex vivo spinal cord white matter, calculated from diffusion weighted MR (DWI) images, correlate with axonal growth and behavioral recovery following subtotal hemisection and transplantation of fibroblasts genetically modified to express brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These genetically modified fibroblasts have been shown to promote axonal growth, diminish retrograde degenerative changes in axotomized Red nucleus neurons, and are associated with behavioral recovery. Since changes in ADC appear to reflect damage to axons and myelin sheaths, which conventional MR techniques do not identify, partial repair mediated by BDNF-secreting fibroblasts should be detected with ADC measures. Accordingly, we transplanted unmodified fibroblasts (Fb-UM) or fibroblasts modified to secrete BDNF (Fb-BDNF) into cervical subtotal hemisection cavities in adult rats. Rats with Fb-BDNF transplants showed significantly greater behavioral recovery over 12 weeks, as measured by tests of forelimb exploration and open field locomotor activity. Lesion sizes and transplant survival did not differ between the two groups, but immunocytochemical examination showed substantial growth of axons into the Fb-BDNF grafts and little growth into the Fb-UM grafts. Fixed spinal cords were imaged in a 9.4-T magnet. ADCs perpendicular (tADC) and parallel (lADC) to the long axis of the cord were measured in the dorsal lateral white matter, rostral and caudal to the transplant. tADC values and anisotropy index (AI = tADC/lADC) were elevated in both transplant types, indicating white matter damage, but were closer to normal in rats with Fb-BDNF, consistent with known neuroprotection and axonal growth elicited by BDNF. Closer to normal tADC and AI values correlated with improved behavioral recovery. These findings suggest that high-resolution imaging with measurement of tADC and lADC can provide a measure of functionally significant repair that may otherwise go undetected with conventional MR techniques.

Animals↗

Overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor accelerates early vascularization and improves healing of genetically modified cultured skin substitutes.

Cultured skin substitutes (CSS) lack a vascular plexus, leading to slower vascularization after grafting than split-thickness skin autograft. CSS containing keratinocytes genetically modified to overexpress vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were previously shown to exhibit enhanced vascularization up to 2 weeks after grafting to athymic mice. The present study examines whether enhanced vascularization compared with controls persists after stable engraftment is achieved and analyzes VEGF expression, wound contraction, and engraftment. Control and VEGF-modified (VEGF+) CSS were grafted onto full-thickness wounds in athymic mice. VEGF expression was detected in VEGF+ CSS 14 weeks after grafting. Graft contraction was significantly lower in VEGF+ CSS compared with controls, suggesting more stable engraftment and better tissue development. Positive HLA-ABC staining, indicating persistence of human cells, was seen in 86.7% (13/15) of grafted VEGF+ CSS, compared with 58.3% (7/12) of controls. Differences in dermal vascularization between control and VEGF+ grafts were significant 1 week after surgery, but not at later times. However, the distribution of vessels was different, with more vessels in the upper dermis of VEGF+ grafts. These results suggest that VEGF overexpression in genetically modified CSS acts to accelerate early graft vascularization and can contribute to improved healing of full-thickness skin wounds.

Adult↗

PCR-based detection of genetically modified soybean and maize in raw and highly processed foodstuffs.

The PCR method has proved to be an invaluable tool for the specific and sensitive detection of genetically modified material (e.g., Roundup Ready Soybean and Bt-176 "Maximizer" Maize) in foodstuffs. The first step in the procedure, namely the purification of nucleic acids from the sample, is often the deciding factor in the production of meaningful results. In this study, we present two procedures that enable an efficient isolation of trace amounts of genetic material from both raw and highly processed foodstuffs. We show that for optimal, PCR-ready DNA purification from highly processed foodstuffs and PCR inhibitor-rich substances--such as cocoa-containing products--adapted protocols for the QIAGEN QIAamp DNA Stool Mini Kit can be utilized. For complete DNA isolation from raw foodstuffs, a protocol using the DNeasy Plant Mini Kit is presented.

DNA Primers↗

Long-term (>7-year) parental consumption of genetically modified maize (Cry1Ab/Cry2Aj and EPSPS) induces no adverse sperm DNA methylation alterations across two generations of cynomolgus monkeys.

This study assessed the long-term safety of genetically modified (GM) maize from a male reproductive perspective, using a non-human primate model. We analyzed the sperm DNA methylation profiles in cynomolgus monkeys fed GM maize, non-GM parental maize, or a conventional diet over two generations (F0/F1). Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) revealed no significant differences in global methylation levels among groups. The identified differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were short, enriched in non-regulatory genomic areas, and did not cluster after treatment. Functional enrichment analysis showed that DMR-associated genes were consistently involved in the same core biological pathways (e.g., mTOR and Wnt signaling) across all dietary comparisons. These findings indicate that GM maize consumption did not induce specific adverse epigenetic alterations in sperm, with the observed changes reflecting common physiological adaptations to dietary variations rather than GM-related effects.

Animals↗