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Genetically modified fibroblasts induce angiogenesis in the rat epigastric island flap.

METHODS: Gene therapy was tested for inducing functional angiogenesis in the superficial rat epigastric island flap to allow earlier pedicle division. Autologous rat fibroblasts were grown, harvested, cultured and retrovirally transfected to produce platelet-derived growth factor AA (PDGF-AA), an angiogenetically active protein. Stable gene expression was monitored by PDGF-AA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). One hundred and eighty animals were divided into three groups (I-III) and a bilateral flap created in each animal. In all experiments, the right-sided flap was subjected to experimental treatment and the left-sided flap served as control (1ml saline 0.9%). During flap elevation, group I received 5X10(6) GMFB (genetically modified fibroblasts) plus 1 ml Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium. Group II was treated with 5x10(6) NMFB (non-modified fibroblasts) plus 1 ml medium and group III received 1 ml medium only. The flaps were sutured back and the vascular pedicle was bilaterally ligated and divided in each of ten animals during the following 6 days. After 7 days, the flaps were harvested, the amount of necrosis measured and histologically examined. RESULTS: The GMFB produced up to 560 times more PDGF-AA than the NMFB, measured by ELISA. The GMFB-treated flaps tolerated surgical division of the vascular pedicle significantly earlier than groups II and III. Histologically, fibroblasts persisted in all flaps of groups I and II, without major inflammatory reaction. In all GMFB-treated flaps, massive angiogenesis could be demonstrated. CONCLUSION: By means of retroviral gene transfer, autologous rat fibroblasts can be genetically modified for stable expression of the PDGF-A gene to produce high amounts of PDGF-AA, which is angiogenetically active. After injection into the panniculus carnosus, these cells induce functional angiogenesis to permit earlier division of the vascular pedicle in this flap model.

Animals↗

Reactions to genetically modified food crops and how perception of risks and benefits influences consumers' information gathering.

Previous research has reported strong consumer perception that genetically modified (GM) food crops may lead to adverse outcomes in a number of different areas. This is despite the widespread promulgation of the potential benefits and opportunities ascribed to the same technology by many scientists and other experts. A computer-based information gathering and evaluation task was completed by 198 adults to assess the extent to which their initial focus on the dangers or opportunities of genetic modification, or both, could be ascribed to the manner in which they gathered information on the topic (heuristically vs. systematically). Results did not confirm the hypothesis that initial focus (risks, benefits, or both) predicted ongoing information gathering and evaluation behavior. Moreover, also contrary to prediction, most participants primarily used systematic strategies when deriving their initial position, regardless of that opinion. Participants found it difficult to achieve a balanced perspective on GM food crop, even though balanced argument, as measured by order of story selection and time spent reading, was preferred as the source of information. Perceived importance is probably the most influential variable determining information gathering about issues or events to which a level of risk is attached.

Adult↗

Effect of diets containing genetically modified potatoes expressing Galanthus nivalis lectin on rat small intestine.

Diets containing genetically modified (GM) potatoes expressing the lectin Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA) had variable effects on different parts of the rat gastrointestinal tract. Some effects, such as the proliferation of the gastric mucosa, were mainly due to the expression of the GNA transgene. However, other parts of the construct or the genetic transformation (or both) could also have contributed to the overall biological effects of the GNA-GM potatoes, particularly on the small intestine and caecum.

Animals↗

Reliable detection and identification of genetically modified maize, soybean, and canola by multiplex PCR analysis.

Multiplex PCR procedures were developed for simultaneously detecting multiple target sequences in genetically modified (GM) soybean (Roundup Ready), maize (event 176, Bt11, Mon810, T14/25), and canola (GT73, HCN92/28, MS8/RF3, Oxy 235). Internal control targets (invertase gene in corn, lectin and beta-actin genes in soybean, and cruciferin gene in canola) were included as appropriate to assess the efficiency of all reactions, thereby eliminating any false negatives. Primer combinations that allowed the identification of specific lines were used. In one system of identification, simultaneous amplification profiling (SAP), rather than target specific detection, was used for the identification of four GM maize lines. SAP is simple and has the potential to identify both approved and nonapproved GM lines. The template concentration was identified as a critical factor affecting efficient multiplex PCRs. In canola, 75 ng of DNA template was more effective than 50 ng of DNA for the simultaneous amplification of all targets in a reaction volume of 25 microL. Reliable identification of GM canola was achieved at a DNA concentration of 3 ng/microL, and at 0.1% for GM soybean, indicating high levels of sensitivity. Nonspecific amplification was utilized in this study as a tool for specific and reliable identification of one line of GM maize. The primer cry1A 4-3' (antisense primer) recognizes two sites on the DNA template extracted from GM transgenic maize containing event 176 (European corn borer resistant), resulting in the amplification of products of 152 bp (expected) and 485 bp (unexpected). The latter fragment was sequenced and confirmed to be Cry1A specific. The systems described herein represent simple, accurate, and sensitive GMO detection methods in which only one reaction is necessary to detect multiple GM target sequences that can be reliably used for the identification of specific lines of GMOs.

Brassica napus↗

Weed seed resources for birds in fields with contrasting conventional and genetically modified herbicide-tolerant crops.

The UK Farm Scale Evaluations (FSEs) have shown that the use of broad spectrum herbicides on genetically modified herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) crops can have dramatic effects on weed seed production compared to management of conventional varieties. Here, we use FSE data and information on bird diets to determine how GMHT cropping might change the food resources available to farmland birds. More than 60 fields of each of four crops, spring- and winter-sown oilseed rape, beet and maize, were split, one half being sown with a conventional variety, the other with a GMHT variety. Seed rain from weeds known to be important in the diets of 17 granivorous farmland bird species was measured under the two treatments. In beet and spring oilseed rape, rain of weed seeds important in the diets of 16 bird species was significantly reduced in GMHT compared to conventional halves; for no species did it increase. In winter oilseed rape, rain of weed seeds important in the diets of 10 species was significantly reduced in GMHT halves; for only one species did it increase significantly. By contrast, in maize, rain of weed seeds important in the diets of seven species was significantly greater in GMHT halves; for no species was it reduced. Treatment effects for the total weed seed energy available to each bird species were very similar to those for seed rain alone. Measuring the effects on individual bird species was outside the scope of this study. Despite this, these results suggest that should beet, spring and winter rape crops in the UK be largely replaced by GMHT varieties and managed as in the FSEs, this would markedly reduce important food resources for farmland birds, many of which declined during the last quarter of the twentieth century. By contrast, GMHT maize would be beneficial to farmland birds.

Animals↗

[Detection of genetically modified organisms obtained from food samples ].

Genetially modified organisms (GMOs) were explored in food samples obtained from November 2000 to March 2003 in the Tokyo area by using PCR and real-time PCR techniques. The existence of Roundup Ready Soybean (RRS) was surveyed in processed foods derived from soybeans, such as tofu, boiled soybean, kinako, nama-age, abura-age, natto, miso, soymilk and yuba. RRS was detected in 3 of 37 tofu, 2 of 3 nama-age, 2 of 3 yuba and 3 of 3 abura-age samples. The CBH351 in 70 processed corn foods, NewLeaf Plus and NewLeaf Y in 50 processed potato foods, and 55-1 papaya in 16 papayas were surveyed. These GMOs were not detected among the samples. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of RRS and genetically modified (GM) corn were performed in soybean, corn and semi-processed corn products such as corn meal, corn flour and corn grits. RRS was detected in 42 of 178 soybean samples, and the amount of RRS in RRS-positive samples was determined. The content was in the range of 0.1-1.4% in identity-preserved soybeans (non-GMO), and 49.8-78.8% in non-segregated soybeans. On the other hand, GM corns were detected in 8 of 26 samples. The amount of GM corn in GM corn-positive samples was in the range of 0.1-2.0%.

Carica↗

High-throughput double quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction for determination of genetically modified organisms.

Quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR), especially the double competitive PCR methods (DC-PCR), have evolved as reliable approaches to quantification of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in food. However, DC-PCR is a low-throughput method because it requires titration of each sample with various amounts of a competitive internal standard, a protocol that involves several PCRs per sample followed by electrophoresis and densitometry. To address this drawback, we have developed a new method for GMO quantification, namely, a high-throughput double quantitative competitive PCR (HT-DCPCR). In HT-DCPCR, electrophoresis and densitometry are replaced by a rapid, microtiter well-based bioluminometric hybridization assay and there is no need for titration of each sample. The determination of GM soya was chosen as a model. We have constructed internal standards (DNA competitors) both for the 35S promoter sequence and for a plant-specific reference gene (lectin). The competitors have identical size and share the same primer binding sites with the target sequences but differ in a 24-bp internal segment. Each target sequence (35S and lectin) is coamplified with a constant amount (1000 copies) of the respective competitor. The four amplified fragments are hybridized with specific probes and captured on a universal solid phase to achieve simplicity and high throughput. The hybrids are determined by using streptavidin conjugated to the photoprotein aequorin. The ratio of the luminescence values obtained for the target and the competitor is linearly related to the starting amount of target DNA. The limit of quantification for the 35S promoter is 24 copies. The proposed method was evaluated by determining the GMO content of soybean powder certified reference materials. Also HT-DCPCR was compared to real-time PCR in a variety of real samples.

Calibration↗

Detection of genetically modified organisms in foods by DNA amplification techniques.

In this article, the different DNA amplification techniques that are being used for detecting genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in foods are examined. This study intends to provide an updated overview (including works published till June 2002) on the principal applications of such techniques together with their main advantages and drawbacks in GMO detection in foods. Some relevant facts on sampling, DNA isolation, and DNA amplification methods are discussed. Moreover; these analytical protocols are discuissed from a quantitative point of view, including the newest investigations on multiplex detection of GMOs in foods and validation of methods.

DNA, Plant↗

Genetically modified cotton and farmers' health in China.

This study provides the first evidence of a direct link between the adoption of a genetically modified (GM) crop and improvements in human health. Estimation of the impact of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton adoption on pesticide use from data from a survey of cotton farmers in northern China, 1999-2001, showed that Bt cotton adoption reduced pesticide use. Assessment of a health-production function showed that predicted pesticide use had a positive impact on poisoning incidence. Taken together, these results indicate that the adoption of Bt cotton can substantially reduce the risk and the incidence of poisonings.

Agriculture↗

Genetically Modified and Gene-Edited Organisms-Objectives, Public Perception and Applications.

Genetic modification and genome editing have become important tools in agriculture, animal production, biotechnology, and human medicine, but their safety and societal acceptance remain subjects of debate. This review examines genetically modified (GM) and gene-edited organisms, distinguishing transgenesis from precision genome editing technologies, including CRISPR/Cas9, base editing, and prime editing. Representative applications in crops, livestock, pharmaceutical production, and xenotransplantation are discussed, together with their regulatory framework and public perception. Current scientific assessments indicate that approved GM foods are not inherently more hazardous to human health than their conventional counterparts when evaluated case by case. Potential benefits include improved nutritional quality, biofortification, disease resistance, increased agricultural efficiency, production of therapeutic proteins, and applications in animal health and medicine. Possible concerns include allergenicity, toxicity, unintended genetic or phenotypic effects, altered nutritional composition, environmental consequences, animal welfare issues, and uncertainties associated with long-term or large-scale deployment. Public acceptance varies substantially according to geographical region, application, cultural and ethical considerations, regulatory environment, scientific literacy, and institutional trust. Overall, GM and gene-edited organisms should not be considered a homogeneous category. Their benefits, risks, and societal acceptability depend on the specific organism, genetic modification, intended trait, and context of use, supporting a balanced, evidence-based, and case-specific approach.

acceptance↗

Effects of genetically modified herbicide-tolerant cropping systems on weed seedbanks in two years of following crops.

The Farm Scale Evaluations (FSEs) showed that genetically modified herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) cropping systems could influence farmland biodiversity because of their effects on weed biomass and seed production. Recently published results for winter oilseed rape showed that a switch to GMHT crops significantly affected weed seedbanks for at least 2 years after the crops were sown, potentially causing longer-term effects on other taxa. Here, we seek evidence for similar medium-term effects on weed seedbanks following spring-sown GMHT crops, using newly available data from the FSEs. Weed seedbanks following GMHT maize were significantly higher than following conventional varieties for both the first and second years, while by contrast, seedbanks following GMHT spring oilseed rape were significantly lower over this period. Seedbanks following GMHT beet were smaller than following conventional crops in the first year after the crops had been sown, but this difference was much reduced by the second year for reasons that are not clear. These new data provide important empirical evidence for longer-term effects of GMHT cropping on farmland biodiversity.

Agriculture↗

Invertebrate responses to the management of genetically modified herbicide-tolerant and conventional spring crops. II. Within-field epigeal and aerial arthropods.

The effects of the management of genetically modified herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) crops on the abundances of aerial and epigeal arthropods were assessed in 66 beet, 68 maize and 67 spring oilseed rape sites as part of the Farm Scale Evaluations of GMHT crops. Most higher taxa were insensitive to differences between GMHT and conventional weed management, but significant effects were found on the abundance of at least one group within each taxon studied. Numbers of butterflies in beet and spring oilseed rape and of Heteroptera and bees in beet were smaller under the relevant GMHT crop management, whereas the abundance of Collembola was consistently greater in all GMHT crops. Generally, these effects were specific to each crop type, reflected the phenology and ecology of the arthropod taxa, were indirect and related to herbicide management. These results apply generally to agriculture across Britain, and could be used in mathematical models to predict the possible long-term effects of the widespread adoption of GMHT technology. The results for bees and butterflies relate to foraging preferences and might or might not translate into effects on population densities, depending on whether adoption leads to forage reductions over large areas. These species, and the detritivore Collembola, may be useful indicator species for future studies of GMHT management.

Agriculture↗

Qualitative and quantitative PCR methods for event-specific detection of genetically modified cotton Mon1445 and Mon531.

Based on the DNA sequences of the junctions between recombinant and cotton genomic DNA of the two genetically modified (GM) cotton varieties, herbicide-tolerance Mon1445 and insect-resistant Mon531, event-specific primers and probes for qualitative and quantitative PCR detection for both GM cotton varieties were designed, and corresponding detection methods were developed. In qualitative PCR detection, the simplex and multiplex PCR detection systems were established and employed to identify Mon1445 and Mon531 from other GM cottons and crops. The limits of detection (LODs) of the simplex PCR were 0.05% for both Mon1445 and Mon531 using 100 ng DNA templates in one reaction, and the LOD of multiplex PCR analysis was 0.1%. For further quantitative detection using TaqMan real-time PCR systems for Mon1445 and Mon531, one plasmid pMD-ECS, used as reference molecule was constructed, which contained the quantitative amplified fragments of Mon1445, Mon531, and cotton endogenous reference gene. The limits of quantification (LOQs) of Mon1445 and Mon531 event-specific PCR systems using plasmid pMD-ECS as reference molecule were 10 copies, and the quantification range was from 0.03 to 100% in 100 ng of the DNA template for one reaction. Thereafter, five mixed cotton samples containing 0, 0.5, 0.9, 3 and 5% Mon1445 or Mon531 were quantified using established real-time PCR systems to evaluate the accuracy and precision of the developed real-time PCR detection systems. The accuracy expressed as bias varied from 1.33 to 8.89% for tested Mon1445 cotton samples, and from 2.67 to 6.80% for Mon531. The precision expressed as relative standard deviations (RSD) were different from 1.13 to 30.00% for Mon1445 cotton, and from 1.27 to 24.68% for Mon531. The range of RSD was similar to other laboratory results (25%). Concluded from above results, we believed that the established event-specific qualitative and quantitative PCR systems for Mon1445 and Mon531 in this study are acceptable and suitable for GM cotton identification and quantification.

Animals↗

Critical points of DNA quantification by real-time PCR--effects of DNA extraction method and sample matrix on quantification of genetically modified organisms.

BACKGROUND: Real-time PCR is the technique of choice for nucleic acid quantification. In the field of detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) quantification of biotech products may be required to fulfil legislative requirements. However, successful quantification depends crucially on the quality of the sample DNA analyzed. Methods for GMO detection are generally validated on certified reference materials that are in the form of powdered grain material, while detection in routine laboratories must be performed on a wide variety of sample matrixes. Due to food processing, the DNA in sample matrixes can be present in low amounts and also degraded. In addition, molecules of plant origin or from other sources that affect PCR amplification of samples will influence the reliability of the quantification. Further, the wide variety of sample matrixes presents a challenge for detection laboratories. The extraction method must ensure high yield and quality of the DNA obtained and must be carefully selected, since even components of DNA extraction solutions can influence PCR reactions. GMO quantification is based on a standard curve, therefore similarity of PCR efficiency for the sample and standard reference material is a prerequisite for exact quantification. Little information on the performance of real-time PCR on samples of different matrixes is available. RESULTS: Five commonly used DNA extraction techniques were compared and their suitability for quantitative analysis was assessed. The effect of sample matrix on nucleic acid quantification was assessed by comparing 4 maize and 4 soybean matrixes. In addition 205 maize and soybean samples from routine analysis were analyzed for PCR efficiency to assess variability of PCR performance within each sample matrix. Together with the amount of DNA needed for reliable quantification, PCR efficiency is the crucial parameter determining the reliability of quantitative results, therefore it was chosen as the primary criterion by which to evaluate the quality and performance on different matrixes and extraction techniques. The effect of PCR efficiency on the resulting GMO content is demonstrated. CONCLUSION: The crucial influence of extraction technique and sample matrix properties on the results of GMO quantification is demonstrated. Appropriate extraction techniques for each matrix need to be determined to achieve accurate DNA quantification. Nevertheless, as it is shown that in the area of food and feed testing matrix with certain specificities is impossible to define strict quality controls need to be introduced to monitor PCR. The results of our study are also applicable to other fields of quantitative testing by real-time PCR.

DNA, Plant↗

Safety assessment for genetically modified sweet pepper and tomato.

The coat protein (CP) gene of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) was cloned from a Chinese CMV isolate, the CaMV promoter and NOS terminator added and the gene construct was transformed into both sweet pepper and tomato plants to confer resistance to CMV. Safety assessments of these genetically modified (GM) plants were conducted. It was found that these two GM products showed no genotoxicity either in vitro or in vivo by the micronucleus test, sperm aberration test and Ames test. Animal feeding studies showed no significant differences in growth, body weight gain, food consumption, hematology, blood biochemical indices, organ weights and histopathology between rats or mice of either sex fed with either GM sweet pepper or tomato diets compared with those with non-GM diets. These results demonstrate that the CMV-resistant sweet pepper and tomato are comparable to the non-GM counterparts in terms of food safety.

Animals↗

Healing of critically sized femoral defects, using genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells from human adipose tissue.

The FDA has approved the clinical use of recombinant bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). However, the use of recombinant BMPs in humans has required large doses of the proteins to be effective, which suggests that the delivery method of bone morphogenetic proteins needs to be optimized. Gene therapy is an alternative method to deliver such recombinant proteins, and gene transfer techniques have been tested on a variety of cell types including bone marrow cells, skin fibroblasts, peripheral blood monocytes, and muscle-derived cells. In this study, we sought to determine the ability of BMP-2-producing human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells to heal a critically sized femoral defect in a nude rat model. After approval by the human subjects protection committee, human adipose tissue was obtained from healthy donors. The lipoaspirate was processed as previously described (De Ugarte, D.A., et al. Cells Tissues Organs 174, 101, 2003). Cells were grown in culture and infected with a BMP-2-carrying adenovirus. Five million cells were applied to a collagen- ceramic carrier and implanted into femoral defects as previously described (Zuk, P.A., et al. Mol. Biol. 13, 4279, 2002). All animals were killed at 8 weeks. Femora were dissected out and underwent radiographic, histologic, and biomechanical analysis. Eleven of the 12 femora in the group treated with human processed lipoaspirate (HPLA) cells genetically modified to overexpress BMP-2 had healed at 8 weeks. This was assessed by radiographs, by mechanical testing, and by histology. The one femur that did not heal had a subacute infection. All eight of the femora treated with the rhBMP-2-impregnated collagen-ceramic carrier healed. No statistically significant difference was detected between these two groups. Evaluation of the control groups: group II (collagen- ceramic carrier with HPLA cells) and group III (collagen-ceramic carrier alone) showed that none of the femora had healed by 8 weeks. Our results indicate that HPLA cells genetically modified by adenoviral gene transfer to overexpress BMP-2 can induce bone formation in vivo and heal a critically sized femoral defect in an athymic rat. The HPLA cells alone did not induce significant bone formation. However, when combined with an osteoinductive factor these cells may be an effective method for enhancing bone healing and the tissue engineering of bone.

Adenoviridae↗

Immortalized rat astrocyte strain genetically modified by rat preprogalanin gene.

To construct an immortalized rat astrocyte strain genetically modified by rat preprogalanin gene (IAST/GAL) and detect its galanin (GAL) expression and secretion, a cDNA fragment of rat GAL in plasmid of pBS KS(+)-GAL was inserted into eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1 (+) by DNA recombinant technology, then the restriction enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing were carried out to evaluate the recombinant. The pcDNA3.1 (+)-GAL and pcDNA3.1 (+) construct were transfected into immortalized rat astrocyte strain (IAST) by lipofectamine and the population of cells which stably integrated the construct was selected with 600 microg/mL G418. Individual clones were screened and expanded into clonal cell strains. Detection of Neo gene was used to validate the success of the transfection. Immunocytochemical staining, RT-PCR and radioimmunoassay were used to detect the expression and secretion level of GAL. The recombinant had been successfully constructed by restriction enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing. Detection of Neo gene showed that the pcDNA3.1 (+)-GAL and pcDNA3.1 (+) have been successfully transfected into IAST. After selection by using G418, IAST/GAL and IAST/Neo cell strains were obtained. IAST/GAL, IAST/Neo and IAST were immunostained positively for GAL, but the GAL average optical density of IAST/GAL was significantly higher than that of IAST/Neo and IAST (P< 0.01). The level of GAL mRNA expression and the supernatant concentration of GAL in cultured IAST/GAL were significantly higher than those of IAST and IAST/Neo (P<0.01), but no significant differences were found between the IAST and IAST/Neo (P>0.05). It was concluded that IAST/GAL strain was constructed successfully and it might provide a basis for the further study of pain therapy.

Animals↗