Abstract
The DNA target sequence is the key element in designing detection methods for genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Unfortunately this information is frequently lacking, especially for unauthorized GMOs. In addition, patent sequences are generally poorly annotated, buried in complex and extensive documentation and hard to link to the corresponding GM event. Here, we present the JRC GMO-Amplicons, a database of amplicons collected by screening public nucleotide sequence databanks by in silico determination of PCR amplification with reference methods for GMO analysis. The European Union Reference Laboratory for Genetically Modified Food and Feed (EU-RL GMFF) provides these methods in the GMOMETHODS database to support enforcement of EU legislation and GM food/feed control. The JRC GMO-Amplicons database is composed of more than 240 000 amplicons, which can be easily accessed and screened through a web interface. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt at pooling and collecting publicly available sequences related to GMOs in food and feed. The JRC GMO-Amplicons supports control laboratories in the design and assessment of GMO methods, providing inter-alia in silico prediction of primers specificity and GM targets coverage. The new tool can assist the laboratories in the analysis of complex issues, such as the detection and identification of unauthorized GMOs. Notably, the JRC GMO-Amplicons database allows the retrieval and characterization of GMO-related sequences included in patents documentation. Finally, it can help annotating poorly described GM sequences and identifying new relevant GMO-related sequences in public databases. The JRC GMO-Amplicons is freely accessible through a web-based portal that is hosted on the EU-RL GMFF website.Database URL: http://gmo-crl.jrc.ec.europa.eu/jrcgmoamplicons/
Highlights
The European Union (EU) has defined a legal framework that strictly regulates cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their marketing as food and feed [1,2,3]
Using the reference methods included in the GMOMETHODS database and the sequences from the selected public resources, the pipeline produced a set of more than 240 000 amplicons, which populate the Joint Research Centre (JRC) GMO-Amplicons database
The JRC GMO-Amplicons is the first attempt at making sequences related to GMOs publicly available
Summary
The European Union (EU) has defined a legal framework that strictly regulates cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their marketing as food and feed [1,2,3]. 882/ 2004 [4] the European Union Reference Laboratory for Genetically Modified Food and Feed (EU-RL GMFF) must provide National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) with reference methods for GMO analysis. The GMOMETHODS database only includes methods that have been validated through a collaborative trial according to the international standard ISO 5725 [6] and/or the IUPAC protocol (Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, 7). These methods have demonstrated performance characteristics in line with the criteria established by the European Network of GMO laboratories (ENGL) and can assure reliable, reproducible, sensitive and accurate determination of GMO content in food and feed. Other applications, such as the GMO Detection Method Database (GMDD, 8), do not perform such a stringent selection and cannot assure the same performance reliability for the methods that they provide
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
