Real-time PCR array as a universal platform for the detection of genetically modified crops and its application in identifying unapproved genetically modified crops in Japan

J Agric Food Chem. 2009 Jan 14;57(1):26-37. doi: 10.1021/jf802551h.

Abstract

We developed a novel type of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array with TaqMan chemistry as a platform for the comprehensive and semiquantitative detection of genetically modified (GM) crops. Thirty primer-probe sets for the specific detection of GM lines, recombinant DNA (r-DNA) segments, endogenous reference genes, and donor organisms were synthesized, and a 96-well PCR plate was prepared with a different primer-probe in each well as the real-time PCR array. The specificity and sensitivity of the array were evaluated. A comparative analysis with the data and publicly available information on GM crops approved in Japan allowed us to assume the possibility of unapproved GM crop contamination. Furthermore, we designed a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet application, Unapproved GMO Checker version 2.01, which helps process all the data of real-time PCR arrays for the easy assumption of unapproved GM crop contamination. The spreadsheet is available free of charge at http://cse.naro.affrc.go.jp/jmano/index.html .

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Crops, Agricultural / genetics*
  • DNA, Plant / analysis
  • DNA, Recombinant / analysis
  • Edible Grain / genetics
  • Food Contamination / analysis
  • Japan
  • Legislation, Food
  • Plants, Genetically Modified*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • DNA, Plant
  • DNA, Recombinant