Safety evaluation of horizontal gene transfer from genetically modified organisms to the microflora of the food chain and human gut

PROPOSAL: QLK1-1999-00527 ACRONYM GMOBILITY
AREA: FP5 - QoL, 5/ 1:Food, Nutrition and Health 1 - Development of safe and flexible and new and/or improved manufacturing processes and technologies Call number / date: 1b
PROJECT TYPE: Shared Cost EU CONTRIBUTION: 1,710,000
STARTING DATE: 2000-02-01 DURATION: 36 months

Coordinator: Dr. J. van der Vossen, TNO Nutrition and Food Research Inst., Dept. Microbiology & Quality Managm., P.O. Box 360, NL -3700 AJ, Zeist, The Netherlands, Email: vandervossen@voeding.tno.nl

Project Description:
The principal aims of the project proposed here, is to provide a risk evaluation based on scientific knowledge and evidence concerning the frequencies and consequences of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of marker genes to bacteria present in the food chain and human microflora as a basis for the safety evaluation of transgenic crops and microorganism in food. Apart from analysis of transfer frequencies, hazards will be identified, exposure data will be collected and the impact will be addressed to quantify the risk of HGT and to be conclusive. Therefore, data on transfer frequencies will be related to the nature of the transgenic food, the stability of DNA in the food matrix, and the gastrointestinal tract, the daily intake of a transgenic food, the frequency of a particular gene in nature, and the relevance of a particular marker gene in terms of selective pressure. In addition, the project will also focus on standardisation of methods and systems used for the safety evaluation of transgenic food with respect to HGT. EXPECTED RESULTS Expected results are: Data on HGT between different donors (GMO-plants and -micro-organisms) and recipient bacteria mimicking the "worst case" scenario; Sensitive monitoring systems to detect HGT; Data on the survival of GMO-bacteria and the stability of DNA, and the development of natural competence for transformation in food, in vitro and in vivo gut model systems; Data on HGT in simple ecosystems (specific recipient bacteria) and complex ecosystems (normal microflora); Validated model systems for analysing HGT; Risk evaluation and exposure assessment. APPLICATIONS The data collected will be used for the assessment of the contribution of the HGT from GMO's to the spread of newly introduced DNA such as antibiotic resistance genes in nature in relation to the spread of these genes as result of the therapeutic, prophylactic and growth promoting use of antibiotics. All information collected in this project can be used for the evaluation of new GMO food products intended to be introduced on the market. Validated model systems (food and GI tract) will be a basic achievement that become available for testing of new GMO food products with respect to HGT.

Project URL: http://www.rikilt.dlo.nl/euprojects/ENTRANSFOODoud/GMOBILITY/gmobility.html

Consortium:
Co-ordinator: Department: TNO Nutrition And Food Research Institute Organisation: Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research 48 Utrechtseweg 48 Postbus 360 3700 AJ ZEIST NETHERLANDS Participants Organisation: Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) 147 rue de l'Université 75341 Paris FRANCE Organisation: Universitat Hohenheim Schloss 1 Postfach 70 05 62 70593 STUTTGART GERMANY Organisation: Universitat Wien Dr Karl Lueger - Ring 1 1010 WIEN AUSTRIA Department: INSTITUTE OF FOOD SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY Organisation: Danish Veterinary and Food Administration Moerkhoej Bygade 19 2860 SOEBORG DENMARK Department: FOOD HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND VACUUM PHYSICS Organisation: Agricultural Research Department Bornsesteeg 45 6708 PD Wageningen NETHERLANDS


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