Development of a Systematic qPCR Array for Screening GM Soybeans

Abstract

A screening method using the 35S promoter and nos terminator for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is not sufficient to cover all GM soybean events. In this study, a real-time polymerase chain reaction (also known as quantitative polymerase chain reaction, qPCR) array targeting eight screening assays combined with a prediction system was developed for the rapid tracking of GM soybeans. Each assay’s specificity was tested and confirmed using 17 GM soybean events that have been approved in Korea. The sensitivity of each assay was determined to range from 0.01% to 0.05% using DNA mixtures with different GM ratios, and it was validated by the results of three experimenters. The applicability of this study was tested by monitoring 23 processed foods containing soybeans. It was figured out that 13 of the 23 samples included GM soybeans. The prediction system combined with screening results will be helpful to trace the absence/presence of GM soybean events. This new qPCR array and prediction system for GM soybean detection provides rapid, convenient and reliable results to users.

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction: Current Techniques, Applications, and Role in COVID-19 Diagnosis

“…Recently, a systematic real-time PCR array combined with a prediction system for rapid tracking of genetically modified soybeans has been developed. A total of 16 promoters, 15 terminators, and 21 genes were employed for the development of the screening assays [ 32 ]. The genetic elements targeted include p35S, tNOS, pRbcS4, tE9, pat gene, and lectin gene.…”

“…The genetic elements targeted include p35S, tNOS, pRbcS4, tE9, pat gene, and lectin gene. The method has been successfully tested using 17 genetically modified soybean events and 23 processed foods and could be applied to trace the absence or presence of genetically modified soybean events [ 32 ]. Real-time PCR can also be utilized to detect unauthorized genetically engineered microorganisms by targeting the cat , aadD or tet-l genes [ 33 ].…”

Polymerase chain reaction: a powerful analytical tool in the field of food safety

“…GMO modifications have been introduced in most popular crops. Different PCR-based methods were developed to detect GMO material in cotton (Randhawa et al 2013), maize (Mano et al 2010), papaya (Yamaguchi et al 2006), pepper, tomato, eggplant, potato (Chaouachi et al 2008), rapeseed (canola) (Lee et al 2021), rice (Safaei et al 2019), soya bean (Park et al 2021), squash (Green et al 2004), sugar beet (Chaouachi et al 2013), watermelon (Bi et al 2019) and wheat (Terzi et al 2003). European Union Reference Laboratory for Genetically Modified Food and Feed (EURL GMFF) authorized few PCR assays for EU legal purposes (European Commission, GMO, 2023).…”