Safety assessment and detection method of genetically modified Chinese Kale (Brassica oleracea cv. alboglabra )

J Agric Food Chem. 2009 Mar 11;57(5):1876-81. doi: 10.1021/jf8034644.

Abstract

Sporamins are tuberous storage proteins and account for 80% of soluble protein in sweet potato tubers with trypsin-inhibitory activity. The expression of sporamin protein in transgenic Chinese kale (line BoA 3-1) conferred insecticidal activity toward corn earworm [ Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)] in a previous report. In this study, we present a preliminary safety assessment of transgenic Chinese kale BoA 3-1. Bioinformatic and simulated gastric fluid (SGF) analyses were performed to evaluate the allergenicity of sporamin protein. The substantial equivalence between transgenic Chinese kale and its wild-type host has been demonstrated by the comparison of important constituents. A reliable real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection method was also developed to control sample quality. Despite the results of most evaluations in this study being negative, the safety of sporamin in transgenic Chinese kale BoA 3-1 was uncluded because of the allergenic risk revealed by bioinformatic analysis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brassica / chemistry
  • Brassica / genetics
  • Brassica / immunology*
  • Computational Biology
  • Consumer Product Safety*
  • Food Hypersensitivity / metabolism
  • Food Hypersensitivity / prevention & control
  • Gastric Juice / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Nutritive Value
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plant Proteins / immunology
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / chemistry
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / genetics
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / immunology*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • Plant Proteins
  • sporamin protein, Ipomoea batatas