Call Prefix : PR-AM

Call Suffix : 1998

Call Cutter : BIC48

Location : SEARCA Library

Format : Printed

Publisher : Ministry of Economic Affairs,

Publication Date : January 1998

Publication Place : The Hague, The Netherlands :

Summary : A mRNA fingerprinting method was set up to screen for unintended changes in the mRNA population and thus unintended changes in gene expression in the genetically modified crop plant compared to the parent line. This mRNA fingerprinting method consists of three subsequent steps: 1) RNA isolation, 2) reverse transcription (RT) and 3) a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) step. It was investigated whether this method can be used as a routine screening method to detect unintended side effects in gene expression in specific tissues of the food crop as a result of the genetic modification. The tomato was selected as the model crop for the development of the method. It was shown that the method can be set up and performed in a reproducible way. Differences between red and green tomatoes are represented by different banding patterns and the reproducible patterns of different lines of red tomatoes (transgenic or non-transgenic, commercial or experimental variety) show a large degree of homology. On the other hand, it was shown that the method largely depends on individual skill based on routine and is time-consuming, even in its most simplified form