Comparative regulatory approaches for new plant breeding techniques - Workshop Proceedings

The JRC-IPTS organized a workshop on "Comparative approaches for new plant breeding techniques" in September 2011. In this workshop, the regulatory framework for biotechnology derived crops with specific focus on approaches for new plant breeding techniques in Argentina, Australia, Canada, the European Union, Japan and South Africa was presented by experts from these countries. Additionally, experts discussed approaches and decisions for specific groups of new plant breeding techniques. Whereas, in Canada products derived through biotechnology are treated as any other novel products (plants with novel traits, PNTs), specific biotechnology or GMO legislation was introduced in the other five countries. Experience with the regulation of crops obtained by new plant breeding techniques is very limited globally. While initial decisions have already been taken in a few countries, discussions have only just started in others. Deviating decisions (between countries and between techniques) have to be expected.JRC.J.4-Agriculture and Life Sciences in the Econom

New plant breeding techniques. State-of-the-art and prospects for commercial development

Harmonised EU legislation regulating organisms produced by modern bio-techniques (GMOs) goes back to the year 1990 and the definition of GMOs was not up-dated since. During the last decade new plant-breeding techniques have been developed. The Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS) of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission in cooperation with the JRC's Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (IHCP) has reviewed the state-of-the-art of these technologies, their level of development and their current adoption by the breeding sector and prospects for a future commercialisation of crops based on them. The technologies discussed included cisgenesis, intragenesis (technologies using transformation with genetic material restricted to the species' own gene-pool), emerging techniques to induce controlled mutagenesis or insertion (ODM, Zinc Finger Nuclease technologies 1-3) and other applications such as grafting on GM rootstocks or reverse breeding. The following methods were used in the study: literature and patent searches, search in a database of field trials, a survey directed to plant breeders and a workshop with participants from public and private sector. Additionally challenges for the detection of these techniques were evaluated. The study showed that the development of these techniques is differently advanced. Technical advantages, but also challenges for the commercialisation (technical constraints, acceptance and regulation) have been identified.JRC.DDG.J.5-Agriculture and Life Sciences in the Econom

"International workshop on socio-economic impacts of genetically modified crops co-organised by JRC-IPTS and FAO"

This JRC Scientific and Technical report provides proceedings of the "International workshop on socio-economic impacts of genetically modified (GM) crops" which was co-organised by JRC-IPTS and FAO in Seville on 23-24 November 2011. JRC-IPTS has been requested to review for policy makers the main findings of scientists active in this field world-wide in co-operation with FAO. The objective of this workshop, which was directed at socio-economic experts from the Competent Authorities of the EU Member States and staff from the EC, was to start the technical discussions between the Member States and the Commission to define factors and indicators allowing a proper capture of the impacts of GMOs in the EU. The workshop covered the following topics: Session 1: Adoption of GM crop varieties and socio-economic impacts on farmers Session 2: Aggregated and global impacts of GM technology in agriculture Session 3: Economics of segregation/coexistence of supply chains Session 4: Socio economic impacts of GM crops: examples of use in decision-making Session 5: Economic compensation, liability issues and institutional framework influencing adoption of GM crops Session 6: Research on consumer attitudes, direct/indirect impacts of GM crops on consumers including health issues Session 7: Looking forward: New GM crops in the pipeline and their possible economic and social impactsJRC.J.4-Agriculture and Life Sciences in the Econom

Role for Chromatin Remodeling Factor Chd1 in Learning and Memory

Precise temporal and spatial regulation of gene expression in the brain is a prerequisite for cognitive processes such as learning and memory. Epigenetic mechanisms that modulate the chromatin structure have emerged as important regulators in this context. While posttranslational modification of histones or the modification of DNA bases have been examined in detail in many studies, the role of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factors (ChRFs) in learning- and memory-associated gene regulation has largely remained obscure. Here we present data that implicate the highly conserved chromatin assembly and remodeling factor Chd1 in memory formation and the control of immediate early gene (IEG) response in the hippocampus. We used various paradigms to assess short-and long-term memory in mice bearing a mutated Chd1 gene that gives rise to an N-terminally truncated protein. Our data demonstrate that the Chd1 mutation negatively affects long-term object recognition and short- and long-term spatial memory. We found that Chd1 regulates hippocampal expression of the IEG early growth response 1 (Egr1) and activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated (Arc) but not cFos and brain derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf), because the Chd1-mutation led to dysregulation of Egr1 and Arc expression in naive mice and in mice analyzed at different stages of object location memory (OLM) testing. Of note, Chd1 likely regulates Egr1 in a direct manner, because chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed enrichment of Chd1 upon stimulation at the Egr1 genomic locus in the hippocampus and in cultured cells. Together these data support a role for Chd1 as a critical regulator of molecular mechanisms governing memory-related processes, and they show that this function involves the N-terminal serine-rich region of the protein

Comparative Regulatory Approaches for new Plant Breeding Techniques

When the first transgenic plants reached the stage of commercialisation, the existing legislation was regarded as insufficient to regulate these new crops in many countries and governments introduced biotechnology or GMO (genetically modified organisms) legislation in the 1980s or 1990s. In the meantime new plant breeding techniques (NPBTs) which deploy biotechnology have been developed and in countries where GMOs are regulated under specific legislation the question arises if these NPBTs should be classified as techniques of genetic modification. In 2010 the Joint Research Centre (JRC) carried out a study on "New plant breeding techniques: state-of-the-art and prospects for commercial development" which covered the following techniques: zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) technology, oligonucleotide directed mutagenesis (ODM), cisgenesis, intragenesis, RNA-dependent DNA methylation (RdDM), grafting on GM rootstock, reverse breeding and agro-infiltration. From a survey which was carried out in the framework of this study, it appears that all seven NPBTs are already adopted by breeders and that the most advanced crops are close to commercialisation. Two of the fields covered by the JRC study are specifically relevant for the discussion of the classification of the techniques under the GMO legislation and for the risk assessment: An evaluation of the changes in the genome of crops obtained through NPBTs shows that besides the intended changes in the genome also unintended changes have to be expected. An investigation of the analytical possibilities for crops produced with NPBTs revealed that for most of the techniques identification of the genetic modification currently is not possible. As a follow-up of the 2010 study, the IPTS organised a workshop in September 2011 to discuss the regulatory approaches for biotechnology derived crops with specific focus on NPBTs in six countries/regions (Argentina, Australia, Canada, the European Union, Japan and South Africa). Whereas, in Canada products derived through biotechnology are treated as any other novel products (plants with novel traits, PNTs), specific biotechnology or GMO legislation was introduced in the other five countries/regions. The presentations and discussions during the workshop showed that also regulatory approaches for crops obtained by new plant breeding techniques differ from country to country. The Canadian regulatory process does not need to be changed or specifically adapted for crops derived through NPBTs. In the EU and Argentina groups of experts started to evaluate whether new techniques constitute genetic modification. In Australia, the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator encourages developers to contact them with specific cases where the regulatory status is not clear. The Office has given advice on a few occasions on the interpretation of legislative provisions relevant to NPBTs. In Japan, officials from several ministries responsible for regulating GMOs meet for the purposes of consulting and coordinating their activities under the national biotechnology legislation including issues relating to NPBTs. The South African participant in the workshop stated that initial considerations concerning NPBTs have started following the invitation to the JRC workshop In the workshop, decisions and preliminary considerations were discussed for four groups of NPBTs: (i) mutagenesis, (ii) cisgenesis/intragenesis (iii) transgenic construct driven breeding and (iv) others (agro-infiltration and grafting on GM rootstock). Deviating decisions have to be expected in the countries represented in the workshop depending on the regulatory approaches and specifically on the different GMO definitions and their interpretation.JRC.J.4-Agriculture and Life Sciences in the Econom

Desempenho de Ankistrodesmus gracilis (Reischi) Korsikov (Chlorophyta) cultivada em três meios de cultura em laboratório

A microalga A. gracilis é conhecida pela sua capacidade de ser usada em nutrição de organismos aquáticos. Alguns estudos relatam que a adição de vitamina junto ao meio de cultura promove uma melhora nas condições do cultivo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho da microalga Chlorophyceae, Ankistrodesmus gracilis, em condições controladas em três diferentes meios de cultura, sendo um comercial (CHU12) e dois alternativos (NPK (20:5:20) e Macrófita + NPK) durante o período de 28 dias de cultivo para cada meio. O experimento foi realizado em recipientes de 13L durante 28 dias, com luminosidade constante de 60 ?mol m-2 s-1 e para cada recipiente foram adicionados 20 mg de vitamina do complexo B. No meio CHU12 apresentou densidade celular máxima de 25,6 x 105 cel mL-1 e nos meios NPK e M+NPK foi de 25,5 e 24,2 x 105 cel mL-1 , respectivamente. As quantidades de lipídios obtidas no presente estudo foram, para o meio NPK o valor médio foi de 12,68% do peso seco e para os meios M + NPK e CHU12 os valores obtidos foram 9,85 e 2,82% do peso seco respectivamente. Em relação às proteínas a microalga A. gracilis apresentou valores significativos comprovando assim o seu grande potencial como nutriente na alimentação de organismos aquáticos, foram obtidos para o meio NPK valores de 41,26% do peso seco, e para os meios M + NPK e CHU12 valores de 37,71 e 31,76% do peso seco respectivamente. Através dos dados obtidos neste estudo, pode-se concluir que a utilização dos meios de cultura alternativos NPK (20:5:20) e macrófita + NPK apresentaram resultados satisfatórios no crescimento e desenvolvimento da microalga A. gracilis. Em relação à nutrição de organismos aquáticos pode ser uma grande ferramenta como alimento naturalThe microalgae A. gracilis is known for its ability to be used in nutrition of aquatic organisms. Some studies report that the addition of vitamin on the culture medium promotes an improvement in the conditions of cultivation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of microalgae Chlorophyceae, Ankistrodesmus gracilis, under controlled conditions in three different culture media, being a commercial (CHU12) and two alternatives (NPK (20:5:20) and Macrophyte+NPK) during the period of 28 days of cultivation for each half. The experiment was accomplished in 13L containers during 28 days, with constant brightness of 60 ?mol m-2 s-1 and for each container were added 20 mg of vitamin B complex. In the middle CHU12 has maximum cell density 25,6 x 105 cel mL-1 and NPK and M+NPK media was 25,5 and 24,2 x 105 cel mL-1, respectively. The quantities of lipid obtained in this study were, in the middle the average value was NPK 12,68% of the dry weight and the means M + NPK and the values obtained CHU12 were 9,85 and 2,82% of the dry weight respectively. In relation to protein microalgae A. gracilis presented significant values proving so its great potential as a nutrient in the feeding of aquatic organisms, were obtained for the NPK values of 41,26% of dry weight, and for the means CHU12 37,71 values and M+NPK and 31,76% of the dry weight respectively. Through the data obtained in this study, it can be concluded that the use of alternative culture media NPK (20:5:20) and macrophyte + NPK presented satisfactory results in the growth and development of microalgae A. gracilis. In relation to the nutrition of aquatic organisms can be a great tool as health foo

Comparative regulatory approaches for groups of new plant breeding techniques

This manuscript provides insights into ongoing debates on the regulatory issues surrounding groups of biotechnology-driven “New Plant Breeding Techniques” (NPBTs). It presents the outcomes of preliminary discussions and in some cases first decisions taken by regulators in the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Canada, EU, Japan, South Africa and USA. In the light of these discussions we suggest in this manuscript a structured approach to make the evaluation more consistent and efficient. The issue appears to be complex as these groups of new technologies vary widely in both the technologies deployed and their impact on heritable changes in the plant genome. An added complication is that the legislation, definitions and regulatory approaches for biotechnology-derived crops differ significantly between these countries. There are therefore concerns that this situation will lead to non-harmonised regulatory approaches and asynchronous development and marketing of such crops resulting in trade disruptions.JRC.J.4-Agriculture and Life Sciences in the Econom

Desempenho de Ankistrodesmus gracilis (Reischi) Korsikov (Chlorophyta) cultivada em três meios de cultura em laboratório

A microalga A. gracilis é conhecida pela sua capacidade de ser usada em nutrição de organismos aquáticos. Alguns estudos relatam que a adição de vitamina junto ao meio de cultura promove uma melhora nas condições do cultivo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho da microalga Chlorophyceae, Ankistrodesmus gracilis, em condições controladas em três diferentes meios de cultura, sendo um comercial (CHU12) e dois alternativos (NPK (20:5:20) e Macrófita + NPK) durante o período de 28 dias de cultivo para cada meio. O experimento foi realizado em recipientes de 13L durante 28 dias, com luminosidade constante de 60 ?mol m-2 s-1 e para cada recipiente foram adicionados 20 mg de vitamina do complexo B. No meio CHU12 apresentou densidade celular máxima de 25,6 x 105 cel mL-1 e nos meios NPK e M+NPK foi de 25,5 e 24,2 x 105 cel mL-1 , respectivamente. As quantidades de lipídios obtidas no presente estudo foram, para o meio NPK o valor médio foi de 12,68% do peso seco e para os meios M + NPK e CHU12 os valores obtidos foram 9,85 e 2,82% do peso seco respectivamente. Em relação às proteínas a microalga A. gracilis apresentou valores significativos comprovando assim o seu grande potencial como nutriente na alimentação de organismos aquáticos, foram obtidos para o meio NPK valores de 41,26% do peso seco, e para os meios M + NPK e CHU12 valores de 37,71 e 31,76% do peso seco respectivamente. Através dos dados obtidos neste estudo, pode-se concluir que a utilização dos meios de cultura alternativos NPK (20:5:20) e macrófita + NPK apresentaram resultados satisfatórios no crescimento e desenvolvimento da microalga A. gracilis. Em relação à nutrição de organismos aquáticos pode ser uma grande ferramenta como alimento naturalThe microalgae A. gracilis is known for its ability to be used in nutrition of aquatic organisms. Some studies report that the addition of vitamin on the culture medium promotes an improvement in the conditions of cultivation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of microalgae Chlorophyceae, Ankistrodesmus gracilis, under controlled conditions in three different culture media, being a commercial (CHU12) and two alternatives (NPK (20:5:20) and Macrophyte+NPK) during the period of 28 days of cultivation for each half. The experiment was accomplished in 13L containers during 28 days, with constant brightness of 60 ?mol m-2 s-1 and for each container were added 20 mg of vitamin B complex. In the middle CHU12 has maximum cell density 25,6 x 105 cel mL-1 and NPK and M+NPK media was 25,5 and 24,2 x 105 cel mL-1, respectively. The quantities of lipid obtained in this study were, in the middle the average value was NPK 12,68% of the dry weight and the means M + NPK and the values obtained CHU12 were 9,85 and 2,82% of the dry weight respectively. In relation to protein microalgae A. gracilis presented significant values proving so its great potential as a nutrient in the feeding of aquatic organisms, were obtained for the NPK values of 41,26% of dry weight, and for the means CHU12 37,71 values and M+NPK and 31,76% of the dry weight respectively. Through the data obtained in this study, it can be concluded that the use of alternative culture media NPK (20:5:20) and macrophyte + NPK presented satisfactory results in the growth and development of microalgae A. gracilis. In relation to the nutrition of aquatic organisms can be a great tool as health foo

Deployment of new biotechnologies in plant breeding

The Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS) and the Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (IHCP) of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) conducted a study on "New plant breeding techniques: State-of-the-art and prospects for commercial development". This paper summarises the main results of this project. It reviews the state-of-the-art of research and development of new plant breeding techniques, maps the patent activities in the EU and the USA, highlights the commercial pipeline, discusses drivers and constraints for further commercial adoption of these technologies and finally shows the difficulties for identifying crops produced by the new plant breeding techniques.JRC.J.4-Agriculture and Life Sciences in the Econom