Journal or Publishing Institution: Серія: Технічні науки
Author(s): Mudrak, T.P., and Zhukov, J.F.
Article Type: Peer Reviewed Study
Record ID: 1687
Abstract: Nowadays genetically modified organisms are commonly included in various areas of modern economy and especially in food industry. Genetically modified crops are used not only as a cheap feed for cattle, but also in food consumed by people. However, the impact of GMOs on animals and humans is still poorly understood. Because the 35S promoter can control the synthesis of proteins not only in plants but also in bacteria, animals and humans, there is a possibility of unpredictable spontaneous horizontal gene transfer. Literature analysis has demonstrated the relevance of this problem in developed countries. To investigate the presence of GMO DNA fragments polymerase chain reaction method was used. During the experiments foreign DNA in broilers, sheep and pigs organisms were found. Separately meat and milk taken from supermarkets were tested. In a number of samples fragments of DNA of genetically modified organisms were found. Data on possibility of horizontal gene transfer fragments of genetically modified organisms was summarized. Small GMO DNA fragments (110–437 bp) in milk and meat from experimental animals were found. Cases of presence of endogenous multicopy DNA chloroplasts fragments of transgenic plants in tissues of poultry, pigs and ruminants were analyzed. Low copy endogenous and transgenic DNA were detected in animals tissues less than multicopy genes. It is possible that atypical animal protein products may directly or indirectly affect the human body and cause consumers of meat and dairy products allergic reaction. Transgenic plants used as animal feed, may pose a risk to animal health and require more thorough research on the possibility of horizontal transfer of fragments of alien multicopy genes.
Keywords: GMO, horizontal gene transfer, milk, meat, 35S promotor, transgenic DNA
Citation: Mudrak, T.P., and Zhukov, J.F., 2014. Potential horizontal gene transfer of GMOs in the meat and milk of domestic and wild animals. Потенційна можливість горизонтального перенесення генів ГМО у м’ясо та молоко свійських та диких тварин. Продовольчі ресурси. Серія: Технічні науки, 3, 135-145.
