Validation of a cotton-specific gene, Sad1, used as an endogenous reference gene in qualitative and real-time quantitative PCR detection of transgenic cottons

Genetically modified (GM) cotton lines have been approved for commercialization and widely cultivated in many countries, especially in China. As a step towards the development of reliable qualitative and quantitative PCR methods for detecting GM cottons, we report here the validation of the cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) endogenous reference control gene, Sad1, using conventional and real-time (RT)-PCR methods. Both methods were tested on 15 different G. hirsutum cultivars, and identical amplicons were obtained with all of them. No amplicons were observed when DNA samples from three species of genus Gossypium, Arabidopsis thaliana, maize, and soybean and others were used as amplified templates, demonstrating that these two systems are specific for the identification and quantification of G. hirsutum. The results of Southern blot analysis also showed that the Sad1 gene was two copies in these 15 different G. hirsutum cultivars. Furthermore, one multiplex RT-quantitative PCR employing this gene as an endogenous reference gene was designed to quantify the Cry1A(c) gene modified from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in the insect-resistant cottons, such as Mon531 and GK19. The quantification detection limit of the Cry1A(c) and Sad1 genes was as low as 10 pg of genomic DNA. These results indicat that the Sad1 gene can be used as an endogenous reference gene for both qualitative and quantitative PCR detection of GM cottons.     

Event-specific qualitative and quantitative PCR detection of roundup ready event GT73 based on the 3′-integration junction

With the development of genetically modified organisms, labeling regulations have been introduced, which require appropriate detection methods. Event-specific qualitative and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection methods have become the internationally agreed state-of-art. This paper describes an event-specific PCR method for qualitative and quantitative of Roundup Ready canola event GT73. The 3′-integration junction was characterized by two methods: inverse-PCR and thermal asymmetric interlaced-PCR. In the conventional qualitative PCR assay, the event-specific primers designed were confirmed to be specific and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.05% (approximates to ten haploid genome copies). In the quantitative TaqMan real-time PCR assay, the LOD and the limit of quantification were five and ten haploid genome copies, respectively. In addition, for further quantitative detection, a reference molecule which contained the canola endogenous gene and event-specific sequence was constructed and standard curves were set up. The goodness of the linearity and high efficiency of the PCR reaction indicated the usability of the plasmid and the established PCR system. Moreover, mixed samples with different GT73 content (6, 3, 1 and 0.5%) were quantified using the established real-time PCR system to evaluate the trueness and precision of the system. The trueness expressed as bias varied from 2.00 to 18.00%. The precision expressed as variation coefficient were different from 6.40 to 32.95%. From above results, we believed that the established event-specific qualitative and quantitative PCR systems for GT73 in this study were acceptable and suitable for genetic modified canola detection. Rong Yang, Wentao Xu and Yunbo Luo contributed equally.     

转基因棉花MON88701品系特异性实时荧光PCR检测方法的建立

【目的】建立转基因棉花MON88701品系特异性实时荧光聚合酶链反应(polymerase chain reaction,PCR)检测方法。【方法】利用实时荧光PCR技术,根据转基因棉花MON88701品系特异性序列设计引物和探针,建立转基因棉花MON88701实时荧光PCR检测方法,并测定本方法的灵敏度、特异性及可重复性。【结果】建立的检测方法特异于转基因棉花MON88701成分的检测,灵敏度测试表明其定量下限为34拷贝;重复性试验显示其相对标准偏差在可接受范围内。【结论】本研究建立的转基因棉花MON88701品系特异性实时荧光PCR检测方法具有良好的特异性和高灵敏度,适合对转基因棉花MON88701品系进行检测。     

Assessment of Real-time PCR Based Methods for Quantification of Pollen-mediated Gene Flow from GM to Conventional Maize in a Field Study

Maize is one of the main crops worldwide and an increasing number of genetically modified (GM) maize varieties are cultivated and commercialized in many countries in parallel to conventional crops. Given the labeling rules established e.g. in the European Union and the necessary coexistence between GM and non-GM crops, it is important to determine the extent of pollen dissemination from transgenic maize to other cultivars under field conditions. The most widely used methods for quantitative detection of GMO are based on real-time PCR, which implies the results are expressed in genome percentages (in contrast to seed or grain percentages). Our objective was to assess the accuracy of real-time PCR based assays to accurately quantify the contents of transgenic grains in non-GM fields in comparison with the real cross-fertilization rate as determined by phenotypical analysis. We performed this study in a region where both GM and conventional maize are normally cultivated and used the predominant transgenic maize Mon810 in combination with a conventional maize variety which displays the characteristic of white grains (therefore allowing cross-pollination quantification as percentage of yellow grains). Our results indicated an excellent correlation between real-time PCR results and number of cross-fertilized grains at Mon810 levels of 0.1–10%. In contrast, Mon810 percentage estimated by weight of grains produced less accurate results. Finally, we present and discuss the pattern of pollen-mediated gene flow from GM to conventional maize in an example case under field conditions.     

Multiplex event-specific qualitative polymerase chain reaction for detecting three transgenic rice lines and application of a standard plasmid as a quantitative reference molecule

The three most well-known genetically modified (GM) rice lines in China are TT51-1, KMD1, and KF6. The purposes of this study were to establish a multiplex event-specific qualitative polymerase chain reaction (meqPCR) system for simultaneous detection of the three transgenic rice events and to construct a plasmid as the reference molecule for quantitative analysis. Event-specific primers for each event were selected or designed by focusing on the transgene borders between the inserted DNA and the flanking rice DNA. The developed meqPCR was anticipated to detect distinct amplicons as 454, 398, 301, and 250 bp from KF6, KMD1, TT51-1, and the rice endogenous reference gene, respectively. The robustness of the meqPCR was tested with different levels of the three transgenic rice genomic DNAs, and the sensitivity threshold of the meqPCR was at least 50 ng of 0.1% rice DNA for each event when the three transgenic rice events present and with other GM materials together. The constructed plasmid was evaluated using mixed samples with known GM contents in real-time quantitative PCR. The results indicated that the constructed plasmid was acceptable and suitable for GM rice quantitative analysis.     

Event-specific qualitative and quantitative PCR methods for the detection of genetically modified rapeseed Oxy-235

Oxy-235 is an oxynil-tolerant genetically modified rapeseed approved for commercialized planting in Canada. The aim of this study was to establish event-specific qualitative and quantitative detection methods for Oxy-235. Both the 5'- and 3'-junction sequences spanning the plant DNA and the integrated gene construct of the Oxy-235 event were isolated, sequenced and analyzed. A 1298-bp deletion of the rapeseed genomic DNA that showed a high similarity to the mRNA sequence of Arabidopsis thaliana was found in the integration site of the insert DNA. Event-specific qualitative PCR methods were established, with one method producing a 105-bp product specific for the 5'-integration junction and the other method producing a 124-bp product specific for the 3'-junction. The absolute detection limits for the qualitative PCR were determined to be 100 initial template copies for the 5'-junction and ten for the 3'-junction. Quantitative methods were also developed that targeted both of the junction fragments. The limit of detection of the quantitative PCR analysis was ten initial template copies for either the 5'- or 3'-junction, while the limit of quantification was determined to be approximately 50 initial template copies. The real-time PCR systems so established were examined with two mixed rapeseed samples with known Oxy-235 contents and found to obtain the expected results.     

5种转基因油菜转化体特异性多重PCR检测方法

【目的】全球转基因植物及其产品的数量和种类越来越多,迫切需要可同时精准高效检测多个转化载体的检测方法。【方法】针对RF1、MS8、Topas19/2、Oxy235和RF3等5个转基因油菜品系的侧翼序列及油菜内源基因cruciferin A(Cru A)序列设计多重聚合酶链式反应特异性引物,通过对转基因油菜、转基因大豆、转基因玉米、转基因水稻、转基因棉花等不同作物进行PCR扩增来测试所选择的引物特异性,优化多重PCR反应引物的浓度,用所建立的检测体系对不同混合比例的转基因油菜进行多重PCR扩增来测试所建立的检测方法的灵敏度。【结果】通过测试,仅在含有目标样品中检测出阳性结果,灵敏度达0.05%,表明所建立的6重PCR检测方法可同时精准检测RF1、MS8、Topas19/2、Oxy235和RF3等5种转基因油菜转化载体。【结论】所建立的6重转基因油菜转化体特异性PCR检测方法通量高、特异性好、灵敏度高,符合有关转基因产品检测的要求,可作为转基因油菜检测的有效方法。     

A novel multiplex quantitative DNA array based PCR (MQDA-PCR) for quantification of transgenic maize in food and feed

We have developed a novel multiplex quantitative DNA array based PCR method (MQDA-PCR). The MQDA-PCR is general and may be used in all areas of biological science where simultaneous quantification of multiple gene targets is desired. We used quantification of transgenic maize in food and feed as a model system to show the applicability of the method. The method is based on a two-step PCR. In the first few cycles bipartite primers containing a universal 5′ ‘HEAD’ region and a 3′ region specific to each genetically modified (GM) construct are employed. The unused primers are then degraded with a single-strand DNA-specific exonuclease. The second step of the PCR is run containing only primers consisting of the universal HEAD region. The removal of the primers is essential to create a competitive, and thus quantitative PCR. Oligo nucleotides hybridising to internal segments of the PCR products are then sequence specifically labelled in a cyclic linear signal amplification reaction. This is done both to increase the sensitivity and the specificity of the assay. Hybridisation of the labelled oligonucleotides to their complementary sequences in a DNA array enables multiplex detection. Quantitative information was obtained in the range 0.1–2% for the different GM constructs tested. Seventeen different food and feed samples were screened using a twelve-plex system for simultaneous detection of seven different GM maize events (Bt176, Bt11, Mon810, T25, GA21, CBH351 and DBT418). Ten samples were GM positive containing mainly mixtures of Mon810, Bt11 and Bt176 DNA. One sample contained appreciable amounts of GA21. An eight-plex MQDA-PCR system for detection of Mon810, Bt11 and Bt176 was evaluated by comparison with simplex 5′ nuclease PCRs. There were no significant differences in the quantifications using the two approaches. The samples could, by both methods, be quantified as containing >2%, between 1 and 2%, between 0.1 and 1%, or <0.1% in 43 out of 47 determinations. The described method is modular, and thus suited for future needs in GM detection.     

Event-specific qualitative and quantitative PCR detection of the GMO carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) variety Moonlite based upon the 5'-transgene integration sequence

To ensure the implementation of genetically modified organism (GMO)-labeling regulations, an event-specific detection method was developed based on the junction sequence of an exogenous integrant in the transgenic carnation variety Moonlite. The 5'-transgene integration sequence was isolated by thermal asymmetric interlaced PCR. Based upon the 5'-transgene integration sequence, the event-specific primers and TaqMan probe were designed to amplify the fragments, which spanned the exogenous DNA and carnation genomic DNA. Qualitative and quantitative PCR assays were developed employing the designed primers and probe. The detection limit of the qualitative PCR assay was 0.05% for Moonlite in 100 ng total carnation genomic DNA, corresponding to about 79 copies of the carnation haploid genome; the limit of detection and quantification of the quantitative PCR assay were estimated to be 38 and 190 copies of haploid carnation genomic DNA, respectively. Carnation samples with different contents of genetically modified components were quantified and the bias between the observed and true values of three samples were lower than the acceptance criterion (<25%) of the GMO detection method. These results indicated that these event-specific methods would be useful for the identification and quantification of the GMO carnation Moonlite.     

山西市场动物饲料中转基因成分的检测

为了评估转基因玉米和大豆在山西动物饲料市场的占有率和标识情况,采用改良十六烷基三甲基溴化铵法 (Hexadecyltrimethy ammonium bromide, CTAB) 提取山西市场抽取的30份鸡和猪饲料,通过定性PCR打包筛查,对检测阳性结果打包饲料拆包并检测CaMV 35S启动子、NOS终止子、玉米内标zSSIIb、大豆内标Lectin和CryIA (b)基因。同时检测玉米和大豆转化体事件MON810和GTS40-3-2。结果表明,83.3%的饲料含有转基因成分。所抽取的玉米、大豆、猪饲料和鸡饲料转基因成分阳性率分别为6.67%、100%、93.3%和73.3%。实时荧光定量PCR检测结果与定性PCR一致。结果提示,鸡和猪饲料中转基因成分在山西市场的占有率较高。     

转基因大豆、玉米、油菜和水稻品系特异性检测质粒标准分子的快速构建及应用

本文采用重叠延伸PCR技术快速构建了转基因大豆GTS40-3-2、玉米NK603、油菜RT73和水稻TT51-1的4种品系作物的质粒标准分子.经快速PCR鉴定及测序分析验证后,将构建的阳性质粒标准分子应用于实时荧光定量PCR标准曲线的构建,并建立其相应的荧光定量PCR检测体系,同时对该体系的扩增效率、精确度、灵敏度等指标进行了评估. 结果显示,建立的实时荧光定量PCR检测体系中,目标序列的扩增效率均在97.434%~101.479%正常范围内（R2≥0.995）,定量极限为20 copies,表明我们已成功构建了这4种转基因作物的品系质粒标准分子,并能有效应用于实时荧光定量PCR标准曲线的构建.     

Quantification of Campylobacter spp. in pig feces by direct real-time PCR with an internal control of extraction and amplification

The rapid and direct quantification of Campylobacter spp. in complex substrates like feces or environmental samples is crucial to facilitate epidemiological studies on Campylobacter in pig production systems. We developed a real-time PCR assay for detecting and quantifying Campylobacter spp. directly in pig feces with the use of an internal control. Campylobacter spp. and Yersinia ruckeri primers-probes sets were designed and checked for specificity with diverse Campylobacter, related organisms, and other bacterial pathogens before being used in field samples. The quantification of Campylobacter spp. by the real-time PCR then was realized on 531 fecal samples obtained from experimentally and naturally infected pigs; the numeration of Campylobacter on Karmali plate was done in parallel. Yersinia ruckeri, used as bacterial internal control, was added to the samples before DNA extraction to control DNA-extraction and PCR-amplification. The sensitivity of the PCR assay was 10 genome copies. The established Campylobacter real-time PCR assay showed a 7-log-wide linear dynamic range of quantification (R² = 0.99) with a detection limit of 200 Colony Forming Units of Campylobacter per gram of feces. A high correlation was found between the results obtained by real-time PCR and those by culture at both qualitative and quantitative levels. Moreover, DNA extraction followed by real-time PCR reduced the time needed for analysis to a few hours (within a working day). In conclusion, the real-time PCR developed in this study provides new tools for further epidemiological surveys to investigate the carriage and excretion of Campylobacter by pigs.     

Chemically modified primers for improved multiplex polymerase chain reaction

Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the amplification of multiple targets in a single reaction, presents a new set of challenges that further complicate more traditional PCR setups. These complications include a greater probability for nonspecific amplicon formation and for imbalanced amplification of different targets, each of which can compromise quantification and detection of multiple targets. Despite these difficulties, multiplex PCR is frequently used in applications such as pathogen detection, RNA quantification, mutation analysis, and (recently) next generation DNA sequencing. Here we investigated the utility of primers with one or two thermolabile 4-oxo-1-pentyl phosphotriester modifications in improving multiplex PCR performance. Initial endpoint and real-time analyses revealed a decrease in off-target amplification and a subsequent increase in amplicon yield. Furthermore, the use of modified primers in multiplex setups revealed a greater limit of detection and more uniform amplification of each target as compared with unmodified primers. Overall, the thermolabile modified primers present a novel and exciting avenue for improving multiplex PCR performance.     

实时定量PCR技术及其应用

实时定量PCR(Real—time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction,RQ—PCR)技术是20世纪90年代中期发展起来的一种新型核酸定量技术。该技术具有实时监测、快速、灵敏、精确等特点,是对原有PCR技术的革新,扩大了PCR的应用范围。本文综述了RQ—PCR技术的原理、RQ—PCR仪、RQ—PCR实时定量检测系统及其应用。     

转Cry1Ab基因水稻分子特征及其特异性PCR检测方法

转Cry1Ab基因水稻Bt01为一种新型的转基因水稻,文章首先利用Southern blotting验证了外源基因Cry1Ab转入了Bt01中,且为单拷贝,再利用TAIL-PCR方法获得了其插入位点信息,根据获得的Bt01的5′端插入位点序列,设计了相应的定性与定量PCR检测体系的引物及探针,实验结果显示,定性PCR检测体系的最低检测极限(LOD)为10个拷贝,定量PCR检测体系的LOD为5拷贝,最低定量极限(LOQ)为10拷贝。同时为了验证建立的定量PCR体系的准确性,利用该体系检测已知转基因水稻Bt01含量分别为3%和0.5%的样品,定量结果分别为2.7%和0.47%。研究结果表明,该转化体特异性定性与定量检测方法具有高度的特异性和良好的灵敏性,为转基因水稻Bt01的身份识别和检测提供了有效的方法。     

转Cry1Ab基因水稻分子特征及其特异性PCR检测方法

转Cry1Ab基因水稻Bt01为一种新型的转基因水稻, 文章首先利用Southern blotting验证了外源基因Cry1Ab转入了Bt01中, 且为单拷贝, 再利用TAIL-PCR方法获得了其插入位点信息, 根据获得的Bt01的5′端插入位点序列, 设计了相应的定性与定量PCR检测体系的引物及探针, 实验结果显示, 定性PCR检测体系的最低检测极限(LOD)为10个拷贝, 定量PCR检测体系的LOD为5拷贝, 最低定量极限(LOQ)为10拷贝。同时为了验证建立的定量PCR体系的准确性, 利用该体系检测已知转基因水稻Bt01含量分别为3%和0.5%的样品, 定量结果分别为2.7%和0.47%。研究结果表明, 该转化体特异性定性与定量检测方法具有高度的特异性和良好的灵敏性, 为转基因水稻Bt01的身份识别和检测提供了有效的方法。     

Simultaneous quantitative assessment of circulating cell-free mitochondrial and nuclear DNA by multiplex real-time PCR

Quantification of circulating nucleic acids in plasma and serum could be used as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for monitoring a wide variety of diseases and conditions. We describe here a rapid, simple and accurate multiplex real-time PCR method for direct synchronized analysis of circulating cell-free (ccf) mitochondrial (mtDNA) and nuclear (nDNA) DNA in plasma and serum samples. The method is based on one-step multiplex real-time PCR using a FAM-labeled MGB probe and primers to amplify the mtDNA sequence of the ATP 8 gene, and a VIC-labeled MGB probe and primers to amplify the nDNA sequence of the glycerinaldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene, in plasma and serum samples simultaneously. The efficiencies of the multiplex assays were measured in serial dilutions. Based on the simulation of the PCR reaction kinetics, the relative quantities of ccf mtDNA were calculated using a very simple equation. Using our optimised real-time PCR conditions, close to 100% efficiency was obtained from the two assays. The two assays performed in the dilution series showed very good and reproducible correlation to each other. This optimised multiplex real-time PCR protocol can be widely used for synchronized quantification of mtDNA and nDNA in different samples, with a very high rate of efficiency.     

Periodontal pathogens: a quantitative comparison of anaerobic culture and real-time PCR

Periodontitis is a multi-factorial chronic inflammatory and destructive disease of the tooth-supporting tissues. Quantitative anaerobic culture techniques have been used for microbial diagnosis of the different forms of the disease. The aim of this study was to compare real-time PCR with quantitative anaerobic culture for detection and quantification of 5 prominent periodontal pathogens. Real-time PCR assays with the 16s rRNA genes of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythensis, Peptostreptococcus micros and Fusobacterium spp. were developed. The PCR was validated on pure cultures of various bacterial strains. Subsequently, subgingival plaque samples from 259 adult patients with periodontitis were analyzed with quantitative anaerobic culture and real-time PCR. A standard curve for DNA quantification was created for each primer-probe set based on colony-forming units equivalents. All bacterial species were correctly identified. The lower limits of detection by PCR varied between 1-50 colony-forming units equivalents depending on the species. No cross-reactivities with heterologous DNA of other bacterial species were observed. Real-time PCR results showed a high degree of agreement with anaerobic culture results. Real-time PCR is a reliable alternative for diagnostic quantitative anaerobic culture of subgingival plaque samples.     

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of genetically modified pepper

For the development of qualitative and quantitative PCR methods of genetically modified (GM) pepper developed in Korea, a capsanthin-capsorubin synthase (CCS) gene was used as the endogenous reference gene. The primer pair ccs-F/R amplifying the pepper endogenous gene gave rise to an amplicon of 102 bp. No amplified product was observed when DNA samples from 16 different plants were used as templates. The construct-specific primer pairs amplifying the junction region of the bar gene and Ti7 introduced in GM pepper gave rise to an amplicon of 182 bp. Quantitative PCR assay was performed using a TaqMan probe and a standard plasmid as a reference molecule, which contained both an endogenous and event-specific sequence. For the validation of this method, the test samples containing 0.1, 1, 3, 5, and 10% GM pepper were quantified.     

转基因玉米双抗12-5转化体特异性PCR方法验证结果分析

抗虫和耐除草剂玉米双抗12-5是我国自主研发的转基因品种,该品种于2020年1月21日获得农业转基因生物安全证书,具有广阔的应用前景。转化体特异性PCR方法是进行转基因生物安全监管的最有效的技术手段之一,可以对转基因产品进行身份鉴定。本研究组织8家实验室对研发单位提供的的双抗12-5转化体特异性定性、定量PCR方法进行了验证,验证结果显示定性与定量PCR检测方法均具有稳定性好、特异性强和灵敏度高的特点,定量PCR方法能精确地定量检测质量分数为5%和0.5%的双抗12-5样品,并且具有良好的重复性和再现性,符合相关标准的要求。本研究有助于后续标准方法的建立和完善,为我国转基因生物安全监管提供技术支撑和决策依据。