Chinese GM rice trait detection expanded

Chinese researchers have developed a rapid visual test for the detection of three genetically modified rice events, Kemingdao-1 (KMD1), Huahai1 (TT51-1, also known as Shanyou63) and Kefeng6 (KF6). The insect-resistant rice lines express various insecticidal genes: Bt Cry1Ab toxin (KMD-1), Cry1Ab and Cry1Ac (TT51-1); and Cry1Ac and SCK (cowpea trypsin inhibitor). None has received full regulatory approval anywhere in the world. The non-polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method uses loop-mediated isothermal amplification to detect event-specific junction sequences. Results are available in 60 minutes via a visual marker. Detection limits are 0.005-0.01% (50-1,000 ppm), some 10-100-fold lower than that of conventional PCR-based methods, the researchers note. Details of the method have been published in the International Journal of Molecular Science.