BioMatNet Item: QLK3-2001-02242 - Gene flow from transgenic plants: evaluation and biotechnology (TRANSBAC)

[BioMatNet Database - FP5 Quality of Life Programme]

QLK3-2001-02242
Gene flow from transgenic plants: evaluation and biotechnology (TRANSBAC)

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Biotechnology : Plant Genetics : Quality of Life - 3. The Cell Factory

Contract No:	QLK3-2001-02242
Project Type:	RS (Research and Technological Development Project)
Start Date:	01-01-2002
Duration:	36 months
Total Cost:
EC Contribution:	1 199 528 EUR
Scientific Officer:

Abstract

This project addresses the likelihood of gene transfer from transgenic (chloroplastic) plants to environmental microorganisms. The objectives of this work are to understand and quantify gene transfer under optimum conditions and to develop tools for reducing (or augmenting) this gene transfer. Several systems have been developed for this project: microbial (receptor bacteria) and plant (chloroplastic transgenic plants). A range of conditions and biological models will be examined inorder to gain a better overview of the probability of gene transfer. Gene transfer is expected to indicate a function of the genetic environment of the gene, the number of copies, its persistence in the environment, and physical conditions that increase selective pressure and enhance gene transfer.

Objectives

This 3-year research project aims to provide the scientific basis for quantifying the potential for gene transfer from transgenic plants to environmental bacteria and to develop technologies for inhibiting and enhancing this transfer.

Specific objectives:

Understand the potential for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes from transgenic plants.
Determine gene transfer probability with plant pathogenic microorganisms within the transgenic plants.
Assess changes in biodiversity by examining the fate and effects of transgenic plant's DNA after plant death.
Quantify the capacity of indigenous (soil and rhizosphere) microorganisms to assimilate environmental DNA whose original source was transgenic plants.
Develop the biotechnology for "cleaner" transgenic plants.

Description of the work

Certain biological models have been chosen to enhance gene transfer optimisation. Among them, is the use of chloroplastic constructions with high gene copy numbers as compared to nuclear transgenic plants. In addition, the project will use Ralstonia, which has demonstrated increased transformation (gene exchange) rates in planta. Acinetobacter, whose high natural competence for transformation makes it an aggressive gene recipient, will also be used. This project does not only try to improve biological models, but also proposes environmental improvement by studying the possibility of genetransfer in the rhizosphere and in soils. In parallel with this development, studies on the effect of the transgenic plant (both directly and indirectly through the release of decayed transgenes) on the neighbouring ecology will be performed, specifically related the biodiversity (measuring genotypic and phenotypic variations) of the microbial ecology and the terrestrial food web.

This understanding of the possibility of gene transfer is critical for informed decision-making, but insufficient in itself for improving the entire technology. The transgenic plant technology needs the biotechnological tools for responding to important technological questions.

Deliverables

Demonstration and quantification of the uptake of transgenic plant genes by bacteria in planta.
Demonstration and quantification that soil and/or rhizospheric bacteria take up plant genes found in the decayed transgenic plant matter.
Evaluation of the microbial ecological effects of transgenic plants.
Development of a biotechnology start-up company.

Contacts

Coordinator

Timothy M. VOGEL / Université de Lyon Center for Microbial Ecology / FRANCE

Participant