Providing appropriate information to consumers boosts the acceptability of genome-edited foods in Japan.

The Japanese Health Ministry recently granted permission for the market distribution of genome-edited (GE) foods, yet there remains a lack of full understanding among consumers regarding this technology. In this study, we conducted a survey to assess the acceptability of GE foods among Japanese consumers and examined the impact of providing information about GE foods on their acceptability. We conducted a web-based survey among 3,408 consumers aged 20-69 years, focusing on three aspects: (1) the commercial availability of GE foods, (2) the consumption of GE foods by others, and (3) your own consumption of GE foods. The survey findings revealed that participants were most accepting of the consumption of GE foods by others, followed by their acceptance of GE foods being commercially available. Notably, participants' acceptance of GE foods increased in all three aspects after they viewed an informative video. The video had a particularly strong impact on participants who fully or partially understood its content, compared to those who did not. Furthermore, regression analyses showed that participants' understanding of two key areas, namely "Why are GE foods important" and "What procedures are in place to ensure the safety of GE foods," played a crucial role in increasing acceptability. Overall, these results indicate that providing information about GE foods to Japanese consumers can effectively enhance their acceptance of such foods. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the benefits and safety measures associated with GE foods in influencing consumer attitudes.

[Investigation of Genetically Modified Maize Imported into Japan in 2021/2022 and the Applicability of Japanese Official Methods].

Given that the number of genetically modified (GM) maize events that have been announced as having undergone safety assessment procedures in Japan is increasing yearly, more information is needed about their actual recent domestic distribution in Japan. In this study, we investigated whether current Japanese official qualitative and quantitative methods (the current official methods) for GM maize can comprehensively target events in domestically distributed maize. For samples with the identity-preserved (IP) handling system and non-IP samples from the United States (US) and non-IP samples from Brazil, we performed event-specific real-time PCR targeting 25 authorized single GM maize events in addition to the current official methods. According to our results, 15 events targeted by the current official methods were detected, but insect-resistance (IR) Event5307 and herbicide-tolerant (HT) DAS40278, not targeted by the current official methods, were detected in the US (one out of 5 lots) and Brazilian (four out of 5 lots) non-IP samples, respectively. Nevertheless, a survey of recent GM maize acreage in recent years has revealed that more than 95% of the acreage in US maize is occupied by HT or IR/HT stacked events, and that more than 95% of the acreage in Brazilian maize is occupied by IR or IR/HT stacked events. Because the current official methods can target all stacked events related to Event5307 and DAS40278, the only undetectable events are the single Event5307 and DAS40278, whose production is estimated to be less than 5% of the total production in the producing country. Therefore, we conclude that the current official methods for the labelling of GM maize should be maintained in view of practicability.

Development and Validation of a New Robust Detection Method for Low-Content DNA Using ΔΔCq-Based Real-Time PCR with Optimized Standard Plasmids as a Control Sample.

Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the gold standard for DNA detection in many fields, including food analysis. However, robust detection using a real-time PCR for low-content DNA samples remains challenging. In this study, we developed a robust real-time PCR method for low-content DNA using genetically modified (GM) maize at concentrations near the limit of detection (LOD) as a model. We evaluated the LOD of real-time PCR targeting two common GM maize sequences (P35S and TNOS) using GM maize event MON863 containing a copy of P35S and TNOS. The interlaboratory study revealed that the LOD differed among laboratories partly because DNA input amounts were variable depending on measurements of DNA concentrations. To minimize this variability for low-content DNA samples, we developed ΔΔCq-based real-time PCR. In this study, ΔCq and ΔΔCq are as follows: ΔCq = Cq (P35S or TNOS) - Cq (SSIIb; maize endogenous gene), ΔΔCq = ΔCq (analytical sample) - ΔCq (control sample at concentrations near the LOD). The presence of GM maize was determined based on ΔΔCq values. In addition, we used optimized standard plasmids containing SSIIb, P35S, and TNOS with ΔCq equal to the MON863 genomic DNA (gDNA) at concentrations near the LOD as a control sample. A validation study indicated that at least 0.2% MON863 gDNA could be robustly detected. Using several GM maize certified reference materials, we have demonstrated that this method was practical for detecting low-content GM crops and thus for validating GM food labeling. With appropriate standards, this method would be applicable in many fields, not just food.

Unbiased prediction of off-target sites in genome-edited rice using SITE-Seq analysis on a web-based platform.

Genome-editing using the CRISPR-Cas9 system has the potential to substantially accelerate crop breeding. Since off-target editing is one of problems, a reliable method for comprehensively detecting off-target sites is needed. A number of in silico methods based on homology to on-target sequence have been developed, however the prediction without false negative is still under discussion. In this study, we performed a SITE-Seq analysis to predict potential off-target sites. SITE-Seq analysis is a comprehensive method that can detect double-strand breaks in vitro. Furthermore, we developed a systematic method using SITE-Seq in combination with web-based Galaxy system (Galaxy for Cut Site Detection), which can perform reproducible analyses without command line operations. We conducted a SITE-Seq analysis of a rice genome targeted by OsFH15 gRNA-Cas9 as a model, and found 41 candidate off-target sites in the annotated regions. Detailed amplicon-sequencing revealed mutations at one off-target site in actual genome-edited rice. Since this off-target site has an uncommon protospacer adjacent motif, it is difficult to predict using in silico methods alone. Therefore, we propose a novel off-target assessment scheme for genome-edited crops that combines the prediction of off-target candidates by SITE-Seq and in silico programs and the validation of off-target sites by amplicon-sequencing.

Development and Interlaboratory Validation of a Novel Reproducible Qualitative Method for GM Soybeans Using Comparative Cq-Based Analysis for the Revised Non-GMO Labeling System in Japan.

Many countries have implemented the labeling system of genetically modified organisms (GMO). In Japan, the regulatory threshold for non-GMO labeling will be revised and restricted to undetectable by April 2023. The practical criterion for the revised system is based on the limit of detection (LOD). However, determining whether the commingling of GMO levels exceeds the LOD is challenging because GM contents close to the LOD are usually below the limit of quantification. In this study, we developed a qualitative method based on comparative Cq-based analysis targeting cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter and GM soybean MON89788 event-specific sequences that could be applicable to the revised non-GMO labeling. ΔCq values between the target and endogenous sequences were calculated, and the ΔΔCq value obtained was used as a criterion to determine analytical samples with GM contents exceeding the threshold. To improve the reproducibility of the method, we used a standard plasmid that yields equivalent and stable ΔCq values comparable with those obtained from LOD samples. The developed method was validated with an interlaboratory study. The new qualitative detection concept would be useful for ensuring robust and reproducible results among laboratories, particularly for detecting low-copy-number DNA samples.

KLU/CYP78A5, a Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenase Identified via Fox Hunting, Contributes to Cuticle Biosynthesis and Improves Various Abiotic Stress Tolerances.

Acquired osmotolerance after salt stress is widespread among Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) accessions. Most salt-tolerant accessions exhibit acquired osmotolerance, whereas Col-0 does not. To identify genes that can confer acquired osmotolerance to Col-0 plants, we performed full-length cDNA overexpression (FOX) hunting using full-length cDNAs of halophyte Eutrema salsugineum, a close relative of Arabidopsis. We identified EsCYP78A5 as a gene that can confer acquired osmotolerance to Col-0 wild-type (WT) plants. EsCYP78A5 encodes a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase and the Arabidopsis ortholog is known as KLU. We also demonstrated that transgenic Col-0 plants overexpressing AtKLU (AtKLUox) exhibited acquired osmotolerance. Interestingly, KLU overexpression improved not only acquired osmotolerance but also osmo-shock, salt-shock, oxidative, and heat-stress tolerances. Under normal conditions, the AtKLUox plants showed growth retardation with shiny green leaves. The AtKLUox plants also accumulated higher anthocyanin levels and developed denser cuticular wax than WT plants. Compared to WT plants, the AtKLUox plants accumulated significantly higher levels of cutin monomers and very-long-chain fatty acids, which play an important role in the development of cuticular wax and membrane lipids. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced by osmotic or heat stress was reduced in AtKLUox plants compared to WT plants. These findings suggest that KLU is involved in the cuticle biosynthesis, accumulation of cuticular wax, and reduction of ER stress induced by abiotic stresses, leading to the observed abiotic stress tolerances.

Development and Testing of an Individual Kernel Detection System for Genetically Modified Soybean Events in Non-identity-preserved Soybean Samples.

A genetically modified (GM) soybean kernel detection system using combination of DNA preparation from individual soybean kernels and event-specific real-time PCR was developed to simultaneously identify GM soybean events authorized for food after safety assessments in Japan. Over 100 kernels in the non-identity-preserved soybean samples imported from the United States of America (two U.S.A. lots) and Brazil (one lot) were randomly selected and examined. In total, 98 and 96% of the two independent U.S.A. lots, and 100% of the Brazilian lot contained GM soybean kernels. Herbicide-tolerant events, MON89788 (trade name Genuity® Roundup Ready 2 Yield™), GTS 40-3-2 (trade name Roundup Ready™ soybean) and A2704-12 (trade name Liberty Link® soybean), were detected similarly in both U.S.A. lots. In the Brazilian lot, in addition to GTS 40-3-2, a stacked GM event, MON87701 × MON89788, having insect-resistance and herbicide-tolerance, was detected. There were no unauthorized GM soybeans comingled, and the ratio of GM soybean events detected was consistent with statistical reports on the cultivated GM soybean events in both countries.

Rapid DNA template preparation directly from a rice sample without purification for loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) of rice genes.

Rapid DNA template preparation directly from a single rice (Oryza sativa) grain or rice flour of its equivalent weight was developed for loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). LAMP efficiency using DNA extract obtained from consecutive addition of alkaline lysis reagent (25 mM NaOH, 0.2 mM EDTA) and neutralizing reagent (40 mM Tris-HCl [pH 5]) was comparable to that using an equivalent amount of purified DNA as template. The stability of the prepared DNA extract was confirmed for up to six-day storage at room temperature. Without using any special laboratory devices, the developed method enabled a rapid, simple, and low-cost DNA template preparation method for reliable LAMP testing to detect rice genes.

Determination of total florfenicol residues as florfenicol amine in bovine tissues and eel by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry using external calibration.

A reliable liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed to determine total florfenicol residues in bovine tissues and eel. Florfenicol and its metabolites (florfenicol amine, monochloroflorfenicol, florfenicol oxamic acid, and florfenicol alcohol) were analyzed as the marker residue, florfenicol amine, as defined by several regulatory agencies. After hydrolysis with hydrochloric acid, samples were defatted and subjected to solid-supported liquid extraction and Oasis MCX-cartridge cleanup before analysis. The method was validated for florfenicol and its metabolites at two levels in eel and bovine muscle, fat, and liver. Excellent recoveries were obtained (93-104%), with relative standard deviations of <6% for all compounds. Negligible matrix effects and minimal analyte loss during sample preparation enabled accurate quantification by external calibration using solvent standards. No interfering peaks were observed around the retention time of florfenicol amine, indicating the high selectivity of the method. Retention times in the spiked samples corresponding to that of the calibration standard in solvent did not exceed ±0.1 min. Ion ratios from the spiked sample were within ±10% (relative) of the calibration standards. Calibration curves were linear in the range of 0.5 to 100 ng/mL, with coefficients of determination higher than 0.998. The limits of quantification and limits of detection of the proposed method were estimated to be 0.01 mg/kg and 0.0005 mg/kg, respectively, in all food samples. Thus, the developed method is considered reliable and suitable for regulatory use.