Engineered antibiotic resistance genes in products for consumption

Several commercial transgenic crops in development or production contain antibiotic resistance genes as part of their new genetic make−up. For instance, crops contain genes whose products confer resistance to kanamycin (the nptII gene), spectinomycin and streptomycin (the aad gene), and ampicillin (the bla gene). Concerns have been raised about whether this may lead to an increase in the occurrence of microbial populations resistant to antibiotics, thereby posing a risk to animal and human health.[add a comment]

Most antibiotic resistance genes used in biotechnology were originally isolated from bacteria. To be used in plants these genes undergo a series of modifications: regulatory elements in the DNA sequence are exchanged for those used in plant cells, and usually the gene sequence is also altered to reflect the preferred codon usage of plants. This would make horizontal gene transfer back to bacteria unlikely.[add a comment]

For further information, a list of recent scientific papers discussing the potential of horizontal transfer of genes from plants to bacteria present in the gut of humans or animals and other related issues has been compiled. The list is neither exhaustive nor comprehensive, but is representative of the research in this area.[add a comment]

The information contained in this page was believed to be correct at the time it was collated. New patents and patent applications, altered status of patents, and case law may have resulted in changes in the landscape. CAMBIA makes no warranty that it is correct or up to date at this time and accepts no liability for any use that might be made of it. Corrections or updates to the information are welcome. Please send an email to info@bios.net.

CAMBIA Login