Recently, in Korea various kinds of genetically modified (GM) crops have been imported and used as a raw material to manufacture foods and livestock feeds, but the different social concerns about the benefits and the potential risks of GM crops are being shown with a different reaction from the public. Thus a persistent management is required for the safe utilization of genetically modified organism (GMO). PCR analysis of transgene into crop is generally performed for the efficient post management of GMOs. The most important prerequisite for the application of nucleic acid detections is to decide the effective DNA-extraction methods. Particularly, in the case of processed feeds, the nucleic acids of which may be damaged by heating, high pressure, pH treatments, fermentation, etc. in processing, DNA must be extracted with high sensitivity from the samples to perform the PCR successfully. In this study, seven of DNA-extraction methods used commercially and non-commercially were compared with respect to the yields and quality of DNA extracted from livestock feeds and those crop materials. Amounts of genomic DNA obtained from the extraction methods varies according to feed configurations and crop materials. The DNA yield and uniformity of samples extracted with PG, CTAB, and QF method is greater than that obtained from other extraction methods. In the DNA integrity of the selected extraction methods, PCR analysis showed distinct amplifications and similar patterns in detecting crop endogenous genes and GMO genes. These results would be applicable for the selection of an adequate DNA-extraction method in extracting processed feeds and/or crop materials.

농업적, 환경적, 경제적 및 사회적인 이익으로 농업생명공학에 의한 유전자변형(GM) 작물의 재배는 점차 증가되고 있다.국내에서도 주요 작물을 대상으로 유용 GM작물이 개발되고있으며, 최근 Choline kinase 유전자(OsCK1)가 도입된 병저항성 형질전환벼가 개발되었다. GMO의 안전성과 관련하여, 표시제의 시행 또는 사후 이력추적을 위해서 검정법이 필수적으로 요구되고 있다. 본 연구에서 각 134, 306, 243bp의 PCR증폭산물을 갖는 유전자 특이, 구조 특이 및 이벤트 특이primer를 병저항성(OsCK1) GM벼의 검출에 사용하였고, 다른어떤 작물에서도 반응산물을 나타내지 않았다. 이벤트 특이primer CKRB32-1/02-2를 사용한 정성 duplex PCR을 통해서OsCK1 GM벼에 대한 검출한계(LOD)가 0.05%임이 확인되었다. Real-time PCR을 이용한 정량검정을 위해서 벼 내재유전자 염기와 OsCK1 GM벼의 5’-인접염기를 갖는 pSPSCKR을표준물질로 제조하였고, 10 copies 범위까지 정량검출이 가능한 것으로 나타났다. 따라서 도출된 real-time PCR 방법의 정확성 및 정밀성을 확인하고자 0.5, 1, 3, 5 및 10%로 GM시료에 대하여 정량 분석하였으며, 표준편차 및 상대표준변이가 20% 내로 확인되었다. 이상의 결과로, 개발된 이벤트 특이정성 및 정량 PCR 방법이 OsCK1 GM벼의 사후 GMO 모니터링 및 이력추적에 효과적으로 적용 가능할 것으로 판단된다.

A variety of genetically modified (GM) crops have been developed in Korea. In these crops, the resveratrol-enriched transgenic rice plant (Agb0102) has moved ahead to generate the dossier for regulatory review process required for commercialization of GM crop. The resveratrol-enriched transgenic rice plant could be released to farmers for cultivation after national regulators have determined that it is safe for the environment and human health. Here, we developed a PCR-based DNA marker based on flanking sequences of transgene for the discrimination of resveratrol-enriched transgenic rice plant. This DNA markers will be useful for identifying of resveratrol-enriched transgenic rice plant, and can also be used to estimate transgene movement occurred by pollen transfer or seed distribution. Moreover, it is helpful for prompt screening of a homozygote-transgenic progeny in the breeding program.

본 연구에서는 제초제 저항성인 Ab벼와 해충저항성 Bt벼, 이들의 모본인 동진벼의 현미에서 일반성분, 아미노산, 무기물, 지방산, 비타민 및 항영양소를 분석하여 유전자변형 벼(Ab, Bt)의 영양성분 조성 차이를 비교하고자 수행하였다. 그 결과 무기물의 철분이 모본인 동진벼와 유전자 변형 벼(Ab, Bt) 사이에 약 2배의 차이를 나타내었지만 codex 범위 내에 존재하였고, 비타민 류에서는 Bt벼와 동진벼 간의 유의적인 차이가 나타나지 않은 반면 Ab벼의 비타민 B1, B7, E에서 유의적인 차이를 보였다. 또한 트립신 저해제는 시료 모두에서 0.1 TIU/mg 미만으로 극소량 검출되었다. 총 46가지 분석 성분 중 17가지가 함량 및 조성에 유의적인 차이를 보였으나 이러한 차이는 이들의 모본인 동진벼, OECD 표준기술서, 그리고 일반 상업화 품종의 범위 내에 존재해 영양학적 측면에서 실질적으로 차이가 없는 것으로 판단된다.

Natural and artificially induced mutants have provided valuable resources for plant genetic studies and crop improvement. Some variations induced in the process of plant transformation have often been observed in regenerated plants. In this study, we investigated the insertion number of transgene and the flanking sequences of T-DNA in tall-induced line BP23, which was unexpectedly gained in the process of transformation of insect-resistant rice with cryBP1 gene, and also analyzed the whole-genome sequencing by using the NGS technologies to gain a better understanding of the sequence and structural changes between tall line or natural cultivar and rice reference. than others, was confirmed with two copies of foreign gene insertion, which was inserted in one genomic site facing each other between the position 2,430,152~2,430,151 of rice chromosome 12 without any deletion of genomic sequences. Sequencing analysis also revealed that 18bp-unknown sequences were added in the 5′ insertion site of T-DNA. This position in rice genome was confirmed with none of expressed gene sites. By the NGS analysis, we detected 86560 SNPs and 1091/1472 large insertion/deletion (indel) sites (100bp) between BP23 and rice reference, and 84743 SNPs and 1094/1451 large indels between natural cultivar Nagdong and rice reference. The possible mechanisms for the gene mutation, the developmental and tissue expression of the taller height in BP23 line may need to be scrutinized a few more.

The selectable marker-free rice plants containing mcry1Ac insecticidal gene isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) were generated using a non-selection approach by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. The nutritional composition of two lines of transgenic rice plants (RTB5 and RTB11) was compared with that of its non-transgenic counterpart. The results showed that, except for small differences in dietary fiber and some minerals, there was no significant difference between transgenic rice and conventional counterpart variety with respect to their nutrient composition. Most of measured levels of nutrients were within the range of values reported for other commercial cultivars, showing substantial equivalency. Therefore, the insertion of transgenes did not affect the nutritional composition of transgenic RTB5 and RTB11 rice grains.

The β-carotene biofortified transgenic soybean was developed recently through Agrobacterium -mediated transformation using the recombinant PAC (Phytoene synthase-2A-Carotene desaturase) gene in Korean soybean (Glycine max L. cv. Kwangan). GM crops prior to use as food or release into the environment required risk assessments to environment and human health in Korea. Generally, transgenic plants containing a copy of T-DNA were used for stable expression of desirable trait gene in risk assessments. Also, information about integration site of T-DNA can be used to test the hypothesis that the inserted DNA does not trigger production of unintended transgenic proteins, or disrupt plant genes, which may cause the transgenic crop to be harmful. As these reasons, we selected four transgenic soybean lines expressing carotenoid biosynthesis genes with a copy of T-DNA by using Southern blot analysis, and analyzed the integration sites of their T-DNA by using flanking sequence analysis. The results showed that, T-DNA of three transgenic soybean lines (7-1-1-1, 9-1-2, 10-10-1) was inserted within intergenic region of the soybean chromosome, while T-DNA of a transgenic soybean line (10-19-1) located exon region of chromosome 13. This data of integration site and flanking sequences is useful for the biosafety assessment and for the identification of the β-carotene biofortified transgenic soybean.

A variety of genetically modified (GM) crops have been developed in Korea. In these crops, the resveratrol-enriched transgenic rice plant has moved ahead to generate the dossier for regulatory review process required for commercialization of GM crop. The resveratrol-enriched transgenic rice plant could be released to farmers for cultivation after national regulators have determined that it is safe for the environment and human health. Here we developed a PCR-based DNA marker based on flanking sequences of transgene for the discrimination of zygosity in resveratrol-enriched transgenic rice plant. This DNA marker will be useful for identifying of resveratrol-enriched transgenic rice plant, and can also be use to estimate transgene movement occurred by pollen transfer or seed distribution.

The β-carotene biofortified transgenic soybean was developed recently through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation using the recombinant PAC (Phytoene synthase-2A-Carotene desaturase) gene in Korean soybean (Glycine max L. cv. Kwangan). GM crops prior to use as food or release into the environment required risk assessments to environment and human health in Korea. Generally, transgenic plants containing a copy of T-DNA were used for stable expression of desirable trait gene in risk assessments. Also, information about integration site of T-DNA can be used to test the hypothesis that the inserted DNA does not trigger production of unintended transgenic proteins, or disrupt plant genes, which may cause the transgenic crop to be harmful. As these reasons, we selected four transgenic soybean lines expressing carotenoid biosynthesis genes with a copy of T-DNA by using Southern blot analysis, and analyzed the integration sites of their T-DNA by using flanking sequence analysis. The results showed that, T-DNA of three transgenic soybean lines (7-1-1-1, 9-1-2, 10-10-1) was inserted within intergenic region of the soybean chromosome, while T-DNA of a transgenic soybean line (10-19-1) located exon region of chromosome 13. This data of integration site and flanking sequences is useful for the biosafety assessment and for the identification of the β-carotene biofortified transgenic soybean.

본 연구는 Bacillus thuringiensis 유래의 살충성 mCry1Ac 유전자를 무선발 형질전환 방법으로 일미 벼에 도입하여 개 발된 마커프리 형질전환 Bt 벼 2계통의 일반성분 및 주요성분 (무기질, 아미노산) 함량을 확인하여 모본벼 및 다른 일반품 종과 함량차이를 비교 분석 함으로서 형질전환 벼의 영양성 분 동등성 여부를 확인하고자 수행되었다. 영양성분 분석결과 GM 벼 현미의 일반성분 조성 중 식이섬유 함량과 일부 무기 질 함량이 모본 벼인 일미와 비교하여 다소 유의적 차이가 있 었지만 일반품종에서 나타나는 함량범위 안에 포함되는 수치 이며, 아미노산 성분과 대부분의 일반성분 및 무기질의 함량 은 전반적으로 모본과 유의적 차이가 없었다. 따라서 형질전 환 벼에서 관찰된 일부 성분 차이는 Bt 유전자의 도입 효과가 아닌 재배 환경 및 토양성분의 차이에서 기인된 것으로 형질 전환에 의한 비의도적 영양성분 변화는 없는 것으로 판단된다.

기존의 유전자변형식물은 외래의 도입유전자를 갖고 있으며 이들로부터 기인한 단백질 또는 합성물질에 의한 의도적/비의도적 영향에 대한 안전성 논란이 사회적 이슈가 되어 왔다. 최근의 기술적 진보에 의하여 이른바 식물육종의 신기술이 발달하게 되었고 이들 기술로 만든 신규식물에 대한 안전성평가에 GMO 관련 규제의 적용 여부 문제가 대두되게 되었다. 이들 NPBTs 기술로 만든 신규식물의 특징은 SDN이나 ODM과 같이 염색체상의 정확한 위치에 짧은 염기서열의 indel(s)이나 단일염기 돌연변이를 도입하여 자연적인 돌연변이와의 구별이 거의 불가능하거나, cisgenesis와 같이 성적교잡이 가능한 종 유래의 유전자를 구조변형 없이 도입하여 근연종과 동질적인 식물을 만들거나, heterozygous 형질전환체 후대세대의 null-segregant 선발이나 epigenetic를 이용하여 도입유전자가 존재하지 않지만 목적 형질을 갖는 식물체를 만드는 장점이 있다. 또한 grafting이나 Agro-infiltration 등의 방법으로 안전성평가를 회피하거나 경감할 수 있는 가능성을 높이게 되었다. OECD를 비롯한 주요 GMO 개발국의 관련 학회에서는 SDN, ODM 및 cisgenesis 또는 intragenesis 기술로 만든 식물에 대하여 non-GM 식물과 동일한 위해성평가 규정을 적용하거나 상황에 따라 완화된 규정을 적용할 수 있다고 판단하고 있다. 현 시점에서 이들 NPBTs 기술을 이용하여 개발된 식물이 상업화된 예는 없으나 많은 국가에서 상업화를 목적으로 개발 중이며 일부에서는 안전성평가를 완료한 단계이다. 이러한 현실에서 NPBTs 기술의 개념 정립, 신규식물의 안전성평가의 방향 설정 및 현실성 있는 작물개발 방안을 마련하여야 한다. 이를 통하여 GMO에 대한 안전성 논란과 사회적 거부감을 우회하는 동시에 답보 상태에 있 는 분자육종 분야의 발전을 도모할 계기를 마련하여야 한다.

Four transgenic rice lines harboring insect-resistant gene cry3A showed ideal field performances characterized by high considerable resistance to rice water weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel). In this study, we estimated the insert number of foreign genes, and analyzed the flanking sequences of T-DNA in rice genome. As a result, The T-DNA of Btt12R 3-1-1-1 line was inserted in exon region of rice chromosome 10 and Btt12R 6-1-1-1 line was inserted in two copies of foreign gene. Btt12R 9-1-1-1 line was analyzed at only left border flanking sequence. The T-DNA of Btt12R 13-1-1-1 line was inserted one copy of foreign gene between position 24,516,607~24,516,636 of rice chromosome 5 and 30bp known genomic sequences were deleted. The Btt12R 13-1-1-1 line confirmed to be inserted in intergenic region having not any expressed gene and no any deletion/addition of T-DNA sequence. From these results, we demonstrated that the molecular data of rice water weevil resistant Bt rice could be acceptable to conduct the biosafety and environment risk assessment for GM crop commercialization

Resveratrol rice Iksan526 was developed by overexpession of T-DNA (RB::P-Ubi::RS::T-NOS::P-35S::PAT::T-35S::LB) in rice variety Dongjin. To confirm one locus insertion of T-DNAs, Mendelian genetic analysis was carried out on selection marker bar gene and objective RS gene separately by using a F2 population derived from a cross of Dongjin/Iksan526 (T6). A total of 450 four-leaf-old plants from F2 population were treated by 0.3% basta, and a phenotypic separation ratio of 3:1 (321 survival: 129 dead, p>0.90) complied with Mendelian inheritance indicating one locus insertion of bar gene. Genotypic separation was analyzed by using PCR with specific primers for 300 plants, which were selected from 321 survival plants after phenotypic separation. Results revealed a ratio 1:2 of homologous to heterozygous (92:208, p>0.90), which further confirmed one locus insertion of RS gene. In addition, comparison on agronomic traits and resveratrol contents between transgenic rice and the donor variety were launched to evaluate the phenotypic performance over multi-generations (years).

Brown leaf spot, caused by necrotrophic Cochliobolus miyabeanus (imperfect; Bipolaris oryzae), is one of the devastating disease in rice (Oryza sativa). Especially, recommended agricultural system such as diminishing fertilizer and environmental alteration like temperature increment result in the favorable conditions for the outbreak of this disease. Lack of water supply also requires drought-tolerant rice cultivar. We hypothesized that regulation of programmed cell death (PCD) should be a common solution conferring resistance and tolerance against above biotic and abiotic stresses at the same time. Among 17 CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDE-GATED ION CHANNEL in rice (OsCNGCs), over expression of a CNGC resulted in lesion mimic phenotypes in Dongjin background. Further, knock out of a CNGC resulted in enhanced resistance against rice brown spot in the field. These results indicate that selected OsCNGC should be involved in the PCD regulation and fungal infection-specific regulation of OsCNGC expression might induce resistance against rice brown spot because of pathogen’s necrotrophic nature. Vitamin E, tocopherol, is involved in the accumulation inhibition of reactive oxygen species involving superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. Tocopherol cyclase in Nicotiana benthamiana (NtTC), which is included in tocopherol systhesis, conferred tolerance against drought stress to rice. We already have settled down the recombination system effectively removing selection markers in vector. Based on these systems, we will define fungal secretome and genome, confirmation of PAMPs/effectors, identification of rice pattern recognition receptor, and functional characterization of these rice genes in the respect of PCD and disease resistance. We will also develop marker-free transgenic rice tolerant to drought and/or salinity stresses. These works should give us a bundle of rice genes conferring resistance and tolerance against biotic and abiotic stresses and amount of information useful for the analyses of common cross talk points between disease resistance and stress-tolerance.

Tocopherols (α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherols) represent a group of lipophilic antioxidants which are synthesized only by photosynthetic organisms. It is widely believed that protection of pigments and proteins of photosynthetic system and polyunsaturated fatty acids from oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) is the main function of tocopherols. In the present study, NtTC, which encodes a tobacco tocopherol cyclase ortholog, was cloned and characterized. Compared with control plants, NtTC transgenic rice showed higher tolerance to drought stress, and total tocopherol content increased by 52 % in leaf. Additionally, total antioxitant activity of NtTC transgenic lines was increased significantly by 19%. These results demonstrate that over-expressing NtTC could improve the tolerance to abiotic stress in rice, and tocopherols play a crucial role in the protection of oxidative stress.

Recently there are many reports that signaling pathways of abiotic stress and biotic stress are correlated. These relations are not only antagonistic but also synergistic. In this project we are searching the common components in abiotic and biotic stress signaling through proteome and transcriptome analysis. In this project, we are profiling the transcriptome under ABA and biotic stress treatment and searching the common genes which were regulated in both treatment. Furthermore, we are analyzing the secretome and proteome induced under C.maydis. It would be expected that integrative analysis of transcriptome and proteome will presents us the candidate genes to develop abiotic/biotic stress tolerant transgenic plants.

A Transgenic Kimch cabbage has been developed harboring T-DNAs expressing delta-endotoxin insecticidal protein, herbicide (basta) resistant protein, and antisense transcript of AsMADS2 gene. Three transgenic lines, #24, #45, and #51, originated from the same T0 plant were analyzed in terms of molecular characterization, phenotype, and agronomic traits. Flanking sequence analysis confirmed that T-DNA, with 7132 bp intact structure, was inserted onto the pseudochromosome A10 of B. rapa and all the genes in T-DNA were functionally active. Three of GM cabbage showed 69.2～75.3% of plant height and 81.8～89.7% of diameter to those of the isogenic variety ‘Nowon’, respectively. Curving upward leaf lamina attitude was observed on GM cabbage, while straight or slight concave on non-GM cabbage. In addition, an average range of 86～91.5% of head height and 87.4～94.8% of head diameter were observed on GM cabbage to those of the isogenic variety ‘Nowon’, respectively Moreover, curled inwards or slight overlap of head-forming leaf overlap at terminal region was observed on GM cabbage, but curled outwards or erect on non-GM cabbage. AsMADS2, a transcription factor reported to be involved in early flowering, was stably expressed to RNA in the GM cabbage, but it was not shown the significant influences to flowering time.

The rice water weevil (RWW), Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus are major pests of aquatic rice plant in Korea as well as throughout the country. Larvae of RWW sucking the nourishment on roots, causes a stunted root system and reduces grain yields. To prevent these damages, we constructed various plant expression vectors, which were harbored by insecticidal genes, cryBP1 and cryIIIa, and fused with the actin promoter and/or the modified RCg2 root-preferential promoters for expressing the insect-toxic genes in leaves and roots. A cryBP1 was cloned from Bacillus popilliae, producing crystal toxin against Japanese beetle, and CryIIIa was modified from the δ-endotoxin gene of Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. tenebrionis, encoding the coleoptera-specific toxin. The vectors containing the insecticidal genes were transferred into Oryza sativa japonica cultivar, Nakdong, by Agrobacterium -mediated transformation method. Several independent transgenic lines were selected by Southern blotting and Western blotting, confirming that cryBP1 and cryIIIa genes were stably integrated into the plant genomes and were expressed in transgenic plants. Upon insect bioassay using RWW, the mortality of insect larvae on cryBP1 and cryIIIa transgenic rice lines recorded up to 41% and 34%, respectively. These results suggested that the transgenic lines can be used to develop Coleoptera-resistant cultivars and could be valuable for later application in crop breeding for insect resistance.