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Testing GMOs for Allergen Potential
Challenge
GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) have the potential to vastly improve our food supply with products that are more nutritious, productive, sustainable or transportable. But new GMOs are subject to intensive regulatory review before they can hit the grocery store aisles.
In order to prove that a GMO is safe, Agroscience developers need to be able to prove that the new plant does not produce unexpected proteins that could induce an allergic response in susceptible individuals. To test for allergenic potential, developers need to be able to answer several questions: what proteins or peptides are produced as a result of the inserted genetic sequence? Are they different than those produced in the non-GMO/parent form of the organism? And if so, do they match any proteins known to produce an allergic response in humans?
Solution
Testing for potential allergens begins with a comprehensive analysis at the genetic level of the organism (by Sanger or NexGen sequencing chemistries or radiologic Southern blotting) to ensure the transgene has been incorporated or retained within the genome. Gene expression levels can be quantified by qPCR methodologies coupled with protein expression levels detected by standard or multiplex immunoassays. To determine the allergy risk potential, we use an advanced bioinformatics approach to compare the recombinant protein sequence against a comprehensive database of known allergens.
Impact
Battelle provides accurate, defensible data to help support clients in the registration of their GMO products quickly and efficiently. Our labs are fully compliant with Good Laboratory Practice Standards (GLPS) to meet the most stringent requirements for U.S. or European product registration. Our advanced analytical, immunobiological and bioinformatic techniques provide developers with a complete nutritional profile as well as an allergy risk assessment. The final result? Farmers and consumers have access to safe, new food products that will meet the needs of the 21st century.
Cross-disciplinary scientific and engineering collaboration is essential for innovation. Our experts, called “Solvers” at Battelle, combine multiple advanced materials expertise like these with other applied sciences and engineering disciplines to deliver comprehensive client solutions.
Materials Chemistry
Our comprehensive solutions require cross-disciplinary scientific and engineering collaboration. Battelle Solvers combine biology disciplines like these with other applied sciences and engineering to deliver client success.
Bioaerosol Science
Biomedical Engineering
Biostatistics
Genomics
Virology
Innovation requires multidisciplinary scientific and engineering collaboration. Our Solvers at Battelle combine multiple chemistry disciplines like these with other applied sciences and engineering expertise to deliver comprehensive client solutions.
Data science expertise is at the core of our multidisciplinary approach. Our experts, called “Solvers” at Battelle, combine data science disciplines like these with applied engineering and science to deliver comprehensive client solutions in government and industry.
Artificial Intelligence
Biostatistics
Data Analytics
Data Translation
Modeling and Simulation
Real-world solutions require multidisciplinary scientific and engineering collaboration. Our experts, called “Solvers” at Battelle, combine multiple engineering disciplines like these with other applied sciences to deliver comprehensive client solutions.
Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Genetic Engineering
Human Factors Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Medical Device Engineering
Modeling and Simulation
Systems Engineering
Andre LaFreniere
Vice President, Commercial Business Development and Sales, Battelle Health
At Battelle, solving tough challenges is what we do. Let us know how we can help you. Let’s connect.
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