Section 2 Research details

　20 years have passed since the start of commercial cultivation of recombinant DNA technology applied food, the so-called genetically modified crops, and The Division of Biochemistry (DoB) is at the beginning of a new stage. Traits of developed crops have evolved from herbicide (pest and virus resistant) tolerant crops to nutrient enhanced crops with increased vitamin A content and environment tolerant crops which can be cultivated even in dry region. In recent years, a method called Novel Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBT), precisely modifying the targeted site using genome editing technology to be more specific, enables development of a crop with a new trait (such as increased red meat) without introducing a foreign gene. In addition to studying the safety of these diversifying crops utilizing biotechnology, DoB is developing official detection method to inhibit domestic distribution of products not verified for safety, analyzing gene sequence and genome necessary therefor, and collecting information regarding development status and regulation of genetically modified organism in other countries.

Research on recombinant DNA technology applied food (genetically modified food)

(1) Research on establishment and standardization of detection method for safety approved genetically modified food

　In Japan, genetically modified crops, for which safety as food has been confirmed, can be distributed domestically. In the case of using safety approved genetically modified food, or in the case of non-segregation where segregated distribution is not implemented, there is an obligation for labeling (Food Labeling Law). On the other hand, there is no labeling obligation if non-genetically modified crop is used under appropriate segregated distribution management, and it is possible to place a label (such as “not applicable to genetically modified product”) voluntarily. In this case, because up to 5% of unintended mix is allowed, quantitative detection will be conducted for labeling validation. In recent years, development of stacked variety made by crossing of genetically modified (GM) crops from different lines is rapidly progressing. In these varieties, DNA sequences derived from multiple GM lines of different characteristics are included in a kernel. In the case of a specimen where a stacked variety is mixed, there is a possibility that the mix rate is estimated higher than the actual rate in case a line specific quantitative method by conventional real-time PCR is used. For this reason, if the screening detection results in positive, it is necessary to accurately quantitate using a kernel detection or a group testing method. DoB undertakes development of necessary quantitative detection method and research/study necessary therefor. (PDF)

*, Official Test Method is posted on the website of Consumer Affairs Agency.

(2) Research on monitoring of safety pre-approval genetically modified food

　In overseas, many genetically modified crops are being developed. In recent years, application to fish and animal is progressing as well. However, not all the developments approved overseas are approved in Japan, and there is a possibility that genetically modified organism, for which safety has not been verified while in research and development stage, may rarely spread. DoB undertakes research of development status of genetically modified crops overseas, and development of detection method to monitor so that safety pre-approval genetically modified organism will not be distributed in the country. (Detection method developed so far: PDF)

*, Official detection method is posted on the website of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. (Genetically modified food in general:, Detection method:）

(3) External quality control of genetically modified food detection method

　In order to monitor the safety pre-approval genetically modified food so that they are not distributed in the country, it is important to conduct fact-finding survey in the country in addition to monitoring/detection at the border including quarantine. For that purpose, it is indispensable to validate (quality control) that the monitoring/detection by piblic health institutes is appropriately conducted. DoB is undertaking annual external quality control test using safety pre-approval genetically modified food detection method.

(4) Basic research for development of new detection methods

　High level biotechnologies are used in the development of genetically modified crops. So far, crops of herbicide tolerant, pest resistant (expression of modified protein) and virus resistant have been developed. In addition to that, a product introducing a sequence for gene silencing (reverse repeating sequence) to suppress expression of a specific gene has been developed as well (crops of reduced black spot and low acrylamide potential). In recent years, crops with a small degree of modification (i.e. a new trait is obtained without introducing a gene) is developed using NPBT (novel plant breeding techniques), such as the genome editing technology. DoB is studying the possibility of developing a principle for new detection method, and the feasibility of the detection, for these new types of crop. (PDF)