I have just been reading a report in New Scientist (14 Sept, p.7) about research from USDA and Pioneer Hi-Bred resulting in the removal, in part by genetic manipulation, of proteins which cause most allergic reactions to soya. I deplore GMOs for all the usual reasons but wonder whether this particular manipulation could be regarded as acceptable. It involves no insertion of 'foreign' genes, but a process apparently called gene silencing by sense suppression: extra copies of the soybean's own gene that codes for a particular protein (P34) are spliced into the DNA, which leads the plant to destroy the relevant RNA and then the gene that makes it. This is said to affect no other proteins in the plant. Apart from a slim possibility of reversal by random mutation or viral infection, the suppression is permanently bred into the stock. Other allergenic proteins can be removed by conventional cross-breeding with wild strains lacking the appropriate genes (apparently very few lack the P34 gene). This seems to be a much more benign form of genetic manipulation - I wonder what BDNow! subscribers think about it? Tony N-S.
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