Transformation events

[img_assist|nid=15|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=150|height=65]During COP/MOP1 of the Biosafety Procotol confusion arose whether "transformation events" were a suitable information to be given for handling, transport, packaging and identification of living modified organisms (Article 18). A short explanation what a transformation event is and what kind of information can be given with it.

"MON810" or "Bt176" are transformation events. These letters will say nothing to most, but they say everything to a scientist doing risk assessment or in liability cases. It is key to keep them with any documentation on GMOs.

A successful integration of a transgene in a cell is called a transformation event. The names MON810 or Bt176 usually come from the laboratory, for example from test tube 176. This means that (nearly) all research on and with a GMO from its very first tests is referred to by this name.

Successful genetic transformation is a rare event. Therefore successful events are crossbred into existing varieties instead of trying to transform each variety. Different commercial varieties can therefore contain or use the same transformation event, even as they are sold by different companies under different names. Basically, risks associated with a specific transformation event are the same (or very similar) in different commercial varieties.

Transformation events and risk assessment
Based on the transformation event, scientists can easily retrieve information about a GMO from different sources, including the internet. The commercial name is usually not mentioned in scientific studies, because the results are valid for all varieties in which the transformation event is integrated. Stating the transformation event allows scientists to access information from different varieties and different countries and to compare this data for their own risk assessment.

The transformation event Bt176 for example is easily associated with negative impacts on Monarch butterflies, but the variety used in that research is unknown to most, and not relevant, because all Bt176 varieties will produce high toxin levels in pollen.

Transformation event and approval
Market approval of LMOs for example in the EU is usually given for the transformation event and can then be used in different varieties.

Transformation event and liability
Adventitious or unintended LMO contamination usually does not come with a commercial name attached, but laboratories can identify different transformation events.

Transformation event and documentation
Based on the requirements discussed in contact group 1 (paragraph 1bis), documentation including transformation event, would consist of about 5 lines:

  • Common name: maize
  • Scientific name: Zea mays L.
  • Commercial name: Dekalb 818 YG
  • Unique identifier (when available):
  • Transformation event and unique identifier

A unique identifier is a basically a code number that allows to find information in a database. Such a system can be easy to use, but it is only as good as the information that is entered in it. At a later stage, it will probably be easy to find the transformation, if one looks up the unique identifier or commercial name, but while the Biosafety Clearing House (BCH) is still to be set up, the information there will be incomplete.

Some first information on a transformation event can always be found for example through Google on the internet.


Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

MOP BS/I-6
Handling, transport, packaging and identification of living modified organisms (Article 18)
4. Further urges Parties to the Protocol and other Governments to require that the documentation referred to in paragraph 1 above includes: (i) the common, scientific and, where available, commercial names, and (ii) the transformation event code of the living modified organisms or, where available, as a key to accessing information in the Biosafety Clearing-House, its unique identifier code;

A. Lorch, April 2005.