title: GMOMETHODS: the European Union database of reference methods for GMO analysis.
abstract: In order to provide reliable and harmonized information on methods for GMO (genetically modified organism) analysis we have published a database called "GMOMETHODS" that supplies information on PCR assays validated according to the principles and requirements of ISO 5725 and/or the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry protocol. In addition, the database contains methods that have been verified by the European Union Reference Laboratory for Genetically Modified Food and Feed in the context of compliance with an European Union legislative act. The web application provides search capabilities to retrieve primers and probes sequence information on the available methods. It further supplies core data required by analytical labs to carry out GM tests and comprises information on the applied reference material and plasmid standards. The GMOMETHODS database currently contains 118 different PCR methods allowing identification of 51 single GM events and 18 taxon-specific genes in a sample. It also provides screening assays for detection of eight different genetic elements commonly used for the development of GMOs. The application is referred to by the Biosafety Clearing House, a global mechanism set up by the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to facilitate the exchange of information on Living Modified Organisms. The publication of the GMOMETHODS database can be considered an important step toward worldwide standardization and harmonization in GMO analysis.
authors: European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, Molecular Biology and Genomics Unit, Via Enrico Fermi 2749, I-21027 Ispra (VA), Italy. laura.bonfini@jrc.ec.europa.eu
authors: Laura
authors: L
authors: Bonfini
authors: Marc H
authors: MH
authors: Van den Bulcke
authors: Marco
authors: M
authors: Mazzara
authors: Enrico
authors: E
authors: Ben
authors: Alexandre
authors: A
authors: Patak
mesh_terms: D003199:Computer Systems; D030541:Databases, Genetic; D005062:European Union; D059022:Food Safety; D020407:Internet; D030781:Organisms, Genetically Modified; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012015:Reference Standards; D012984:Software