Genetic modification through oligonucleotide-mediated mutagenesis. A GMO regulatory challenge?

In the European Union, the definition of a GMO is technology-based. This means that a novel organism will be regulated under the GMO regulatory framework only if it has been developed with the use of defined techniques. This approach is now challenged with the emergence of new techniques. In this pa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental biosafety research 2009-04, Vol.8 (2), p.57
Main Authors: Breyer, Didier, Herman, Philippe, Brandenburger, Annick, Gheysen, Godelieve, Remaut, Erik, Soumillion, Patrice, Van Doorsselaere, Jan, Custers, René, Pauwels, Katia, Sneyers, Myriam, Reheul, Dirk
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Animals, Genetically Modified
European Union
Genetic Engineering - legislation & jurisprudence
Genetic Engineering - methods
Government Regulation
International Cooperation
Mutagenesis
Plants, Genetically Modified
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Summary:In the European Union, the definition of a GMO is technology-based. This means that a novel organism will be regulated under the GMO regulatory framework only if it has been developed with the use of defined techniques. This approach is now challenged with the emergence of new techniques. In this paper, we describe regulatory and safety issues associated with the use of oligonucleotide-mediated mutagenesis to develop novel organisms. We present scientific arguments for not having organisms developed through this technique fall within the scope of the EU regulation on GMOs. We conclude that any political decision on this issue should be taken on the basis of a broad reflection at EU level, while avoiding discrepancies at international level.
ISSN:1635-7922
DOI:10.1051/ebr/2009007