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This research project aims to further scientific understanding and improve techniques of gene insertion.
<p>The aim of this project is to develop methods to more fully understand the vector insertion site and its surrounding DNA in transgenic lines of barley, and to assess the occurrence of unintended effects as a result of plant transformation.
<p>The project will also develop methods to eliminate marker genes and unwanted vector sequences from transgenic plants.
<p>The main objectives were: <ul>
<li>to develop methodologies that allow the characterisation of insertion sites of transgenes in barley at the genotypic and molecular levels
<li>to analyse the effect of the insertion on the plant's intermediary metabolism
<li>to develop methods for the removal of marker genes from transgenic plants
<li>to demonstrate genomic stability of the plants following marker gene removal.
</ul>
Transformation of the world's major cereal crops is in most cases routine. However, there are still a large number of gaps in our understanding of the exact mechanism of transgene insertion and the possible wider implications for the safety of transgenic crops.
<p> Find more about this project and other FSA food safety-related projects at the <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/" target="_blank">Food Standards Agency Research webpage</a>.