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This research project is studying the survival of DNA in different regions of the gut (including the mouth).
<p>This project is studying the survival of DNA in different regions of the gut (including the mouth) and the effect of food components on DNA survival.
<p>GM bacteria containing labelled DNA are also being studied under different gut conditions in order to determine the fate of the labelled DNA upon its release, into the gut, from the bacteria.
The possibility of transformation of pathogenic gut bacteria by free GM DNA occurring in the gut is being examined for Streptococcus gordonii, Escherichia coli and Helicobacter pylori.
<p>It is possible for bacteria in the gut to be transformed by chromosomal DNA containing sequences that share homology with their own DNA, for example common antibiotic resistance marker genes.
<p>The potential for this transformation is also being examined. This project is being funded as part of a joint proposal with the University of Newcastle (G01008).
<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>.