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This research project compares GM potato with non-GM potato by using the latest scientific methods.
<p>Current methods used to determine the (compositional) substantial equivalence of GM crops are limited to quantification of specific compounds.
This project assesses the use of microarrays, multidimensional protein chromatography and metabolic profiling approaches (collectively termed "omics" technologies) to deliver more wide-ranging, comprehensive analyses of GMOs, increasing the chances of discriminating unintended effects.
<p>The potato (the world's fourth most important food crop) is selected for study but protocols developed can be easily translated to other species.
<p>GM potato lines with modified metabolism and development are being used together with appropriate controls. Non-GM genotypes are used to give new information on natural (compositional) variation in Solanum species used to derive modern potato cultivars (genetic diversity).
<p>Procedures to maximise the numbers of genes, proteins and metabolites analysed will be developed and sampling approaches validated. This project will build on the latest scientific developments in the screening for metabolic differences in cell systems.
<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>.