Genetic Use Restriction Technologies Reviewed

The interest in technologies to impede transgene movement is being driven by interest in using transgenic crops to produce pharmaceutical and industrial products. In a review paper, Melissa Hills and colleagues in Canada discussed some of the genetic restriction technologies (GURTs) that could be used to restrict the spread of transgenes. To date, no GURT has been applied commercially or have been tested in the field yet.

The review to be published in Trends in Plant Science focused on varietal GURTS (VGURTs). These are mechanisms that impede transgene movement, either by rendering the plant unable to develop properly, or produce functional pollen or seed, or by preventing the transmission of the transgene so that there is reduced frequency in subsequent generations.

 Among the VGURTs reviewed are those that can help reduce seed admixture, render seeds sterile, effect male sterility, and use the mechanism of maternal inheritance. The researchers concluded that several paradoxical issues are associated with GURTs. Among these include the preference of regulatory agencies to use streamlined transgenic constructs, which might preclude the use of additional genes. Also a concern is whether the public will perceive the product with an additional gene more acceptable.

The review paper can be accessed by journal subscribers at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2007.02.002.