Next-generation Sequencing of Poplar Lines Confirms Vector-free Transformation

Scientists from Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics in Germany used next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches and third-generation sequencing to characterize two genetically engineered (GE) early-flowering poplar (Populus tremula) lines carrying the FLOWERING LOCUS T gene from Arabidopsis thaliana. The findings are reported in Transgenic Research.

NGS is considered as a favorable substitute for PCR-based characterization of GM plants for safety assessment and labeling because NGS is highly sensitive to the detection of transfer DNA inserts as well as vector backbone sequences in GE plants. Thus, the researchers used NGS to characterize GE poplar lines, T193-2 and T195-1.

The results showed consistency with previous findings that the transfer DNA was hemizygously inserted in one genomic location of each line.  The NGS data showed that no additional transfer DNA splinters or vector backbone sequences were found in the genome of the two transgenic lines. Thus, seedlings derived from crosses between the transgenic male parents and female wild type plants should be free from transfer DNA splinter or vector backbone.

Read more findings in Transgenic Research.