Biotechnological uses of RNAi in plants: risk assessment considerations

Trends Biotechnol. 2015 Mar;33(3):145-7. doi: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2014.12.003.

Abstract

RNAi offers opportunities to generate new traits in genetically modified (GM) plants. Instead of expressing novel proteins, RNAi-based GM plants reduce target gene expression. Silencing of off-target genes may trigger unintended effects, and identifying these genes would facilitate risk assessment. However, using bioinformatics alone is not reliable, due to the lack of genomic data and insufficient knowledge of mechanisms governing mRNA-small (s)RNA interactions.

Keywords: food/feed safety; gene silencing; genetically modified organism (GMO); nontarget organism (NTO); off-target gene; plant breeding..

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biotechnology / methods*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / drug effects*
  • Gene Silencing*
  • Gene Targeting
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / genetics*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism*
  • Risk Assessment

Substances

  • RNA, Small Interfering