Journal of Biotechnology & Biomaterials
Open Access

Abstract

The genetically modified (GM) Solanumtuberosum line 2-1 obtained by transforming an E. coliphytase gene into CK line was developed by Dr. Su-May Yu?s team in the Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taiwan. This study aims to investigate the effect of genetic modification on the intrinsic allergenicity of the parental potato line. Immunoblot and ELISA were used to identify the IgE binding of potatoes. Extracts from GM line 2-1 and the parental CK line harvested in 2010 and 2011 and one wild type potato from local market were used as testing materials. Dust mite and ConA protein were used as the positive and negative antigen control, respectively. Sera were collected form Taichung Veterans General Hospital via Immuno CAP assay. Seven sera with positive reactions to potato-specific antigens were selected as the antibody; three of the sera also reacting with dust mite-specific antigens were used as positive control. Three normal sera were used as negative control. Test of IgE reactivity showed a significant positive correlation in level of dust mite specific-IgE between Immuno CAP and ELISA assay among three subjects allergic to both potato and dust mite. But no positive correlation in subjects allergic only to potato was found. Using Western blot, there were heterogeneous IgE reactive allergenic components in potato-allergic sera. No significant difference in allergenicity was found. The study showed there was no difference in intrinsic allergenicity between GM and non-GM potatoes as detected by specific IgE from potato-allergic sera. This indicates that genetic modification may have no effect on the intrinsic allergenicity of the host potato line.

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