Evaluating the fate of genetically modified microorganisms in the environment: are they inherently less fit?

Experientia
R E Lenski

Abstract

Genetically modified microorganisms hold great promise for environmental applications. Nonetheless, some may have unintended adverse effects. Of particular concern for risk assessment is the simple fact that microorganisms are self-replicating entities, so that it may be impossible to control an adverse effect simply by discontinuing further releases of the organism. It has been suggested, however, that genetically modified microorganisms will be poor competitors and therefore unable to persist in the wild due to energetic inefficiency, disruption of genomic coadaptation, or domestication. Many studies support the hypothesis that genetically modified microorganisms are less fit than their progenitors, but there are a few noteworthy counter-examples in which genetic modifications unexpectedly enhance competitive fitness. Furthermore, subsequent evolution may eliminate the maladaptive effects of some genes, increasing the likelihood that a modified organism or its engineered genes will persist. Evaluating the likelihood that a genetically modified microorganism or its engineered genes will persist is a complex ecological and evolutionary problem. Therefore, an efficient regulatory framework would require such evaluations only whe...Continue Reading

References

Jan 1, 1975·Annual Review of Entomology·B A Croft, A W Brown
Feb 1, 1977·Journal of Virology·L LinG Edlin
Nov 1, 1978·Genetical Research·J H CampbellB G Rolfe
Dec 30, 1976·Journal of Molecular Evolution·K J Andrews, G D Hegeman
Jan 1, 1991·Biotechnology·R E Lenski
Jan 1, 1991·Biotechnology·J KimD E Dykhuizen
Sep 22, 1988·Nature·J E Bouma, R E Lenski
Aug 1, 1983·Journal of Bacteriology·H S MoyedK P Bertrand
Jun 1, 1983·Microbiological Reviews·D E Dykhuizen, D L Hartl
Jan 1, 1983·Journal of Molecular Evolution·A L Koch
Jul 1, 1986·Journal of the History of Biology·D J Futuyma
Jan 25, 1985·Science·Winston J Brill
Mar 13, 1987·Science·B D Davis
May 1, 1986·Biotechnology and Bioengineering·N A da Silva, J E Bailey
Apr 1, 1988·Trends in Ecology & Evolution·F Gould
Apr 1, 1988·Trends in Ecology & Evolution·R E Lenski, T T Nguyen
Apr 1, 1988·Trends in Ecology & Evolution·P J Regal
Apr 1, 1988·Trends in Ecology & Evolution·J Davies
Feb 1, 1992·Trends in Ecology & Evolution·M Altmann
Aug 1, 1992·Trends in Ecology & Evolution·D E Dykhuizen
Feb 1, 1992·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·Albert F BennettJohn E Mittler
Feb 1, 1993·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·Albert F Bennett, Richard E Lenski
May 1, 1991·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·Rajiv I Modi, Julian Adams

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Apr 9, 2013·Biotechnology Letters·Tamlyn M FrederickPeter J Woodruff
Jul 14, 2010·Environmental Science and Pollution Research International·F Fernández-LuqueñoL Dendooven
Jun 14, 2000·Current Opinion in Biotechnology·G S Sayler, S Ripp
Sep 27, 2007·Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology·E de CrécyV de Crécy-Lagard
Jan 5, 1999·Applied and Environmental Microbiology·G J Velicer

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.