Molecular Biology and Genomics Unit

The Molecular Biology and Genomics Unit is one of the five scientific Units of the Institute for Health and Consumer Protection and is the JRC reference for the provision of scientific and technical support to policy development under the EC regulatory framework for Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and for the development of biotechnology expertise in areas relevant to health and consumer protection. It exercises the mandate of Community Reference Laboratory for GM Food and Feed and of the Community Reference Laboratory for GMO's. For more information visit the website at http://mbg.jrc.ec.europa.eu/home

The activity of the Unit is formulated within IHCP - MBG scientific areas:

Biotechnology Research

In line with the requirements established by current EU legislation, the task of the project is to identify, develop and promote the use of efficient and appropriate DNA and protein-based analytical methods for the detection and quantification of genetically modified organisms. Different strategies of analysis are developed, explored and evaluated to establish their suitability and applicability. The project includes also the conception and the development of suitable cloned DNA control samples for GMO analysis. It also develops tools for rapid molecular mapping and for studying the stability of transgenic insects. For more information visit the biotechnology research section of the MBG website at http://mbg.jrc.ec.europa.eu/home/biotech-research/biotech-research.htm.

European Network of GMO Laboratories (ENGL)

The European Network of GMO Laboratories (ENGL) is a unique platform of EU experts that play an eminent role in the development, harmonisation and standardisation of means and methods for sampling, detection, identification and quantification of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) or derived products in a wide variety of matrices, covering seeds, grains, food, feed and environmental samples. The network was inaugurated in Brussels on December 4th 2002 and it currently consists of more than 100 national enforcement laboratories, representing all 27 EU Member States plus Norway and Switzerland. Its plenary meetings are open to particular observers, such as to representatives from Acceding and Candidate Countries. For more information visit the ENGL website at http://engl.jrc.ec.europa.eu/.

Enlargement, International Collaboration and Capacity Building

The Molecular Biology and Genomics Unit in collaboration with DG SANCO and the European Network of GMO Laboratories organises a series of international workshops and training courses that aim at illustrating the EU framework on GMOs, the current situation in relation to anlaytical methods and at sharing the experiences derived from the implementation of the ENGL with representatives from the different countries. Specific web pages where we present the international activities related to the Project and we provide regular updates on workshops, training sessions and conferences at http://mbg.jrc.ec.europa.eu/capacitybuilding

Community Reference Laboratory for GM Food and Feed (CRL-GMFF)

The Community Reference Laboratory for GM Food and Feed (CRL-GMFF) was established by European Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 on genetically modified (GM) food and feed, and started its operations on 18th April 2004. The Community reference laboratory is responsible, in particular, for the distribution to the members of the European Network of GMO laboratories of appropriate control samples, for the evaluation of the data provided by the applicant for authorisation for placing the food or feed on the market, and for the testing and validation of the method for detection and identification of the transformation event in the food or feed. For more information visit the CRL website at http://gmo-crl.jrc.ec.europa.eu/.

Community Reference Laboratory for GMO's (CRL-GMO)

Bioinformatics

The Central Core DNA Sequence Information System (CCSIS) contains non-publicly available DNA sequences of genetically modified organisms (GMO) with accompanying annotations and sequence-based taxonomy. All data has primarily been obtained from GMO Dossiers submitted for application in the context of Regulation No (EC) 1829/2003 on GM Food and Feed. The sequence records are made accessible with restricted user-access integrated with common bioinformatics applications (BLAST, ClustalW, EMBOSS package…) for immediate bioinformatics analyses. For more information visit the bioinformatics section of the MBG Unit website at
http://mbg.jrc.ec.europa.eu/home/bioinformatics/bioinformatics.html.

GMO Methods Database

The database on analytical methods for the detection, identification and quantification of genetically modified organisms has been published on the internet since a few years ago. The database has been designed to allow direct and user-friendly access to information regarding methods of GMO analysis. The data stored in this database have been published in peer reviewed journals or in reports from collaborative studies that are available in the public domain. The database also contains data submitted in a CODEX survey. Since the number of records in this database is constantly increasing making it more complex to pinpoint to specific information, a study is underway to make this database easier to use, to standardize and align with the other information systems. For more information on the GMO Methods database and access the database itself, visit the GMO Methods Database section in the MBG Unit website at http://mbg.jrc.ec.europa.eu/home/ict/methodsdatabase.htm.

Statistics and Sampling

Statistical support to experimental activity is a multi-faced issue, with a variety of approaches that may assist scientists, technicians, regulatory bodies etc. Statistical indices, tests and procedures either provide solid basis to the study of multi-factor interactions and feedbacks, help identifying uncertainties and lacking knowledge, or are supportive for the communication of complex issues. Since years, mainly due to its leading position in the European Network of GMO Laboratories and central role into international research projects (KeLDA, CO-exTRA), IHCP-MBG Unit has been developing innovative statistical approaches to support institutional activity. Two main areas are of interest for its specific mission: sampling from genetically modified (GM) material and validation of methods for detection and quantification of GM analytes. For more information visit the Statistics and Sampling section of the MBG Unit website at http://mbg.jrc.ec.europa.eu/home/statistics and Sampling.htm.

Gmoinfo site: Deliberate releases and placing on the EU market of
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

The purpose of the gmoinfo web site, managed by the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission on behalf of the Directorate General for the Environment is to publish information and to receive comments from the public regarding notifications about deliberate field trials and placing on the market of genetically modified organisms, as defined in Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 March 2001.
To visit the website click here: http://gmoinfo.jrc.ec.europa.eu

 

"The mission of the JRC is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of EU policies. As a service of the European Commission, the JRC functions as a reference centre of science and technology for the Union. Close to the policy-making process, it serves the common interest of the Member States, while being independent of special interests, whether private or national."