5′-nuclease PCR for quantitative event-specific detection of the genetically modified Mon810 MaisGard maize

Genetically modified maize is grown extensively in the world today. MaisGard (Monsanto, Yieldgard in the USA) is a genetically modified maize harbouring the Mon810 transformation event. European Community legislation requires that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be approved before they are placed on the market. Labelling is required when more than 1% of any ingredient of a food originates from a GMO. There is consequently a need for specific, quantitative methods for detection of genetically modified foods. We have determined the DNA sequence of the 5'-flanking region of the Mon810 insert using ligation mediated PCR. A primer probe set overlapping the junction was designed and used in a quantitative, event-specific Taqman 5'-nuclease assay. Mon810 DNA was quantified relative to endogenous maize zein gene DNA. The results were expressed as the percentage of genetically modified Mon810 maize DNA relative to the total content of maize DNA.