Genetically modified organisms in food-screening and specific detection by polymerase chain reaction.

PCR methods for the detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) were developed that can be used for screening purposes and for specific detection of glyphosate-tolerant soybean and insect-resistant maize in food. Primers were designed to amplify parts of the 35S promoter derived from Cauliflower Mosaic Virus, the NOS terminator derived from Agrobacterium tumefaciens and the antibiotic marker gene NPTII (neomycin-phosphotransferase II), to allow for general screening of foods. PCR/hybridization protocols were established for the detection of glyphosate-tolerant RoundUp Ready soybean and insect-resistant Bt-maize.

mRNA 5'-cap binding activity in purified influenza virus detected by simple, rapid assay.

Reovirus mRNA 5'-terminal caps were 3'-radiolabeled with pCp and as affinity probes for proteins with cap binding activity. A rapid, simple, and sensitive blot assay was devised that could detect cellular cap binding protein in a complex polypeptide mixture. By using this method, cap binding activity was found in detergent-treated influenza virus but not in reovirus or vaccinia virus.

Interferon inhibits establishment of fibroblast infection with avian retroviruses.

Pretreatment of chick embryo fibroblasts (CEF) with low doses of homologous interferon (16 u/ml) drastically inhibits cell transformation by, and replication of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV). Treatment of chick cells with 16 u/ml of interferon before de novo infection with a transformation defective (td) mutant-RSV, also resulted in a reduction of extracellular virus particles. This was determined by infectivity titrations, virus associated reverse transcriptase (RT) activity and measurement of metabolically radioactively labelled virus particles.