Assessing the digestion of a genetically modified tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) R8 DNA in simulated gastric fluid using event-specific real-time PCR

There are numerous studies that have demonstrated the digestion of plant DNA in the gastrointestinal (GI) tracts of various animal species. In this study, we investigate the process of DNA degradation in the GI tract using simulated gastric fluid treatment and quantitative PCR approach. Event-specific SYBR Green and TaqMan real-time PCR methods were developed in the present study for measuring the degradation of GM tomato R8 DNA. The selectivity, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision of real-time PCR detection methods were feasible for detection and quantification purposes. The results of real-time PCR analysis revealed that approximately 99.98% of an endogenous gene was degraded and could not be amplified after 180-min simulated gastric fluid treatment. The rapid acid hydrolysis of tomato fruit DNA in the SGF suggests that only less than 1% of genetically modified tomato fruit DNA could survive through the human digestive system.