Reliable detection and identification of genetically modified maize, soybean, and canola by multiplex PCR analysis

Multiplex PCR procedures were developed for simultaneously detecting multiple target sequences in genetically modified (GM) soybean (Roundup Ready), maize (event 176, Bt11, Mon810, T14/25), and canola (GT73, HCN92/28, MS8/RF3, Oxy 235). Internal control targets (invertase gene in corn, lectin and beta-actin genes in soybean, and cruciferin gene in canola) were included as appropriate to assess the efficiency of all reactions, thereby eliminating any false negatives. Primer combinations that allowed the identification of specific lines were used. In one system of identification, simultaneous amplification profiling (SAP), rather than target specific detection, was used for the identification of four GM maize lines. SAP is simple and has the potential to identify both approved and nonapproved GM lines. The template concentration was identified as a critical factor affecting efficient multiplex PCRs. In canola, 75 ng of DNA template was more effective than 50 ng of DNA for the simultaneous amplification of all targets in a reaction volume of 25 microL. Reliable identification of GM canola was achieved at a DNA concentration of 3 ng/microL, and at 0.1% for GM soybean, indicating high levels of sensitivity. Nonspecific amplification was utilized in this study as a tool for specific and reliable identification of one line of GM maize. The primer cry1A 4-3' (antisense primer) recognizes two sites on the DNA template extracted from GM transgenic maize containing event 176 (European corn borer resistant), resulting in the amplification of products of 152 bp (expected) and 485 bp (unexpected). The latter fragment was sequenced and confirmed to be Cry1A specific. The systems described herein represent simple, accurate, and sensitive GMO detection methods in which only one reaction is necessary to detect multiple GM target sequences that can be reliably used for the identification of specific lines of GMOs.     

Detection of recombinant DNA segments introduced to genetically modified maize (Zea mays)

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques are increasingly used for the detection of genetically modified (GM) crops in foods. In this paper, recombinant DNAs introduced into the seven lines of GM maize, such as Event 176, Bt11, T25, MON810, GA21, DLL25, and MON802, are sequenced. On the basis of the obtained sequence, 14 primer pairs for the detection of the segments, such as promoter, terminator regions, and construct genes, were designed. To confirm the specificities of the designed primer pairs, PCR was performed on genomic DNAs extracted from GM and non-GM maize, GM and non-GM soy, and other cereal crops. Because the presence of the corresponding DNA segments was specifically detected in GM crops by the designed primer pairs, it was concluded that this method is useful for fast and easy screening of GM crops including unauthorized ones.     

Sampling and modeling for the quantification of adventitious genetically modified presence in maize

The coexistence of genetically modified (GM) and non-GM crops is an important economic and political issue in the European Union. We examined the GM content in non-GM maize crops in Spain in 2005. Both the standing crop and the harvest were tested, and the %GM DNA was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. We compared the level of GM as a function of distance from known GM source fields in a 1.2 km2 landscape. The distribution of GM was compared to predictions from previous studies, and good agreement was found. Control and monitoring of adventitious GM presence in non-GM crops can only be achieved by fit-for-purpose sampling and testing schemes. We used a GM dispersal function to simulate non-GM crops in the studied zone and tested the accuracy of five different sampling schemes. Random sampling was found to be the most accurate and least susceptible to bias by GM spatial structure or gradients. Simulations showed that to achieve greater than 95% confidence in a GM labeling decision of a harvest (when treated as a single marketed lot), 34 samples would be needed when the harvest was outside 50% of the GM threshold value. The number of samples required increased rapidly as the harvest approached the GM threshold, implying that accurate labeling when the harvest is within +/-17% of the threshold may not be possible with high confidence.     

Detection of transgenic and endogenous plant DNA in digesta and tissues of sheep and pigs fed Roundup Ready canola meal

The persistence of plant-derived recombinant DNA in sheep and pigs fed genetically modified (Roundup Ready) canola was assessed by PCR and Southern hybridization analysis of DNA extracted from digesta, gastrointestinal (GI) tract tissues, and visceral organs. Sheep (n = 11) and pigs (n = 36) were fed to slaughter on diets containing 6.5 or 15% Roundup Ready canola. Native plant DNA (high- and low-copy-number gene fragments) and the cp4 epsps transgene that encodes 5-enolpyruvyl shikimate-3-phosphate synthase were tracked in ruminal, abomasal, and large intestinal digesta and in tissue from the esophagus, rumen, abomasum, small and large intestine, liver, and kidney of sheep and in cecal content and tissue from the duodenum, cecum, liver, spleen, and kidney of pigs. High-copy chloroplast-specific DNA (a 520-bp fragment) was detected in all digesta samples, the majority (89-100%) of intestinal tissues, and at least one of each visceral organ sample (frequencies of 3-27%) from sheep and swine. Low-copy rubisco fragments (186- and 540-bp sequences from the small subunit) were present at slightly lower, variable frequencies in digesta (18-82%) and intestinal tissues (9-27% of ovine and 17-25% of porcine samples) and infrequently in visceral organs (1 of 88 ovine samples; 3 of 216 porcine samples). Each of the five cp4 epsps transgene fragments (179-527 bp) surveyed was present in at least 27% of ovine large intestinal content samples (maximum = 64%) and at least 33% of porcine cecal content samples (maximum = 75%). In sheep, transgene fragments were more common in intestinal digesta than in ruminal or abomasal content. Transgene fragments were detected in 0 (esophagus) to 3 (large intestine) GI tract tissues from the 11 sheep and in 0-10 of the duodenal and cecal tissues collected from 36 pigs. The feed-ingested recombinant DNA was not detected in visceral tissues (liver, kidney) of lambs or in the spleen from pigs. Of note, however, one liver and one kidney sample from the pigs (different animals) were positive for a 278-bp fragment of the transgenic cp4 epsps (denoted F3). Examination of genomic libraries from these tissues yielded no conclusive information regarding integration of the fragment into porcine DNA. This study confirms that feed-ingested DNA fragments (endogenous and transgenic) do survive to the terminal GI tract and that uptake into gut epithelial tissues does occur. A very low frequency of transmittance to visceral tissue was confirmed in pigs, but not in sheep. It is recognized that the low copy number of transgenes in GM feeds is a challenge to their detection in tissues, but there was no evidence to suggest that recombinant DNA would be processed in the gut in any manner different from endogenous feed-ingested genetic material.     

Discrimination between nongenetically modified (Non-GM) and GM plant tissue expressing cysteine-rich polypeptide using FT-raman spectroscopy

Fourier transform (FT)-Raman spectroscopy was applied to the analysis of genetically modified (GM) plant tissue. Transgenic carrot callus and tobacco plants possessing a novel StSn1 gene coding for a cysteine-rich snakin-1 polypeptide were obtained after Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The presence of the StSn1 gene and its expression were confirmed by polymerase chain reactions using plant DNA and cDNA as templates for the amplification of the transgenes. Raman measurements were taken from lyophilized GM carrot callus tissue, fresh GM tobacco leaves, and from seeds produced by GM tobacco plants as well as from the nontransformed controls. Cluster analysis applied to the obtained spectra allowed clear separation of the GM samples expressing the StSn1 gene and the nontransformed control to distinct groups. Such discrimination was achieved only when wavenumber ranges around 500 cm (-1) were analyzed. The results indicate that discrimination between the GM and non-GM materials was related to S-S stretching vibrations in snakin-1, as it contained six sulfur bridges. Other introduced genes, neomycine phosphotransferase ( nptII) and Chitinase ( chit36), did not cause any detectable changes by Raman spectroscopy in plant tissue. This is the first report on the use of Raman spectroscopy for a nondestructive analysis of GM plant material expressing the gene coding for a cysteine-rich polypeptide.     

Development of a real-time PCR method based on duplo target plasmids for determining an unexpected genetically modified soybean intermix with feed components

The occurrence of intermixing, especially that resulting from genetically modified (GM) species, is increasingly becoming a problem in the delicate chain of feed and food quality control. Thus, a strategy is needed for precisely quantifying the presence of intermixing. An analytical assay based on real-time PCR has been developed; it can ascertain the extent of unexpected intermixing of GM soybean with maize meal. Three soybean-maize mix levels, with soybean intermix percentages of, respectively, 0.1, 0.5, and 1%, were prepared to simulate samples containing traces of soybean. As calibrator standards, ad hoc multiple-target pGEM-T plasmids containing soybean and maize reference genes in a 1:1 ratio were constructed. Four different maize endogenous genes, alcohol dehydrogenase 1 (adh1), high-mobility group protein a (hmga), invertase 1 (ivr1), and zein (zein), were assessed, each combined with the soybean endogenous lectin 1 (lect1) gene. Plasmids containing adh1-lect1 and zein-lect1 genes were found to be the most reliable calibration systems for this analysis, providing precise and accurate quantification results. Measuring the percentage of GM soybean intermixing makes it possible to calculate the actual transgenic component of the total sample.     

Metabolite profiling of maize kernels--genetic modification versus environmental influence

A metabolite profiling approach based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was applied to investigate the metabolite profiles of genetically modified (GM) Bt-maize (DKC78-15B, TXP 138F) and Roundup Ready-maize (DKC78-35R). For the comparative investigation of the impact of genetic modification versus environmental influence on the metabolite profiles, GM maize was grown together with the non-GM near-isogenic comparators under different environmental conditions, including several growing locations and seasons in Germany and South Africa. Analyses of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences between GM and non-GM maize grown in Germany and South Africa. For the factor genotype, 4 and 3%, respectively, of the total number of peaks detected by GC-MS showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) in peak heights as compared to the respective isogenic lines. However, ANOVA for the factor environment (growing location, season) revealed higher numbers of significant differences (p < 0.01) between the GM and the non-GM maize grown in Germany (42%) and South Africa (10%), respectively. This indicates that the majority of differences observed are related to natural variability rather than to the genetic modifications. In addition, multivariate data assessment by means of principal component analysis revealed that environmental factors, that is, growing locations and seasons, were dominant parameters driving the variability of the maize metabolite profiles.     

Sensitive PCR analysis of animal tissue samples for fragments of endogenous and transgenic plant DNA

An optimized DNA extraction protocol for animal tissues coupled with sensitive PCR methods was used to determine whether trace levels of feed-derived DNA fragments, plant and/or transgenic, are detectable in animal tissue samples including dairy milk and samples of muscle (meat) from chickens, swine, and beef steers. Assays were developed to detect DNA fragments of both the high copy number chloroplast-encoded maize rubisco gene (rbcL) and single copy nuclear-encoded transgenic elements (p35S and a MON 810-specific gene fragment). The specificities of the two rbcL PCR assays and two transgenic DNA PCR assays were established by testing against a range of conventional plant species and genetically modified maize crops. The sensitivities of the two rbcL PCR assays (resulting in 173 and 500 bp amplicons) were similar, detecting as little as 0.08 and 0.02 genomic equivalents, respectively. The sensitivities of the p35S and MON 810 PCR assays were approximately 5 and 10 genomic equivalents for 123 bp and 149 bp amplicons, respectively, which were considerably less than the sensitivity of the rbcL assays in terms of plant cell equivalents, but approximately similar when the higher numbers of copies of the chloroplast genome per cell are taken into account. The 173 bp rbcL assay detected the target plant chloroplast DNA fragment in 5%, 15%, and 53% of the muscle samples from beef steers, broiler chickens, and swine, respectively, and in 86% of the milk samples from dairy cows. Reanalysis of new aliquots of 31 of the pork samples that were positive in the 173 bp rbcL PCR showed that 58% of these samples were reproducibly positive in this same PCR assay. The 500 bp rbcL assay detected DNA fragments in 43% of the swine muscle samples and 79% of the milk samples. By comparison, no statistically significant detections of transgenic DNA fragments by the p35S PCR assay occurred with any of these animal tissue samples.     

Application of immunoaffinity column as cleanup tool for an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay of phosphinothricin-N-acetyltransferase detection in genetically modified maize and rape

We have developed a new immunoassay method to detect genetically modified (GM) maize and rape containing phosphinothricin-N-acetyltransferase (PAT). PAT encoded by Bialaphos resistance gene (bar) was highly expressed in soluble form in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) and purified to homogeneity by Ni2+ affinity chromatography. A simple and efficient extraction and purification procedure of PAT from GM maize and rape was developed by means of the immunoaffinity column (IAC) as a cleanup tool. Purified polyclonal antibodies against PAT was produced and coupled covalently to CNBr-activated Sepharose 4B. Both the binding conditions and elution protocols were optimized. The IAC was successfully employed to isolate and purify the PAT from the various tissues of GM maize (Bt11 and Bt176) and rapes (MS1/RF1 and MS8/RF3). Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) procedures were established further on to measure the PAT protein. GM maize cannot be differentiated from non-GM maize by ELISA. But IAC-ELISA allowed 0.5% GMOs to be detected in MS1/RF1 and MS8/RF3 and 10% GMOs to be detected in Bt11 and Bt176, which makes this method an acceptable method to access PAT protein in GM rapes and maize.     

Proteomic analysis of four Brazilian MON810 maize varieties and their four non-genetically-modified isogenic varieties

Profiling techniques have been suggested as a nontargeted approach to detect unintended effects in genetically modified (GM) plants. Seedlings from eight Brazilian maize varieties, four MON810 GM varieties and four non-GM isogenic varieties, were grown under controlled environmental conditions. Physiological parameters (aerial part weight, main leaf length, and chlorophyll and total protein contents) were compared, and some differences were observed. Nevertheless, these differences were not constant among all GM and non-GM counterparts. Leaf proteomic profiles were analyzed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) coupled to mass spectrometry, using six 2DE gels per variety. The comparison between MON810 and its counterpart was limited to qualitative differences of fully reproducible protein spot patterns. Twelve exclusive proteins were observed in two of four maize variety pairs; all of these leaf proteins were variety specific. In this study, MON810 leaf proteomes of four varieties were similar to non-GM counterpart leaf proteomes.     

Event-specific detection of seven genetically modified soybean and maizes using multiplex-PCR coupled with oligonucleotide microarray

With the increasing development of genetically modified organism (GMO) detection techniques, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique has been the mainstay for GMO detection. An oligonucleotide microarray is a glass chip to the surface of which an array of oligonucleotides was fixed as spots, each containing numerous copies of a sequence-specific probe that is complementary to a gene of interest. So it is used to detect ten or more targets synchronously. In this research, an event-specific detection strategy based on the unique and specific integration junction sequences between the host plant genome DNA and the integrated gene is being developed for its high specificity using multiplex-PCR together with oligonucleotide microarray. A commercial GM soybean (GTS 40-3-2) and six GM maize events (MON810, MON863, Bt176, Bt11, GA21, and T25) were detected by this method. The results indicate that it is a suitable method for the identification of these GM soybean and maizes.     

Practicable group testing method to evaluate weight/weight GMO content in maize grains

Because of the increasing use of maize hybrids with genetically modified (GM) stacked events, the established and commonly used bulk sample methods for PCR quantification of GM maize in non-GM maize are prone to overestimate the GM organism (GMO) content, compared to the actual weight/weight percentage of GM maize in the grain sample. As an alternative method, we designed and assessed a group testing strategy in which the GMO content is statistically evaluated based on qualitative analyses of multiple small pools, consisting of 20 maize kernels each. This approach enables the GMO content evaluation on a weight/weight basis, irrespective of the presence of stacked-event kernels. To enhance the method's user-friendliness in routine application, we devised an easy-to-use PCR-based qualitative analytical method comprising a sample preparation step in which 20 maize kernels are ground in a lysis buffer and a subsequent PCR assay in which the lysate is directly used as a DNA template. This method was validated in a multilaboratory collaborative trial.     

转基因大豆GTS40-3-2对子代雄性大鼠主要器官和生殖机能的影响研究

为探讨长期饲喂转基因大豆GTS40-3-2对雄性大鼠器官和生殖机能的影响,本研究将雌、雄大鼠随机分为2组,分别饲喂含转基因和非转基因大豆成分的饲料90 d后,亲代大鼠组内交配获得子代大鼠;子代雄性大鼠断乳后继续饲喂对应饲料30、60和90 d后,摘取子代大鼠睾丸、附睾、脑、心脏、肺脏、肝脏、脾脏、肾脏和肾上腺,检测脏器系数;选取睾丸、附睾、肾、肺制备石蜡切片,观察各器官的组织结构变化;运用实时荧光定量PCR检测睾丸雄性激素合成限制性蛋白葡萄糖转运蛋白8(GLUT8)基因的表达变化;用蛋白酶联免疫反应法进一步验证GLUT8蛋白含量。结果表明,与对照组相比,饲喂30、90 d后9种器官脏器系数均无显著差异(P>0.05);饲喂60 d后,仅肺、附睾脏器系数存在显著差异(P<0.05)。组织切片镜检结果显示,睾丸、附睾、肾、肺未发现明显结构改变;睾丸GLUT8基因转录水平和蛋白水平均未受到显著影响(P>0.05)。综上所述,转基因大豆GTS40-3-2饲料在试验周期内未对子代雄性大鼠各重要器官产生不良影响,对雄性大鼠生殖器官及其生理机能未显示毒性作用。本研究结果进一步拓展了转基因大豆安全评价研究深度,对转基因大豆的推广应用具有重要意义。     

Applicability of the quantification of genetically modified organisms to foods processed from maize and soy

The applicability of quantifying genetically modified (GM) maize and soy to processed foods was investigated using heat treatment processing models. The detection methods were based on real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Ground seeds of insect resistant GM maize (MON810) and glyphosate tolerant Roundup Ready (RR) soy were dissolved in water and were heat treated by autoclaving for various time intervals. The calculated copy numbers of the recombinant and taxon specific deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences in the extracted DNA solution were found to decrease with time. This decrease was influenced by the PCR-amplified size. The conversion factor (Cf), which is the ratio of the recombinant DNA sequence to the taxon specific DNA sequence and is used as a constant number for calculating GM% at each event, tended to be stable when the sizes of PCR products of two DNA sequences were nearly equal. The results suggested that the size of the PCR product plays a key role in the quantification of GM organisms in processed foods. It is believed that the Cf of the endosperm (3n) is influenced by whether the GM originated from a paternal or maternal source. The embryos and endosperms were separated from the F1 generation seeds of five GM maize events, and their Cf values were measured. Both paternal and maternal GM events were identified. In these, the endosperm Cf was lower than that of the embryo, and the embryo Cf was lower than that of the endosperm. These results demonstrate the difficulties encountered in the determination of GM% in maize grains (F2 generation) and in processed foods from maize and soy.     

Identification of genetically modified potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars using event specific polymerase chain reaction

Several genetically modified (GM) cultivars are registered in Canada although they are not currently in commercial production. The GM cultivars can be distinguished from the non-GM and other GM cultivars by analyzing the DNA nucleotide sequence at the insertion site of the transgene corresponding to a single transformation event in the plant genome. Techniques based on modified polymerase chain reaction (PCR) strategies were used to generate sequence information from the plant genome flanking the insertion site of transgenic DNA for specific GM potato events. The plant genome sequence adjacent to the transgenic insertion was used to design PCR primers, which could be used in combination with a primer annealing to one of the nearby inserted genetic elements to amplify an event specific DNA fragment. The event specific PCR fragments generated were sequenced to confirm the specificity of the method.     

Immunochemical studies on gastric and intestinal digestion of soybean glycinin and beta-conglycinin in vivo.

Two experiments were conducted to study gastric and small intestinal digestion of soybean glycinin and beta-conglycinin in preruminant calves fed milk replacers containing a mixture of skim milk powder and antigenic heated soybean flour. In experiment 1, duodenal passage of immunoreactive beta-conglycinin lasted for a much longer time after the morning meal than that of glycinin. Western blotting revealed the early abomasal outflow of glycinin subunits that associated nearly intact basic polypeptides to partially degraded acidic polypeptides. Intact beta-conglycinin was evidenced at most sampling times. In experiment 2, intact basic glycinin (M(r) = 21000) associated with partially digested acidic glycinin (7000 < M(r) < 25000) was demonstrated in ileal digesta up to 8-10 h after the meal. beta-Conglycinin immunoreactivity could not be evidenced by Western blotting in ileal digesta.     

Development of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction method for simultaneous detection of eight events of genetically modified maize

In this study, we developed a novel multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for simultaneous detection of up to eight events of genetically modified (GM) maize within a single reaction. The eight detection primer pairs designed to be construct specific for eight respective GM events (i.e., Bt11, Event176, GA21, MON810, MON863, NK603, T25, and TC1507) and a primer pair for an endogenous reference gene, ssIIb, were included in the nonaplex(9plex) PCR system, and its amplified products could be distinguished by agarose gel and capillary electrophoreses based on their different lengths. The optimal condition enabled us to reliably amplify two fragments corresponding to a construct specific sequence and a taxon specific ssIIb in each of the eight events of GM maize and all of nine fragments in a simulated GM mixture containing as little as 0.25% (w/w) each of eight events of GM maize. These results indicate that this multiplex PCR method could be an effective qualitative detection method for screening GM maize.     

Universal primer-multiplex-polymerase chain reaction (UP-M-PCR) and capillary electrophoresis-laser-induced fluorescence analysis for the simultaneous detection of six genetically modified maize lines

To meet the labeling and traceability requirement of genetically modified (GM) maize and their products for trade and regulation, it is essential to develop a specific detection method for monitoring the presence of GM content. In this work, six GM maize lines, including GA21, Bt11, NK603, Bt176, Mir604, and Mon810, were simultaneously detected by universal primer-multiplex-polymerase chain reaction (UP-M-PCR), and the amplicons for the six event-specific genes as well as the endogenous Ivr gene were successfully separated by the method of capillary electrophoresis-laser-induced fluorescence (CE-LIF). The UP-M-PCR method overcame the disadvantages in conventional M-PCR, such as complex manipulation, lower sensitivity, amplification disparity resulting from different primers, etc., and in combination with CE-LIF, it obtained a high sensitivity of 0.1 ng for both single and mixed DNA samples. The established method can be widely used for the qualitative identification of the GM maize lines.     

Real-time polymerase chain reaction monitoring of recombinant DNA entry into soil from decomposing roundup ready leaf biomass

Glyphosate-tolerant, Roundup Ready (RR) soybeans account for about 57% of all genetically modified (GM) crops grown worldwide. The entry of recombinant DNA into soil from GM crops has been identified as an environmental concern due to the possibility of their horizontal transfer to soil microorganisms. RR soybeans contain recombinant gene sequences that can be differentiated from wild-type plant and microbial genes in soil by using a sequence-specific molecular beacon and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A molecular beacon-based real-time PCR system to quantify a wild-type soybean lectin ( le1) gene was designed to compare amounts of endogenous soybean genes to recombinant DNA in soil. Microcosm studies were carried out to develop methodologies for the detection of recombinant DNA from RR soybeans in soil. RR soybean leaf litterbags were imbedded in the soil under controlled environmental conditions (60% water holding capacity, 10/15 degrees C, and 8/16 h day/night) for 30 days. The soybean biomass decomposition was described using a single-phase exponential equation, and the DNA concentration in planta and in soil was quantified using real-time PCR using sequence-specific molecular beacons for the recombinant cp4 epsps and endogenous soybean lectin ( le1) genes. The biomass of RR soybean leaves was 8.6% less than nontransgenic (NT) soybean leaves after 30 days. The pooled half-disappearance time for cp4 epsps and le1 in RR and of le1 in NT soybean leaves was 1.4 days. All genes from leaves were detected in soil after 30 days. This study provides a methodology for monitoring the entry of RR and NT soybean DNA into soil from decomposing plant residues.     

Validation of a rice specific gene, sucrose phosphate synthase, used as the endogenous reference gene for qualitative and real-time quantitative PCR detection of transgenes

With the development of transgenic crops, many countries have issued regulations to label the genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their derived products. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) methods are thought to be reliable and useful techniques for qualitative and quantitative detection of GMOs. These methods generally need to amplify the transgene and compare the amplified result with that of the corresponding reference gene to obtain reliable results. In this article, we reported the development of specific primers and probe for the rice (Oryza sativa) sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) gene and PCR cycling conditions suitable for the use of this sequence as an endogenous reference gene in both qualitative and quantitative PCR assays. Both methods were assayed with 13 different rice varieties, and identical amplification products were obtained with all of them. No amplification products were observed when DNA samples from other species, such as wheat, maize, barley, tobacco, soybean, rapeseed, tomato, sunflower, carrot, pepper, eggplant, lupine, mung bean, plum, and Arabidopsis thaliana, were used as templates, which demonstrated that this system was specific for rice. In addition, the results of the Southern blot analysis confirmed that the SPS gene was a single copy in the tested rice varieties. In qualitative and quantitative PCR analyses, the detection sensitivities were 0.05 and 0.005 ng of rice genomic DNA, respectively. To test the practical use of this SPS gene as an endogenous reference gene, we have also quantified the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) gene in transgenic rice using this reference gene. These results indicated that the SPS gene was species specific, had one copy number, and had a low heterogeneity among the tested cultivars. Therefore, this gene could be used as an endogenous reference gene of rice and the optimized PCR systems could be used for practical qualitative and quantitative detection of transgenic rice.