Molecular Biology and Genomics

Institute for Health and Consumer Protection

Action: 15016

Acronym: Molecular Biology and Genomics

Summary:

The operational action plan for 2009 is built on the foreseen activities of the five Competence Centres. The activities of four of the five Competence Centres are mainly in support to the Policy Action GMOs which has two major tasks: the execution of the mandate of the CRL-GMFF and the mandate of the CRL-GMO. For the CRL-GMFF, activities include the official validation of GMO detection methods, providing of control samples for control laboratories, and, in the event of disputes between Member States to act as mediator for dispute settlement. For the CRL-GMO, the tasks for 2009 include mapping of training needs for NRLs and organisation of work shops.

Several activities will be carried out in support to the mandate of both CRLs. The Bio-informatics group will continue its inventorisation of the GMO DNA sequences in the CCSIS. The introduced data will be systematically verified. Moreover, an in-depth data mining of the stored sequences will be carried out. On request of the CRL-GMFF, studies will be initiated to address the appropriateness of the existing validation parameters and the transferability of GMO detection methods to other equipments. Expertise in the field of molecular biology will be applied for the verification of GMO inserts, and, novel technologies will be tested and evaluated in order to optimise existing PCR techniques. High-throughput systems for GMO detection are being put in place and possibilities for in-house development of an IHCP generated product explored. Such will be carried out in collaboration with the NanoBioscience Unit. Activities of training on GMO detection and updating of training manuals will be carried out. Expertise in sampling for GMO commodities will be explored. Databases on GMO information maintained.