Single-dose oral toxicity study of β-glucosidase 1 (AtBG1) protein introduced into genetically modified rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) = GM 유채에 도입된 β-glucosidase 1 (AtBG1)의 단회투여 독성시험

Abstract

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is an oil crop classified as Brassicaceae, and it is widely grown worldwide. To develop a drought-resistant rapeseed, the {\beta}-glucosidase 1 (AtBG1) gene was introduced into rapeseed because drought- and salt-resistance phenotypes were observed when the AtBG1 gene was overexpressed in arabidopsis. Newly developed genetically modified crop must be proved to be safe. Safety assessments are based on the historical usage and scientific reports of a crop. In this study, we examined the potential acute oral toxicity of AtBG1 protein expressed in genetically modified (GM) rapeseed and calculated the minimum lethal dose at 6 weeks in both male and female ICR mice. AtBG1 protein was fed at a dose of 2,000 mg/kg body weight in five male and five female mice according to the marginal capacity concentration of OECD, 2,000 mg/15 ml/kg. Mortalities, clinical findings, and body weight changes were monitored for 14 days after dosing, and postmortem necropsy was performed on day 14. This study showed that no deaths occurred in the test group, and AtBG1 protein did not result in variations in common symptoms, body weight, and postmortem findings between the two groups. This showed that the minimum lethal dose of AtBG1 protein expressed in transgenic rapeseed exceed 2,000 mg/kg body weight in both sexes.