Transgenes of genetically modified animals detected non-invasively via environmental DNA

Abstract

We demonstrate that simple, non-invasive environmental DNA (eDNA) methods can dete transgenes of genetically modified (GM) animals from terrestrial and aquatic sources in invertebrate and vertebrate systems. We detected transgenic fragments between 82–234 bp through targeted PCR amplification of environmental DNA extracted from food media o GM fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), feces, urine, and saliva of GM laboratory mice (Mus musculus), and aquarium water of GM tetra fish (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi). With rap idly growing accessibility of genome-editing technologies such as CRISPR, the prevalenc and diversity of GM animals will increase dramatically. GM animals have already been released into the wild with more releases planned in the future. eDNA methods have the potential to address the critical need for sensitive, accurate, and cost-effective detection a monitoring of GM animals and their transgenes in nature.