Laura Smith
Mushrooms are a staple in many kitchens, but are they genetically modified? In 2016, a researcher at Penn State University developed a GMO mushroom using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology. This technology allows scientists to precisely cut and modify DNA, and in the case of the mushroom, it resulted in an anti-browning variant with a longer shelf life. Interestingly, the USDA ruled that this mushroom was not subject to GMO regulations, sparking a debate about the safety of GMO foods and the need for labelling. While some companies assert that their mushrooms are not genetically modified, the future of GMO mushrooms and their potential impact on the market and consumer choice remains a topic of discussion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are mushrooms genetically modified? | Yes, a genetically modified mushroom has been developed by a researcher at Penn State University. |
| Mushroom type | White button mushroom (Agaricus Bisporus) |
| Technique used | CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology |
| Benefits | Longer shelf life, improved appearance, and resistance to browning and mechanical harvesting |
| Regulatory status | Not subject to the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) regulatory process for GMOs |
| Commercialization | May require FDA approval prior to commercialization |
| Labeling | No mandatory labeling of GMO mushrooms required in the US |
| Companies using GMO mushrooms | None found |
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What You'll Learn
Gene-editing techniques
Gene editing is not the same as genetically modifying an organism (GMO), which involves inserting foreign genes into an organism's DNA. Instead, gene editing relies on "fine-tuning" genes that are already in a plant. In some cases, that translates into switching genes off and on. For example, in the case of mushrooms, the gene-editing technique involves cutting a specific gene present in the mushroom in several copies to destroy its structure. This prevents the mushrooms from turning brown and extends their shelf life.
CRISPR/Cas9 is a gene-editing tool that can be used to modify an organism's genome by precisely delivering a DNA-cutting enzyme (Cas9) to a targeted region of DNA. The resulting modification can delete or replace specific DNA pieces, thereby promoting or disabling certain traits. CRISPR stands for "clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats". It is a relatively new and revolutionary way to modify an organism's genome.
The gene-edited mushroom created by Yinong Yang, a biologist, and his team at Penn State University is a case in point. Yang's mushroom did not trigger USDA oversight because it does not contain foreign DNA from 'plant pests' such as viruses or bacteria. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has ruled that this mushroom, created using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, does not require USDA approval. This decision has sparked extensive coverage and renewed debate about the use of gene-editing techniques in agriculture.
The advantage of using mushrooms as a proof of principle for CRISPR in agriculture is the speed at which fungi grow. Mushrooms take about five weeks to grow from spawn to maturity and can be grown year-round in climate-controlled facilities. This allows for quick field testing of gene-edited crops. Another advantage of gene-edited mushrooms is that they can be used to improve yield, disease resistance, shelf life, nutrition, and other crop attributes.
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CRISPR/Cas9 technology
Mushrooms are one of about 30 genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that have sidestepped the USDA regulatory system in the past five years. In a letter dated April 13, 2016, the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed that an anti-browning mushroom developed by plant pathologist Yinong Yang of Penn State University was not subject to the agency's regulatory process for GMOs. Yang's mushroom was engineered with CRISPR-Cas9 technology, a gene-editing technique.
The CRISPR/Cas9 system has been successfully used to edit the genome of Pleurotus ostreatus, one of the most commercially produced edible mushrooms worldwide. In this case, gene mutagenesis was induced using plasmid-based CRISPR/Cas9, resulting in strains with increased resistance to certain drugs. This demonstrates the potential of CRISPR/Cas9-assisted genome editing in P. ostreatus and its contribution to the molecular breeding of non-GM cultivated mushrooms.
The Cas9-TRAMA system, a variation of CRISPR/Cas9, has also been developed for use in medicinal mushrooms. This system can be used for protein modification, promoter strength evaluation, and metabolic synthetic cluster deletion. One of the greatest advantages of the Cas9-TRAMA system is that it can be easily removed without leaving any foreign DNA residue, allowing for unlimited rounds of genetic engineering.
The development of gene-edited mushrooms using CRISPR/Cas9 technology has sparked a new wave of attention and debate surrounding GMOs. While some see the potential for improved crop yields and desirable traits, others are concerned about the lack of regulatory oversight and potential risks associated with genetically modified organisms.
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Foreign DNA integration
Mushrooms have unique characteristics that make them challenging for foreign DNA integration. Firstly, mushroom mycelia are dikaryotic, meaning they have two different nuclei with compatible mating types. This makes it difficult to simultaneously integrate foreign DNA into both nuclei, and the transformant carrying the selective marker may be diluted during the sporulation process. To overcome this challenge, researchers may use monokaryotic cells, which have only one nucleus, for maintaining the transformant.
Another challenge in mushroom transformation is the repair mechanism of filamentous fungi. In these fungi, homologous recombination (HR) is suppressed, while non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) is the primary repair system against DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). With NHEJ, the integration of foreign DNA becomes random, making it difficult to target a specific gene. To address this issue, suppression of NHEJ through downregulation or knockout of its components is necessary before introducing foreign DNA.
Despite these challenges, advancements in gene-editing technology, such as CRISPR-Cas9, have enabled the development of genetically modified mushrooms. In 2016, a researcher at Penn State University, Yinong Yang, successfully created an anti-browning mushroom using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. This mushroom has small deletions in a specific gene that prevents the production of an enzyme responsible for browning. As a result, the modified mushroom has an extended shelf life and resists blemishes from handling and mechanical harvesting. Notably, the USDA ruled that this GMO mushroom is not subject to the agency's regulatory process, sparking debates and discussions about the regulation and labelling of GMO foods.
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GMO labelling
Genetically modified mushrooms have been a topic of debate in recent years, with a researcher at Penn State University developing a GMO mushroom using gene-editing techniques. This development has sparked discussions about GMO labelling and consumer rights to know whether the mushrooms they are consuming are genetically modified.
The issue of GMO labelling has been a contentious topic in the United States. In 2016, it was revealed that a new genetically modified mushroom had bypassed US Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations on GMOs due to a loophole in their policy. The USDA confirmed that the anti-browning mushroom, developed using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology, would not be subject to GMO regulations as it did not contain any foreign DNA. This sparked concerns among consumers who may unknowingly purchase GMO mushrooms without any labels indicating their genetic modification.
Proponents of GMO labelling argue that consumers have a right to know what they are eating and that clear labelling allows consumers to make informed choices. Polls show that a majority of Americans support on-package labelling of GMO foods. Mandatory labelling can also help farmers who sell their mushrooms into markets that do not accept GMOs, such as organic markets, by ensuring their crops are not accidentally contaminated with GMO varieties.
On the other hand, opponents of GMO labelling, like Senator Pat Roberts, who introduced the Deny Americans the Right to Know Act (DARK Act), argue that mandatory labelling may be unnecessary and could potentially increase costs for food producers, although studies have shown that GMO labelling does not increase food prices.
Moving Forward:
The development of GMO mushrooms and the subsequent discussion on labelling highlight the need for consistent and reliable regulations regarding gene-edited crops. While the USDA has begun reviewing its regulatory framework to account for newer technologies like CRISPR-Cas9, there is still a disconnect between the rapid advancement of gene-editing technologies and the regulations governing their use and labelling. As gene editing continues to evolve and find new applications in agriculture, it is essential to have clear and adaptable guidelines that ensure consumer safety, transparency, and confidence in the food they consume.
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Health and safety concerns
Genetically modified mushrooms have sparked debates about health and safety concerns. One of the main concerns is the potential impact on human health. Some scientists argue that gene editing is a risky technique that may have unintended consequences for people and the planet. For example, two independent studies published in Nature Medicine found that cells genetically engineered with CRISPR could potentially interact with cancer prevention genes in human cells.
Another concern is the lack of regulatory oversight for gene-edited mushrooms. In the United States, the USDA has ruled that gene-edited mushrooms are not subject to the agency's regulatory process for GMOs. This decision has sparked criticism from anti-GMO advocates who argue that these new GMOs must be properly assessed for health and environmental impacts before they enter the food system. There is also concern that the lack of regulatory oversight could set a precedent for other GMO crops developed using CRISPR technology.
The potential benefits of gene-edited mushrooms are also debated. Supporters argue that this technology can improve crop yield, disease resistance, shelf life, and nutrition. For example, the anti-browning mushroom developed by Yinong Yang using CRISPR- Cas9 gene-editing technology will have a longer shelf life and resist blemishes from handling and mechanical harvesting. However, critics argue that the benefits of gene-edited mushrooms do not outweigh the potential risks.
The debate around the health and safety concerns of genetically modified mushrooms is complex and multifaceted. While some argue that gene editing can improve the safety and quality of food, others warn of potential unintended consequences. As the technology develops and more gene-edited organisms are created, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits to ensure the safety of people and the planet.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a genetically modified mushroom has been developed by Yinong Yang, a researcher at Penn State University.
The mushroom was modified using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology. This technology allows scientists to precisely cut and modify specific genes in an organism's DNA.
The genetically modified mushroom was created to have a longer shelf life and resist blemishes from handling and mechanical harvesting. It is also 30% more resistant to browning than natural mushrooms.
The safety of consuming genetically modified mushrooms is currently a topic of debate. While some people may have concerns about the potential risks of GMO foods, others argue that gene editing can improve the safety and nutritional value of crops. Ultimately, it is up to individuals to decide whether or not they are comfortable consuming genetically modified organisms.
No, some companies, such as Monterey Mushrooms, do not utilize any mushroom spawn (seed) that has been genetically modified or engineered. Their products are the result of natural selection and crossing of strains for desired attributes.
