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Reply to 'Comments on two recent publications on GM maize and Roundup'
Michael N Antoniou1, Robin Mesnage2, Sarah Agapito-Tenfen3,4
1Gene Expression and Therapy Group, King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, 8th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom. michael.antoniou@kcl.ac.uk.
Scientific Reports
|September 5, 2018
Summary
This study refutes claims of experimental flaws in genetically modified (GM) crop research. Our investigation of NK603 maize demonstrates the validity of our methods and findings on Roundup toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Toxicology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding the experimental design for omics analyses in genetically modified (GM) crops.
- Standardized methodologies for evaluating GM crop safety, particularly concerning herbicide exposure, are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address criticisms regarding the experimental design and data analysis of a chronic toxicity study on NK603 maize.
- To validate the findings of structural and functional damage in rat liver tissues due to Roundup exposure.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a near-isogenic variety of maize (NK603) as a valid comparator for transgenesis effects.
- Employed robust statistical methods for analyzing liver metabolomics data.
- Conducted proteomics analysis on rat liver tissues to assess cellular damage.
Main Results:
- The experimental design, using a near-isogenic comparator grown concurrently, is scientifically sound.
- The quality of rat liver tissues and the statistical analyses performed were appropriate and not compromised.
- Proteomics data revealed significant structural and functional damage in liver tissues linked to Roundup herbicide exposure.
Conclusions:
- The criticisms of experimental flaws in the NK603 maize toxicity study are unfounded.
- The study's findings on Roundup toxicity are robust and supported by appropriate methodologies.
- This research reinforces the importance of rigorous experimental design in GM crop safety assessments.