Inter-laboratory transfer of a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for quantitative detection of genetically modified maize event TC-1507

A real-time polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) assay was developed for quantitative detection of a genetically modified (GM) maize event TC-1507 and modification to conventional PCR for qualitative purposes. Sequences 5′-flanking TC-1507 full-length insert were characterized and showed multiple rearrangements involving insert and maize chloroplast fragments. The event specificity of the TC-1507 assays was based on the detection of transgene and plant rearranged sequences found to 5′ flank the insertion site. They were fully specific and exhibited a limit of detection below 10 target copies, allowing consistent detection of 0.1% GM levels. The QPCR was highly linear and efficient and proved adequate for quantification of GM contents, aiming at the fulfillment of legal requirements established in the European Union (i.e., compulsory labeling of TC-1507 levels >0.9%). It satisfactorily determined TC-1507 contents on different matrixes and was successfully transferred to a different laboratory.