Epigenetics, an update

The research report ‘Epigenetics, an update’ was commissioned by the Netherlands Commission on Genetic Modification (COGEM) and is a follow-up study of a 2006 report titled" Epigenetics in context" This 2006 report gave an overview of the scientific state of affairs in both the medical and the plant breeding industry at the time. It was concluded that it
was too early to draw conclusions on any environmental risks possibly linked with epigenetics. The COGEM did find it essential to continue to monitor the developments in the field of epigenetics in order to provide a timely assessment of potential future risks.

The new survey shows that the technologies for epigenetic analysis and epigenetic research since 2006 have undergone considerable development. Furthermore, knowledge about epigenetic regulation of gene expression and DNA has increased enormously. Despite this increase in knowledge, the COGEM signals that there is currently no need to adjust the existing regulations on GM crops. COGEM also signals that the whole of investigations (including greenhouse studies en field trials) that take place within the current GMO risk assessment are sufficient to detect potential unintended epigenetic effects in GM crops.

Although it is not yet possible to bring about heritable changes in gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence change, this could be possible in the future. This raises the question whether these changes are associated with environmental risks and whether they should be included in the (GMO) legislation. COGEM therefore identifies the need to monitor developments in the field of epigenetic research so that, if necessary, the regulation can be changed in time.