Indirectly GM bees

 March 2022

"Even with the complete genetic information of a synthetic micro-organism, it is beyond the capacity of any existent bioinformatic analysis to fully predict the capability of a synthetic organism to survive, colonise and interact with other organisms under natural conditions, given the uncountable diversity of potential microhabitats and their temporal variability." (European Food Safety Authority, 2020)

By "synthetic micro-organism" is meant GM bacteria, GM fungi and GM yeast*. In their natural form all of these are a permanent feature inside, on and around higher plants and animals where they interact with each other and with their host to play a vital role in health and disease.

 
*Viruses are simpler cell-invading molecular complexes primarily associated with disease. GM viruses are commonly grouped together with synthetic 'micro-organisms'

The "uncountable" locations and changeability of microbial populations arise because they reproduce with stunning rapidity and spread uncontrollably. "Therefore, in dealing with (synthetic micro-organisms), the precautionary principle deserves to be given the highest priority" (TestBiotech). In fact, you might well consider it inappropriate even to consider releasing a GM microbe into the environment. Yet, projects are underway to use them to induce a huge range of environmental changes, including: biodegradation, waste treatment and bioremediation, therapeutic alteration of gut microbes in animals and humans, improving food and feed composition, increasing soil fertility, eliminating pests and pathogens, producing energy, reversing the coral bleaching caused by climate change, and for military purposes.

The problem with all these GM micro-organisms being developed for release into our environment is that they can't be removed if harmful long-term consequences emerge.

Food for thought:

Researchers were surprised when they succeeded in reviving microbes which had been lying dormant for 101.5 million years. The microbes spanned ten major and numerous minor groups of bacteria. One co-author commented "Maintaining full physiological capability for 100 million years in starving isolation is an impressive feat".

What will happen if GM microbes stress the whole living, interacting, host-microbe ecosystem they inhabit? What will happen when GM microbes evolve in unpredictable and uncontrollable ways? What will we do when we realise we can't ever get rid of the GM mini-monsters we've created?

A huge proportion of our food supply depends on pollination by honeybees. One of the scariest GM micro-organism projects yet involves indirectly 'improving' these vital insects.

A proof-of-concept has been published showing that by genetically engineering bacteria in the bee gut to produce 'iRNA' which interferes with gene expression [1], it is possible to knock out the ability of viruses to replicate in the bees and/or knock out the bee parasites which spread the viruses.

The technique is also touted to make it possible to alter bee physiology, growth or behaviour (for example, to increase pollination effectiveness), or to degrade pesticides to which the bees are exposed. Such major effects are possible because the GM bacteria in the gut generate the required iRNA continuously: it then spreads out into the bees' circulatory system and through their tissues including their nervous system. Designer, improved bees: what could possibly go wrong?

Although the species of gut bacteria targeted by genetic engineers was only discovered a few years ago, it is already recognised as having an important role in the vitality and immune system of bees. Changes in the population of these bacteria are known to substantially weaken bee health. GM gut bugs gone wrong could wipe out the very bees scientists are trying to 'improve'.

In humans, disturbances of gut microbe composition have been linked to a whole raft of chronic diseases including allergies, autoimmune disease, gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, central nervous system dysfunctions such as learning and memory impairment, anxiety, stress, depression, autism, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. These could arise, for example, from the microbial production of toxins or from a microbial failure to remove a toxin. Actual outcome is likely to depend on age and diet too.

There's no reason to think things will be any different in bees.

The success of the hive is totally dependent on appropriate bee behaviour. GM microbe-inspired behavioural changes gone wrong could wipe out the very bees scientists are trying to 'improve'.

Elimination of a virus or parasite using constant, uncontrolled flooding of the host with a substance which alters DNA expression could be a recipe for virus and parasite evolution to evade the persistent attack. This could generate super-viruses and super-parasites, decimating the very bees scientists are trying to 'improve'.

The authors themselves point out the need for "biocontainment safeguards" for their indirectly genetically engineered bees. Since we're talking about insects which can fly many miles when foraging and will visit flowers also visited by bees from other hives, bees of other species, and other pollinators, containment doesn't sound like an option.

Like the current attempt to eliminate mosquitoes using a toxic GM fungus [2], field trials of bees with GM microbes in their guts raise "many troubling legal, biosafety, ethical, political and human rights concerns" (African Centre for Biosafety).

The GM bacteria are a patented 'invention'. The patent extends to all honeybees which (deliberately or accidently) harbour the GM bugs and all other contaminated insects. This sounds as if the authors know full well containment isn't a reality, so they've seen the need to assume ownership of everything their invention ends up in.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Keep an eye open for these scary new micro-GMOs, especially those claiming to be bee 'improvement' devices. Unless you keep on the case, you might find them infiltrating UK agriculture and your body before you realise what's happening.


Background

[1] RNAi DOESN'T JUST DISAPPEAR - October 2019

[2] SPIDER FUNGUS BITES MOZZIES - October 2019



SOURCES:

·         "Indirect" genetic engineering of honeybees, GM Watch 15.07.20

·         Sean P. Leonard, et al., 2020, Engineered symbionts activate honey bee immunity and limit pathogens, Science 367

·         Comment on EFSA's draft on Synthetic Biology developments in micro-organisms, environmental risk assessment aspects (ERA), Testbiotech Background, 4.06.20

·         Lucette Flandroy, et al., 2018, The impact of human activities and lifestyles on the interlinked microbiota and health of humans and of ecosystems, Science of the total Environment 627

·         GM fungi to kill mosquitoes: illegal experiments in Burkina Faso? African Centre for Biosafety Briefing Paper, 28.05.20

·         Will Dunham, Scientists revive 100 million-old microbes from deep under seafloor, Reuters 28.07.20

·         Alice Klein, Alzheimer's may begin with a protein in the gut, New Scientist 24.07.20

Photo: Honeybee by Orangeaurochs on Flickr