# Comparative assessment of endogenous lipid transfer protein (LTP) level in genetically modified maize for its relevance in safety assessment

## TL;DR

This study compares lipid transfer protein levels in genetically modified and non-GM maize to assess allergenicity risk.

## Contribution

The study shows that GM maize does not significantly alter endogenous LTP levels compared to non-GM varieties.

## Key findings

- LTP levels in GM maize are not meaningfully different from non-GM controls.
- Observed LTP levels in GM maize fall within natural variation ranges of non-GM maize.
- Endogenous LTP quantitation does not provide useful safety assessment information for GM maize.

## Abstract

Allergenicity risk has been one of the safety concerns for genetically modified (GM) crops that are generated using modern biotechnologies. When there is the presence of endogenous allergens in a host crop, one question is often raised if genetic modification could increase their allergenicity risk. In this study, lipid transfer protein (LTP), the major endogenous allergen in maize, was measured and compared between various GM maize with their non-GM control as well as non-GM, commercial maize varieties. The results showed LTP levels have no meaningful difference in GM maize, and the LTP levels observed in GM maize were well encompassed within the potential natural variation range from non-GM maize varieties. Therefore, such endogenous LTP quantitation comparison in GM and non-GM control maize does not bring valuable information to the safety assessment of GM maize.