Identification of mtDNA Lineages of Sus scrofa by Multiplex Single Base Extension for the Authentication of Processed Food Products

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2011

Authors

Barbara van Asch (Author) Other; Liliana Silva Santos (Author) Other; Joao Carneiro (Author) Other; Filipe Pereira (Author) Other; Antonio Amorim (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

Vol. 59

Pages: 6920-6926

ISSN: 0021-8561

Publisher: American Chemical Society

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 3 Citations

Scopus - 4 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Agrarian Sciences > Other Agrarian Sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-PQ6

DOI: 10.1021/jf201283r

Abstract (EN): A genetic method to identify the breed of origin could serve as a useful tool for inspecting the authenticity of the increasing number of monobreed foodstuffs, such as those derived from small local European pig breeds. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is practically the only reliable genomic target for PCR in processed products, and its haploid nature and strict maternal inheritance greatly facilitate genetic analysis. As a result of strategies that sought to improve the production traits of European pigs, most industrial breeds presently show a high frequency of Asian alleles, while the absence or low frequency of such Asian alleles has been observed in small rustic breeds from which highly prized dry-cured and other traditional products are derived. Therefore, the detection of Asian ancestry would indicate nonconformity in Protected Denomination of Origin products. This study presents a single base extension assay based on 15 diagnostic mtDNA single nucleotide polymorphisms to discriminate between Asian and European Sus scrofa lineages. The test was robust, sensitive and accurate in a wide range of processed foodstuffs and allowed accurate detection of pig genetic material and identification of maternal ancestry. A market survey suggested that nonconformity of products derived from Portuguese breeds is an unusual event at present, but regular surveys both in the local populations and in commercial products would be advisible. Taking into consideration the limitations presented by other methodologies, this mtDNA-based test probably attains the highest resolution for the direct genetic test for population of origin in Sus scrofa food products.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7