摘要：There is a rapidly developing need to understand the risks to human health which can occur in association with the introduction of genetically modified microorganisms (GMMOs). Carefully designed microcosms which bridge the gap between the test tube and the human body, can be used to make predictions about the potential risks. From the results, it may be possible to establish a framework for threshold levels, for regulatory purposes. We are presently involved in developing in vitro animal microcosms that can be used to study both the effect of the gastrointestinal microbiota on the GMMO and the effect of the GMMO on the structure and function of the ecosystem. The effect of the microbiota, and in fact the ecosystem as a whole, on the GMMO is being investigated in terms of bacterial survival, growth, colonisation potential and global protein expression. In addition, genetic stability and gene transfer within the microcosms are being examined. The studies are based on the gastrointestinal ecosystem of germ-free mice and ex-germ free mice colonised with a complex human gastrointestinal microbiota. Extracts from the digestive tract are used in the in vitro microcosm and results compared to in vivo studies. From our studies to date, the concept of using intestinal extracts in vitro to reflect the in vivo situation seems promising. For example, the broad range plasmid RP1 transferred between two Escherichia coli strains at a high frequency in caecal mucus in vitro and in the germ free mice in vivo while virtually no transfer was detected in a range of laboratory media. It is not envisaged that any microcosm will reflect the total in vivo situation but rather allow study of specific relevant parameters.Keywords: In vitro models, Interactions, Human health, Genetically modified microorganisms.
