Preprint Review Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

The Potential Harmful Effects of Genetically Engineered Microorganisms (GEMs) on the Intestinal Microbiome and Public Health

Version 1 : Received: 2 January 2024 / Approved: 3 January 2024 / Online: 3 January 2024 (12:08:19 CET)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Lerner, A.; Benzvi, C.; Vojdani, A. The Potential Harmful Effects of Genetically Engineered Microorganisms (GEMs) on the Intestinal Microbiome and Public Health. Microorganisms 2024, 12, 238. Lerner, A.; Benzvi, C.; Vojdani, A. The Potential Harmful Effects of Genetically Engineered Microorganisms (GEMs) on the Intestinal Microbiome and Public Health. Microorganisms 2024, 12, 238.

Abstract

Gut luminal dysbiosis and pathobiosis result in compositional and biodiversify alterations in the microbial and host co-metabolites. The main mechanism of bacterial evolution is horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and acquisition of new traits can be achieved through mobile genetic element (MGEs) exchange. Introducing genetically engineered microbes (GEMs) might break the harmonized balance in the intestinal compartment. The present objectives are: 1. To reveal the role played by GEMs' horizontal gene transfers in changing the landscape of the enteric microbiome eubiosis 2. To expand on the potential detrimental effects of those changes on human genome and health. A search of articles published in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scielo from 2000 to august 2023, using appropriate MeSH entry terms were performed. GEMs' horizontal gene exchanges might induce multiple human diseases. The new GEMs can change the long-term natural evolution of the enteric pro- or eukaryotic cells inhabitants. The worldwide regulatory authority's safety control of GEMs is not enough to protect public health. Viability and biocontainment and many other aspects are only partially controlled and harmful consequences for public health should be avoided. Always remember that prevention is the most cost- effective strategy and "primum non nocere" is the name of the game.

Keywords

horizontal gene transfer; genetically engineered microorganisms; mobile genetic elements; regulation; autoimmune diseases; microbiome; dysbiome; gut; intestinal.

Subject

Public Health and Healthcare, Public Health and Health Services

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