Recombinant DNA Research

Introduction

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) have established strict guidelines on the proper use and disposal of transgenic animals, plants and other forms of recombinant DNA (rDNA) in research. This document entitled NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules (NIH Guidelines) outlines institutional and investigator responsibilities and can be accessed online at:

http://www4.od.nih.gov/oba/rac/guidelines/guidelines.htm

Compliance with NIH Guidelines

All NIH-funded projects involving rDNA must comply with NIH Guidelines. As per the NIH Guidelines, all non-NIH funded projects involving rDNA conducted at or sponsored by an institution that receives NIH funding must comply with NIH guidelines.

Failure to follow NIH guidelines can result in the suspension, limitation, or termination of NIH funds for all rDNA research at the University. In addition, any intentional failure to comply has the potential to be defined as academic misconduct as outlined by University policy.

As an NIH-funded institution, Kent State University has developed both a policy and a protocol, outlined in this fact sheet, through which investigators may obtain institutional authorization to work with recombinant DNA. As an investigator working with recombinant DNA materials, it is your responsibility to meet these requirements.

Kent State University Policy on Recombinant DNA Research

It is the policy of Kent State University that all research conducted on the campus or sponsored by the University involving recombinant DNA must receive approval from the Office of Research Safety prior to the start of any work. All projects not exempt from the NIH Guidelines that involve recombinant DNA must be registered. Research projects will be assessed by the ORS on an individual basis.

Kent State University Protocol for Institutional Approval

You must report your research project with the ORS to initiate the approval and/or registration process. Registration forms or further information about the registration process may be obtained by Contacting ORS at 2-4996 or tom@rags.kent.edu.

Disposal of Recombinant DNA Materials

University Policy requires that recombinant DNA materials must be inactivated to prevent any accidental release. Depending upon the material, autoclave treatment, chemical treatment, or incineration may be employed for inactivation.

Transfer of Recombinant DNA and Transgenic Materials

Intra- or inter-facility transfers of rDNA and transgenic materials including transgenic animals and transgenic plants are prohibited without the written approval of the ORS.

Research-related Incidents

University policy requires that significant research-related incidents be reported immediately to the Office of Research Safety. Such incidents include research-related accidents and illnesses as well as inadvertent release or improper disposal of biohazardous or recombinant DNA materials.