What are the rules for recombinant DNA?
The use of recombinant DNA (rDNA) is governed by the NIH Guidelines for Research involving Recombinant DNA Molecules. The Guidelines apply institution-wide, regardless of whether an individual lab receives funding from the NIH. Recombinant DNA molecules are defined as either: (i) molecules that are constructed outside living cells by joining natural or synthetic DNA segments to DNA molecules that can replicate in a living cell, or (ii) molecules that result from the replication of those described in (i) above. The Guidelines require varying levels of institutional registration and pre-approval depending on the risk of a particular recombinant DNA activity. ALL recombinant DNA procedures must be registered, and if necessary pre-approved by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC).
