Table 1.
Goals and features of watermarking system.
Figure 1.
Proposed watermark implementation strategies.
(A) Schema in which a central authorizing entity distributes watermarked strains to the research community. The authorizing entity designs and synthesizes confidential DNA watermark sequences. These sequences are introduced into genetically tractable target organisms using molecular genetic approaches that have proven efficacious in the agent. Proper insertion of watermarks at the desired loci is confirmed. The growth properties are also validated. The watermarked strains are finally distributed to individual labs, institutions, or investigators for experimental use. (B) Schema in which a central authorizing entity distributes to the research community DNA sequences that can be used for watermarking strains. The authorizing entity designs and distributes confidential DNA sequences for watermarking strains (solid lines). Individual institutions, laboratories, or investigators use this DNA to watermark their experimental strains. The individual research entities also confirm the proper integration of watermarked DNA sequences into the appropriate target genomic loci, and characterize the phenotypes of the resultant watermarked strains. The authorizing entity can also serve as a repository for watermarked strains (dotted lines).