151
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Wang GH, Du J, Chu CY, Madhav M, Hughes GL, Champer J. Symbionts and gene drive: two strategies to combat vector-borne disease. Trends Genet 2022; 38:708-723. [PMID: 35314082 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes bring global health problems by transmitting parasites and viruses such as malaria and dengue. Unfortunately, current insecticide-based control strategies are only moderately effective because of high cost and resistance. Thus, scalable, sustainable, and cost-effective strategies are needed for mosquito-borne disease control. Symbiont-based and genome engineering-based approaches provide new tools that show promise for meeting these criteria, enabling modification or suppression approaches. Symbiotic bacteria like Wolbachia are maternally inherited and manipulate mosquito host reproduction to enhance their vertical transmission. Genome engineering-based gene drive methods, in which mosquitoes are genetically altered to spread drive alleles throughout wild populations, are also proving to be a potentially powerful approach in the laboratory. Here, we review the latest developments in both symbionts and gene drive-based methods. We describe some notable similarities, as well as distinctions and obstacles, relating to these promising technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Hong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Jie Du
- Center for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chen Yi Chu
- Center for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Mukund Madhav
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Grant L Hughes
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Jackson Champer
- Center for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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152
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Eslami-Mossallam B, Klein M, Smagt CVD, Sanden KVD, Jones SK, Hawkins JA, Finkelstein IJ, Depken M. A kinetic model predicts SpCas9 activity, improves off-target classification, and reveals the physical basis of targeting fidelity. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1367. [PMID: 35292641 PMCID: PMC8924176 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28994-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The S. pyogenes (Sp) Cas9 endonuclease is an important gene-editing tool. SpCas9 is directed to target sites based on complementarity to a complexed single-guide RNA (sgRNA). However, SpCas9-sgRNA also binds and cleaves genomic off-targets with only partial complementarity. To date, we lack the ability to predict cleavage and binding activity quantitatively, and rely on binary classification schemes to identify strong off-targets. We report a quantitative kinetic model that captures the SpCas9-mediated strand-replacement reaction in free-energy terms. The model predicts binding and cleavage activity as a function of time, target, and experimental conditions. Trained and validated on high-throughput bulk-biochemical data, our model predicts the intermediate R-loop state recently observed in single-molecule experiments, as well as the associated conversion rates. Finally, we show that our quantitative activity predictor can be reduced to a binary off-target classifier that outperforms the established state-of-the-art. Our approach is extensible, and can characterize any CRISPR-Cas nuclease - benchmarking natural and future high-fidelity variants against SpCas9; elucidating determinants of CRISPR fidelity; and revealing pathways to increased specificity and efficiency in engineered systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrouz Eslami-Mossallam
- Kavli Institute of NanoScience and Department of BionanoScience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, 2629HZ, the Netherlands
- Dept. Building Physics and Systems, TNO Building and Construction Research, Leeghwaterstraat 44, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Misha Klein
- Kavli Institute of NanoScience and Department of BionanoScience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, 2629HZ, the Netherlands
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Constantijn V D Smagt
- Kavli Institute of NanoScience and Department of BionanoScience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, 2629HZ, the Netherlands
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Koen V D Sanden
- Kavli Institute of NanoScience and Department of BionanoScience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, 2629HZ, the Netherlands
| | - Stephen K Jones
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- VU LSC-EMBL Partnership for Genome Editing Technologies, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - John A Hawkins
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Science, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genome Biology Department, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ilya J Finkelstein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Martin Depken
- Kavli Institute of NanoScience and Department of BionanoScience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, 2629HZ, the Netherlands.
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153
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Xu X, Harvey-Samuel T, Siddiqui HA, Ang JXD, Anderson ME, Reitmayer CM, Lovett E, Leftwich PT, You M, Alphey L. Toward a CRISPR-Cas9-based Gene Drive in the Diamondback Moth Plutella xylostella. CRISPR J 2022; 5:224-236. [PMID: 35285719 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2021.0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Promising to provide powerful genetic control tools, gene drives have been constructed in multiple dipteran insects, yeast, and mice for the purposes of population elimination or modification. However, it remains unclear whether these techniques can be applied to lepidopterans. Here, we used endogenous regulatory elements to drive Cas9 and single guide RNA (sgRNA) expression in the diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella, and test the first split gene drive system in a lepidopteran. The DBM is an economically important global agriculture pest of cruciferous crops and has developed severe resistance to various insecticides, making it a prime candidate for such novel control strategy development. A very high level of somatic editing was observed in Cas9/sgRNA transheterozygotes, although no significant homing was revealed in the subsequent generation. Although heritable Cas9-medated germline cleavage as well as maternal and paternal Cas9 deposition were observed, rates were far lower than for somatic cleavage events, indicating robust somatic but limited germline activity of Cas9/sgRNA under the control of selected regulatory elements. Our results provide valuable experience, paving the way for future construction of gene drives or other Cas9-based genetic control strategies in DBM and other lepidopterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejiao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, P.R. China.,School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Tim Harvey-Samuel
- Arthropod Genetics Group, The Pirbright Institute, Woking, Pirbright, United Kingdom
| | - Hamid Anees Siddiqui
- National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Joshua Xin De Ang
- Arthropod Genetics Group, The Pirbright Institute, Woking, Pirbright, United Kingdom
| | | | - Christine M Reitmayer
- Arthropod Genetics Group, The Pirbright Institute, Woking, Pirbright, United Kingdom
| | - Erica Lovett
- Arthropod Genetics Group, The Pirbright Institute, Woking, Pirbright, United Kingdom
| | - Philip T Leftwich
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Minsheng You
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Luke Alphey
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, P.R. China.,Arthropod Genetics Group, The Pirbright Institute, Woking, Pirbright, United Kingdom
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154
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Sabet A, Goddard J. Promise or Peril: Using Genetically Modified Mosquitoes in the Fight Against Vector-Borne Disease. Am J Med 2022; 135:281-283. [PMID: 34563494 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2021.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Afsoon Sabet
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Clay Lyle Entomology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State
| | - Jerome Goddard
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Clay Lyle Entomology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State.
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155
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Moretti R, Lampazzi E, Damiani C, Fabbri G, Lombardi G, Pioli C, Desiderio A, Serrao A, Calvitti M. Increased biting rate and decreased Wolbachia density in irradiated Aedes mosquitoes. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:67. [PMID: 35209944 PMCID: PMC8867665 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05188-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Releasing considerable numbers of radiation-sterilized males is a promising strategy to suppress mosquito vectors. However, releases may also include small percentages of biting females, which translate to non-negligible numbers when releases are large. Currently, the effects of irradiation on host-seeking and host-biting behaviors have not been exhaustively investigated. Information is also lacking regarding the effects of sterilizing treatment on the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia, which is known to affect the vector competence of infected mosquitos. Methods To ascertain the effects of irradiation on females, the pupae of two Aedes albopictus strains, differing in their natural or artificial Wolbachia infection type, and Aedes aegypti—which is not infected by Wolbachia—were treated with various doses of X-rays and monitored for key fitness parameters and biting behavior over a period of 2 weeks. The effect of radiation on Wolbachia was investigated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. Results Partial Aedes albopictus female sterility was achieved at 28 Gy, but the number of weekly bites more than doubled compared to that of the controls. Radiation doses of 35 and 45 Gy completely inhibited progeny production but did not significantly affect the survival or flight ability of Ae. albopictus females and caused a tripling of the number of bites per female per week (compared to untreated controls). These results were also confirmed in Ae. aegypti after treatment at 50 Gy. Wolbachia density decreased significantly in 45-Gy-irradiated females, with the greatest decreases in the early irradiation group (26 ± 2-h-old pupae). Wolbachia density also decreased as adults aged. This trend was confirmed in ovaries but not in extra-ovarian tissues. FISH analysis showed a strongly reduced Wolbachia-specific fluorescence in the ovaries of 13 ± 1-day-old females. Conclusions These results suggest that, under sterile insect technique (SIT) programs, the vector capacity of a target population could increase with the frequency of the irradiated females co-released with the sterile males due to an increased biting rate. In the context of successful suppression, the related safety issues are expected to be generally negligible, but they should be conservatively evaluated when large-scale programs relying on imperfect sexing and high overflooding release ratios are run for long periods in areas endemic for arboviral diseases. Also, the effects of irradiation on the vector competence deserve further investigation. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05188-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Moretti
- Biotechnology and Agroindustry Division, ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development), Casaccia Research Center, Rome, Italy.
| | - Elena Lampazzi
- Biotechnology and Agroindustry Division, ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development), Casaccia Research Center, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Damiani
- School of Biosciences and Medical Veterinary, University of Camerino, Camerino, MC, Italy.,Biovecblok S.r.L, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Giulia Fabbri
- Biotechnology and Agroindustry Division, ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development), Casaccia Research Center, Rome, Italy.,School of Biosciences and Medical Veterinary, University of Camerino, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Giulia Lombardi
- Biotechnology and Agroindustry Division, ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development), Casaccia Research Center, Rome, Italy.,School of Biosciences and Medical Veterinary, University of Camerino, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Claudio Pioli
- Laboratory of Biomedical Technologies, ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development), Casaccia Research Center, Rome, Italy
| | - Angiola Desiderio
- Biotechnology and Agroindustry Division, ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development), Casaccia Research Center, Rome, Italy
| | - Aurelio Serrao
- School of Biosciences and Medical Veterinary, University of Camerino, Camerino, MC, Italy.,Biovecblok S.r.L, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Maurizio Calvitti
- Biotechnology and Agroindustry Division, ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development), Casaccia Research Center, Rome, Italy
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156
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Ang JXD, Nevard K, Ireland R, Purusothaman DK, Verkuijl SAN, Shackleford L, Gonzalez E, Anderson MAE, Alphey L. Considerations for homology-based DNA repair in mosquitoes: Impact of sequence heterology and donor template source. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010060. [PMID: 35180218 PMCID: PMC8893643 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of insecticide resistance and the ongoing global burden of vector-borne diseases have encouraged new efforts in mosquito control. For Aedes aegypti, the most important arboviral vector, integration rates achieved in Cas9-based knock-ins so far have been rather low, highlighting the need to understand gene conversion patterns and other factors that influence homology-directed repair (HDR) events in this species. In this study, we report the effects of sequence mismatches or donor template forms on integration rates. We found that modest sequence differences between construct homology arms [DNA sequence in the donor template which resembles the region flanking the target cut] and genomic target comprising 1.2% nucleotide dissimilarity (heterology) significantly reduced integration rates. While most integrations (59–88%) from plasmid templates were the result of canonical [on target, perfect repair] HDR events, no canonical events were identified from other donor types (i.e. ssDNA, biotinylated ds/ssDNA). Sequencing of the transgene flanking region in 69 individuals with canonical integrations revealed 60% of conversion tracts to be unidirectional and extend up to 220 bp proximal to the break, though in three individuals bidirectional conversion of up to 725 bp was observed. The field of genetic control of mosquito vectors has progressed rapidly in recent years, especially in Cas9-based control systems, due to its robustness to elicit a species-specific and dispersive control of mosquito population. To generate a Cas9-based integration, Cas9 and sgRNA are used to cleave a chromosomal locus while a plasmid DNA donor, containing a genetic cargo flanked by sequences homologous to the chromosomal locus, is supplied as a repair template. This results in the cargo being copied into the genome through HDR. This form of integration, however, is currently one of the major bottlenecks for researchers as it involves a laborious process of microinjecting mosquito embryos and has rather low integration rates. In this study, we assessed the effects of homologous sequence mismatches and various donor template forms (i.e. plasmid, ssDNA, biotinylated ds/ssDNA) on HDR. We found that sequence mismatches and non-plasmid donors reduced the efficiency and integrity of integration, respectively. By analysing the direction and length of homologous sequence that was copied into the genome concurrently with the cargo, we inferred the mechanism responsible for the integrations observed in our study. These findings will be useful to guide future construct designs for optimal HDR rates in mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sebald A. N. Verkuijl
- The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Woking, United Kingdom
- Mathematical Ecology Research Group, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Luke Alphey
- The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Woking, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (MAEA); (LA)
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157
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Xu X, Wang Y, Chen J, Du X, Yao L, Xu J, Zhang Y, Huang Y, Wang Y. Mutation of Serine protease 1 Induces Male Sterility in Bombyx mori. Front Physiol 2022; 13:828859. [PMID: 35222089 PMCID: PMC8867212 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.828859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Serine proteases are important in reproduction, embryonic development, cell differentiation, apoptosis, and immunity. The genes encoding some serine proteases are essential for male fertility in both humans and rodents and are functionally conserved among metazoan. For example, the Serine protease 1 (Ser1) gene determines male reproductive success in the model lepidopteran insect Bombyx mori. In this study, we explored the function of BmSer1 through transgenic CRISPR/Cas9 technology-mediated mutations in silkworm. We found that the mutation of BmSer1 gene resulted in male sterility but had no effect on female fertility. Male mutants produce normal eupyrene sperm bundles, but the sperm bundles do not dissociate into single sperm. Male sterility caused by the BmSer1 gene mutation was inherited stably through female individuals. Therefore, the serine protease encoded by BmSer1 is essential for male reproductive success in lepidopterans and is a potential target gene for biological reproductive regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Xu
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yaohui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jine Chen
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin Du
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lusong Yao
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yongping Huang,
| | - Yongqiang Wang
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Yongqiang Wang,
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158
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Brey J, Sai Sudhakar BMM, Gersch K, Ford T, Glancey M, West J, Padmanabhan S, Harris AF, Goodwin A. Modified Mosquito Programs’ Surveillance Needs and An Image-Based Identification Tool to Address Them. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.810062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective mosquito surveillance and control relies on rapid and accurate identification of mosquito vectors and confounding sympatric species. As adoption of modified mosquito (MM) control techniques has increased, the value of monitoring the success of interventions has gained recognition and has pushed the field away from traditional ‘spray and pray’ approaches. Field evaluation and monitoring of MM control techniques that target specific species require massive volumes of surveillance data involving species-level identifications. However, traditional surveillance methods remain time and labor-intensive, requiring highly trained, experienced personnel. Health districts often lack the resources needed to collect essential data, and conventional entomological species identification involves a significant learning curve to produce consistent high accuracy data. These needs led us to develop MosID: a device that allows for high-accuracy mosquito species identification to enhance capability and capacity of mosquito surveillance programs. The device features high-resolution optics and enables batch image capture and species identification of mosquito specimens using computer vision. While development is ongoing, we share an update on key metrics of the MosID system. The identification algorithm, tested internally across 16 species, achieved 98.4 ± 0.6% % macro F1-score on a dataset of known species, unknown species used in training, and species reserved for testing (species, specimens respectively: 12, 1302; 12, 603; 7, 222). Preliminary user testing showed specimens were processed with MosID at a rate ranging from 181-600 specimens per hour. We also discuss other metrics within technical scope, such as mosquito sex and fluorescence detection, that may further support MM programs.
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159
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Vogan AA, Martinossi-Allibert I, Ament-Velásquez SL, Svedberg J, Johannesson H. The spore killers, fungal meiotic driver elements. Mycologia 2022; 114:1-23. [PMID: 35138994 DOI: 10.1080/00275514.2021.1994815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
During meiosis, both alleles of any given gene should have equal chances of being inherited by the progeny. There are a number of reasons why, however, this is not the case, with one of the most intriguing instances presenting itself as the phenomenon of meiotic drive. Genes that are capable of driving can manipulate the ratio of alleles among viable meiotic products so that they are inherited in more than half of them. In many cases, this effect is achieved by direct antagonistic interactions, where the driving allele inhibits or otherwise eliminates the alternative allele. In ascomycete fungi, meiotic products are packaged directly into ascospores; thus, the effect of meiotic drive has been given the nefarious moniker, "spore killing." In recent years, many of the known spore killers have been elevated from mysterious phenotypes to well-described systems at genetic, genomic, and molecular levels. In this review, we describe the known diversity of spore killers and synthesize the varied pieces of data from each system into broader trends regarding genome architecture, mechanisms of resistance, the role of transposable elements, their effect on population dynamics, speciation and gene flow, and finally how they may be developed as synthetic drivers. We propose that spore killing is common, but that it is under-observed because of a lack of studies on natural populations. We encourage researchers to seek new spore killers to build on the knowledge that these remarkable genetic elements can teach us about meiotic drive, genomic conflict, and evolution more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron A Vogan
- Systematic Biology, Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, 752 36, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ivain Martinossi-Allibert
- Systematic Biology, Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, 752 36, Uppsala, Sweden.,Institut de Biochimie et de Génétique Cellulaire, UMR 5095 CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, 33077, Bordeaux CEDEX, France
| | - S Lorena Ament-Velásquez
- Systematic Biology, Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, 752 36, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jesper Svedberg
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, -Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95064
| | - Hanna Johannesson
- Systematic Biology, Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, 752 36, Uppsala, Sweden
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160
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Rašić G, Lobo NF, Jeffrey Gutiérrez EH, Sánchez C HM, Marshall JM. Monitoring Needs for Gene Drive Mosquito Projects: Lessons From Vector Control Field Trials and Invasive Species. Front Genet 2022; 12:780327. [PMID: 35069682 PMCID: PMC8770328 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.780327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
As gene drive mosquito projects advance from contained laboratory testing to semi-field testing and small-scale field trials, there is a need to assess monitoring requirements to: i) assist with the effective introduction of the gene drive system at field sites, and ii) detect unintended spread of gene drive mosquitoes beyond trial sites, or resistance mechanisms and non-functional effector genes that spread within trial and intervention sites. This is of particular importance for non-localized gene drive projects, as the potential scale of intervention means that monitoring is expected to be more costly than research, development and deployment. Regarding monitoring needs for population replacement systems, lessons may be learned from experiences with Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes, and for population suppression systems, from experiences with releases of genetically sterile male mosquitoes. For population suppression systems, assessing monitoring requirements for tracking population size and detecting rare resistant alleles are priorities, while for population replacement systems, allele frequencies must be tracked, and pressing concerns include detection of gene drive alleles with non-functional effector genes, and resistance of pathogens to functional effector genes. For spread to unintended areas, open questions relate to the optimal density and placement of traps and frequency of sampling in order to detect gene drive alleles, drive-resistant alleles or non-functional effector genes while they can still be effectively managed. Invasive species management programs face similar questions, and lessons may be learned from these experiences. We explore these monitoring needs for gene drive mosquito projects progressing through the phases of pre-release, release and post-release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Rašić
- Mosquito Genomics, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Neil F Lobo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - Eileen H Jeffrey Gutiérrez
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Héctor M Sánchez C
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - John M Marshall
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States.,Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
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161
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Lewis IC, Yan Y, Finnigan GC. Analysis of a Cas12a-based gene-drive system in budding yeast. Access Microbiol 2022; 3:000301. [PMID: 35024561 PMCID: PMC8749140 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery and adaptation of CRISPR/Cas systems within molecular biology has provided advances across biological research, agriculture and human health. Genomic manipulation through use of a CRISPR nuclease and programmed guide RNAs has become a common and widely accessible practice. The identification and introduction of new engineered variants and orthologues of Cas9 as well as alternative CRISPR systems such as the type V group have provided additional molecular options for editing. These include distinct PAM requirements, staggered DNA double-strand break formation, and the ability to multiplex guide RNAs from a single expression construct. Use of CRISPR/Cas has allowed for the construction and testing of a powerful genetic architecture known as a gene drive within eukaryotic model systems. Our previous work developed a drive within budding yeast using Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9. Here, we installed the type V Francisella novicida Cas12a (Cpf1) nuclease gene and its corresponding guide RNA to power a highly efficient artificial gene drive in diploid yeast. We examined the consequence of altering guide length or introduction of individual mutational substitutions to the crRNA sequence. Cas12a-dependent gene-drive function required a guide RNA of at least 18 bp and could not tolerate most changes within the 5' end of the crRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel C Lewis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.,Present address: School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Yao Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Gregory C Finnigan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
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162
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Vyas P, Harish. Anti-CRISPR proteins as a therapeutic agent against drug-resistant bacteria. Microbiol Res 2022; 257:126963. [PMID: 35033831 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.126963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The continuous deployment of various antibiotics to treat multiple serious bacterial infections leads to multidrug resistance among the bacterial population. It has failed the standard treatment strategies through different antibacterial agents and serves as a significant threat to public health worldwide at devastating levels. The discovery of anti-CRISPR proteins catches the interest of researchers around the world as a promising therapeutic agent against drug-resistant bacteria. Anti-CRISPR proteins are known to inhibit bacterial CRISPR-Cas defense systems in multiple possible ways. The CRISPR-Cas nucleoprotein assembly provides adaptive immunity in bacteria against diverse categories of phage infections. Parallelly, phages also try to break the CRISPR-Cas barrier by producing anti-CRISPR proteins, leading to growth inhibition and bacterial lysis. This review begins with a brief description of the bacterial CRISPR-Cas system, followed by a detailed portrayal of anti-CRISPR proteins, including their discovery and evolution, mechanism of action, regulation of expression, and potential applications in the healthcare sector as an alternative therapeutic strategy to combat severe bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallavi Vyas
- Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, 313 001, Rajasthan, India
| | - Harish
- Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, 313 001, Rajasthan, India.
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163
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Bunting MD, Pfitzner C, Gierus L, White M, Piltz S, Thomas PQ. Generation of Gene Drive Mice for Invasive Pest Population Suppression. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2495:203-230. [PMID: 35696035 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2301-5_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Gene drives are genetic elements that are transmitted to greater than 50% of offspring and have potential for population modification or suppression. While gene drives are known to occur naturally, the recent emergence of CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing technology has enabled generation of synthetic gene drives in a range of organisms including mosquitos, flies, and yeast. For example, studies in Anopheles mosquitos have demonstrated >95% transmission of CRISPR-engineered gene drive constructs, providing a possible strategy for malaria control. Recently published studies have also indicated that it may be possible to develop gene drive technology in invasive rodents such as mice. Here, we discuss the prospects for gene drive development in mice, including synthetic "homing drive" and X-shredder strategies as well as modifications of the naturally occurring t haplotype. We also provide detailed protocols for generation of gene drive mice through incorporation of plasmid-based transgenes in a targeted and non-targeted manner. Importantly, these protocols can be used for generating transgenic mice for any project that requires insertion of kilobase-scale transgenes such as knock-in of fluorescent reporters, gene swaps, overexpression/ectopic expression studies, and conditional "floxed" alleles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Bunting
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Chandran Pfitzner
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Luke Gierus
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Melissa White
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- South Australian Genome Editing Facility, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sandra Piltz
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- South Australian Genome Editing Facility, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Paul Q Thomas
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- South Australian Genome Editing Facility, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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164
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Luo J, Junaid M, Hamid N, Duan JJ, Yang X, Pei DS. Current understanding of gliomagenesis: from model to mechanism. Int J Med Sci 2022; 19:2071-2079. [PMID: 36483593 PMCID: PMC9724244 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.77287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma, a kind of central nervous system (CNS) tumor, is hard to cure and accounts for 32% of all CNS tumors. Establishing a stable glioma model is critically important to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Various core signaling pathways have been identified in gliomagenesis, such as RTK/RAS/PI3K, TP53, and RB1. Traditional methods of establishing glioma animal models have included chemical induction, xenotransplantation, and genetic modifications (RCAS/t-va system, Cre-loxP, and TALENs). Recently, CRISPR/Cas9 has emerged as an efficient gene editing tool with high germline transmission and has extended the scope of stable and efficient glioma models that can be generated. Therefore, this review will highlight the documented evidence about the molecular characteristics, critical genetic markers, and signaling pathways responsible for gliomagenesis and progression. Moreover, methods of establishing glioma models using gene editing techniques and therapeutic aspects will be discussed. Finally, the prospect of applying gene editing in glioma by using CRISPR/Cas9 strategy and future research directions to establish a stable glioma model are also included in this review. In-depth knowledge of glioma signaling pathways and use of CRISPR/Cas9 can greatly assist in the development of a stable, efficient, and spontaneous glioma model, which can ultimately improve the effectiveness of therapeutic responses and cure glioma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Luo
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Muhammad Junaid
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Naima Hamid
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jin-Jing Duan
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiaojun Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- ✉ Corresponding authors: De-Sheng Pei, E-mail: ; Xiaojun Yang, E-mail:
| | - De-Sheng Pei
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- ✉ Corresponding authors: De-Sheng Pei, E-mail: ; Xiaojun Yang, E-mail:
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165
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Mateos Fernández R, Petek M, Gerasymenko I, Juteršek M, Baebler Š, Kallam K, Moreno Giménez E, Gondolf J, Nordmann A, Gruden K, Orzaez D, Patron NJ. Insect pest management in the age of synthetic biology. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2022; 20:25-36. [PMID: 34416790 PMCID: PMC8710903 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Arthropod crop pests are responsible for 20% of global annual crop losses, a figure predicted to increase in a changing climate where the ranges of numerous species are projected to expand. At the same time, many insect species are beneficial, acting as pollinators and predators of pest species. For thousands of years, humans have used increasingly sophisticated chemical formulations to control insect pests but, as the scale of agriculture expanded to meet the needs of the global population, concerns about the negative impacts of agricultural practices on biodiversity have grown. While biological solutions, such as biological control agents and pheromones, have previously had relatively minor roles in pest management, biotechnology has opened the door to numerous new approaches for controlling insect pests. In this review, we look at how advances in synthetic biology and biotechnology are providing new options for pest control. We discuss emerging technologies for engineering resistant crops and insect populations and examine advances in biomanufacturing that are enabling the production of new products for pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marko Petek
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems BiologyNational Institute of BiologyLjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Iryna Gerasymenko
- Plant Biotechnology and Metabolic EngineeringTechnische Universität DarmstadtDarmstadtGermany
| | - Mojca Juteršek
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems BiologyNational Institute of BiologyLjubljanaSlovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate SchoolLjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Špela Baebler
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems BiologyNational Institute of BiologyLjubljanaSlovenia
| | | | | | - Janine Gondolf
- Institut für PhilosophieTechnische Universität DarmstadtDarmstadtGermany
| | - Alfred Nordmann
- Institut für PhilosophieTechnische Universität DarmstadtDarmstadtGermany
| | - Kristina Gruden
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems BiologyNational Institute of BiologyLjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Diego Orzaez
- Institute for Plant Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMCP)UPV‐CSICValenciaSpain
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166
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Siddall A, Harvey-Samuel T, Chapman T, Leftwich PT. Manipulating Insect Sex Determination Pathways for Genetic Pest Management: Opportunities and Challenges. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:867851. [PMID: 35837548 PMCID: PMC9274970 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.867851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex determination pathways in insects are generally characterised by an upstream primary signal, which is highly variable across species, and that regulates the splicing of a suite of downstream but highly-conserved genes (transformer, doublesex and fruitless). In turn, these downstream genes then regulate the expression of sex-specific characteristics in males and females. Identification of sex determination pathways has and continues to be, a critical component of insect population suppression technologies. For example, "first-generation" transgenic technologies such as fsRIDL (Female-Specific Release of Insects carrying Dominant Lethals) enabled efficient selective removal of females from a target population as a significant improvement on the sterile insect technique (SIT). Second-generation technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 homing gene drives and precision-guided SIT (pgSIT) have used gene editing technologies to manipulate sex determination genes in vivo. The development of future, third-generation control technologies, such as Y-linked drives, (female to male) sex-reversal, or X-shredding, will require additional knowledge of aspects of sexual development, including a deeper understanding of the nature of primary signals and dosage compensation. This review shows how knowledge of sex determination in target pest species is fundamental to all phases of the development of control technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Siddall
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Harvey-Samuel
- Arthropod Genetics, The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, United Kingdom
| | - Tracey Chapman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Philip T Leftwich
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
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167
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Simões ML, Dong Y, Mlambo G, Dimopoulos G. C-type lectin 4 regulates broad-spectrum melanization-based refractoriness to malaria parasites. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001515. [PMID: 35025886 PMCID: PMC8791531 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Anopheles gambiae melanization-based refractoriness to the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum has rarely been observed in either laboratory or natural conditions, in contrast to the rodent model malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei that can become completely melanized by a TEP1 complement-like system-dependent mechanism. Multiple studies have shown that the rodent parasite evades this defense by recruiting the C-type lectins CTL4 and CTLMA2, while permissiveness to the human malaria parasite was not affected by partial depletion of these factors by RNAi silencing. Using CRISPR/Cas9-based CTL4 knockout, we show that A. gambiae can mount melanization-based refractoriness to the human malaria parasite, which is independent of the TEP1 complement-like system and the major anti-Plasmodium immune pathway Imd. Our study indicates a hierarchical specificity in the control of Plasmodium melanization and proves CTL4 as an essential host factor for P. falciparum transmission and one of the most potent mosquito-encoded malaria transmission-blocking targets. One way to block the spread of malaria is to modify the mosquito vectors so that they are unable to transmit the parasite. This study shows that the Anopheles mosquito can be engineered to block the human malaria parasite by melanizing it while in the mosquito’s midgut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria L. Simões
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Yuemei Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Godfree Mlambo
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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168
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Wong ACS, Massel K, Lam Y, Hintzsche J, Chauhan BS. Biotechnological Road Map for Innovative Weed Management. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:887723. [PMID: 35548307 PMCID: PMC9082642 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.887723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
In most agriculture farmlands, weed management is predominantly reliant on integrated weed management (IWM) strategies, such as herbicide application. However, the overuse and misuse of herbicides, coupled with the lack of novel active ingredients, has resulted in the uptrend of herbicide-resistant weeds globally. Moreover, weedy traits that contribute to weed seed bank persistence further exacerbate the challenges in weed management. Despite ongoing efforts in identifying and improving current weed management processes, the pressing need for novel control techniques in agricultural weed management should not be overlooked. The advent of CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing systems, coupled with the recent advances in "omics" and cheaper sequencing technologies, has brought into focus the potential of managing weeds in farmlands through direct genetic control approaches, but could be achieved stably or transiently. These approaches encompass a range of technologies that could potentially manipulate expression of key genes in weeds to reduce its fitness and competitiveness, or, by altering the crop to improve its competitiveness or herbicide tolerance. The push for reducing or circumventing the use of chemicals in farmlands has provided an added incentive to develop practical and feasible molecular approaches for weed management, although there are significant technical, practical, and regulatory challenges for utilizing these prospective molecular technologies in weed management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Chern Sun Wong
- Centre for Crop Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- *Correspondence: Albert Chern Sun Wong,
| | - Karen Massel
- Centre for Crop Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Yasmine Lam
- Centre for Crop Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jessica Hintzsche
- Centre for Crop Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Bhagirath Singh Chauhan
- Centre for Crop Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia
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169
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Abstract
Gene drives are selfish genetic elements that are transmitted to progeny at super-Mendelian (>50%) frequencies. Recently developed CRISPR-Cas9-based gene-drive systems are highly efficient in laboratory settings, offering the potential to reduce the prevalence of vector-borne diseases, crop pests and non-native invasive species. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential unintended impacts of gene-drive systems. This Review summarizes the phenomenal progress in this field, focusing on optimal design features for full-drive elements (drives with linked Cas9 and guide RNA components) that either suppress target mosquito populations or modify them to prevent pathogen transmission, allelic drives for updating genetic elements, mitigating strategies including trans-complementing split-drives and genetic neutralizing elements, and the adaptation of drive technology to other organisms. These scientific advances, combined with ethical and social considerations, will facilitate the transparent and responsible advancement of these technologies towards field implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Bier
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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170
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Grunwald HA, Weitzel AJ, Cooper KL. Applications of and considerations for using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene conversion systems in rodents. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:3-14. [PMID: 34949863 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00646-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Genetic elements that are inherited at super-Mendelian frequencies could be used in a 'gene drive' to spread an allele to high prevalence in a population with the goal of eliminating invasive species or disease vectors. We recently demonstrated that the gene conversion mechanism underlying a CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene drive is feasible in mice. Although substantial technical hurdles remain, overcoming these could lead to strategies that might decrease the spread of rodent-borne Lyme disease or eliminate invasive populations of mice and rats that devastate island ecology. Perhaps more immediately achievable at moderate gene conversion efficiency, applications in a laboratory setting could produce complex genotypes that reduce the time and cost in both dollars and animal lives compared with Mendelian inheritance strategies. Here, we discuss what we have learned from early efforts to achieve CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene conversion, potential for broader applications in the laboratory, current limitations, and plans for optimizing this potentially powerful technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah A Grunwald
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alexander J Weitzel
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kimberly L Cooper
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Goldsmith CL, Kang KE, Heitman E, Adelman ZN, Buchman LW, Kerns D, Liu X, Medina RF, Vedlitz A. Stakeholder Views on Engagement, Trust, Performance, and Risk Considerations About Use of Gene Drive Technology in Agricultural Pest Management. Health Secur 2021; 20:6-15. [PMID: 34981962 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2021.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene drive is an experimental technique that may make it possible to alter the genetic traits of whole populations of a species through the genetic modification of a relatively small number of individuals. This technology is sufficiently new that literature on the understanding and views of stakeholders and the public regarding the use of gene drive organisms in agricultural pest management is just beginning to emerge. Our team conducted a 2-pronged engagement process with Texas gene drive agricultural stakeholders to ascertain their values, beliefs, and preferences about the efficacy, safety, and risk management considerations of gene drive technology as a potential tool for agricultural pest management. We found that a majority of stakeholders support gene drive research and its potential use for managing agricultural pests. Our work with stakeholders confirms both their willingness to be engaged and the importance they place on stakeholder and public engagement regarding these issues, as well as the need to address these issues before use of gene drive as a pest management mechanism will be accepted and trusted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol L Goldsmith
- Carol L. Goldsmith, MPA, is Assistant Director and Research Specialist II, Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy (ISTPP); Ki Eun Kang, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP; Zach N. Adelman, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Leah W. Buchman is a Predoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP, and a Doctoral Candidate, Department of Entomology; David Kerns, PhD, is a Professor, Extension Specialist and Statewide Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Xinsheng Liu, PhD, is a Senior Research Scholar and Research Scientist, ISTPP; Raul F. Medina, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and Arnold Vedlitz, PhD, is Director and Distinguished Research Scholar, ISTPP, and a Professor, Department of Public Service and Administration; all at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Elizabeth Heitman, PhD, is a Professor, Program in Ethics in Science and Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Ki Eun Kang
- Carol L. Goldsmith, MPA, is Assistant Director and Research Specialist II, Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy (ISTPP); Ki Eun Kang, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP; Zach N. Adelman, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Leah W. Buchman is a Predoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP, and a Doctoral Candidate, Department of Entomology; David Kerns, PhD, is a Professor, Extension Specialist and Statewide Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Xinsheng Liu, PhD, is a Senior Research Scholar and Research Scientist, ISTPP; Raul F. Medina, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and Arnold Vedlitz, PhD, is Director and Distinguished Research Scholar, ISTPP, and a Professor, Department of Public Service and Administration; all at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Elizabeth Heitman, PhD, is a Professor, Program in Ethics in Science and Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Elizabeth Heitman
- Carol L. Goldsmith, MPA, is Assistant Director and Research Specialist II, Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy (ISTPP); Ki Eun Kang, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP; Zach N. Adelman, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Leah W. Buchman is a Predoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP, and a Doctoral Candidate, Department of Entomology; David Kerns, PhD, is a Professor, Extension Specialist and Statewide Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Xinsheng Liu, PhD, is a Senior Research Scholar and Research Scientist, ISTPP; Raul F. Medina, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and Arnold Vedlitz, PhD, is Director and Distinguished Research Scholar, ISTPP, and a Professor, Department of Public Service and Administration; all at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Elizabeth Heitman, PhD, is a Professor, Program in Ethics in Science and Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Zach N Adelman
- Carol L. Goldsmith, MPA, is Assistant Director and Research Specialist II, Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy (ISTPP); Ki Eun Kang, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP; Zach N. Adelman, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Leah W. Buchman is a Predoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP, and a Doctoral Candidate, Department of Entomology; David Kerns, PhD, is a Professor, Extension Specialist and Statewide Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Xinsheng Liu, PhD, is a Senior Research Scholar and Research Scientist, ISTPP; Raul F. Medina, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and Arnold Vedlitz, PhD, is Director and Distinguished Research Scholar, ISTPP, and a Professor, Department of Public Service and Administration; all at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Elizabeth Heitman, PhD, is a Professor, Program in Ethics in Science and Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Leah W Buchman
- Carol L. Goldsmith, MPA, is Assistant Director and Research Specialist II, Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy (ISTPP); Ki Eun Kang, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP; Zach N. Adelman, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Leah W. Buchman is a Predoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP, and a Doctoral Candidate, Department of Entomology; David Kerns, PhD, is a Professor, Extension Specialist and Statewide Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Xinsheng Liu, PhD, is a Senior Research Scholar and Research Scientist, ISTPP; Raul F. Medina, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and Arnold Vedlitz, PhD, is Director and Distinguished Research Scholar, ISTPP, and a Professor, Department of Public Service and Administration; all at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Elizabeth Heitman, PhD, is a Professor, Program in Ethics in Science and Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - David Kerns
- Carol L. Goldsmith, MPA, is Assistant Director and Research Specialist II, Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy (ISTPP); Ki Eun Kang, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP; Zach N. Adelman, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Leah W. Buchman is a Predoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP, and a Doctoral Candidate, Department of Entomology; David Kerns, PhD, is a Professor, Extension Specialist and Statewide Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Xinsheng Liu, PhD, is a Senior Research Scholar and Research Scientist, ISTPP; Raul F. Medina, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and Arnold Vedlitz, PhD, is Director and Distinguished Research Scholar, ISTPP, and a Professor, Department of Public Service and Administration; all at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Elizabeth Heitman, PhD, is a Professor, Program in Ethics in Science and Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Xinsheng Liu
- Carol L. Goldsmith, MPA, is Assistant Director and Research Specialist II, Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy (ISTPP); Ki Eun Kang, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP; Zach N. Adelman, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Leah W. Buchman is a Predoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP, and a Doctoral Candidate, Department of Entomology; David Kerns, PhD, is a Professor, Extension Specialist and Statewide Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Xinsheng Liu, PhD, is a Senior Research Scholar and Research Scientist, ISTPP; Raul F. Medina, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and Arnold Vedlitz, PhD, is Director and Distinguished Research Scholar, ISTPP, and a Professor, Department of Public Service and Administration; all at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Elizabeth Heitman, PhD, is a Professor, Program in Ethics in Science and Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Raul F Medina
- Carol L. Goldsmith, MPA, is Assistant Director and Research Specialist II, Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy (ISTPP); Ki Eun Kang, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP; Zach N. Adelman, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Leah W. Buchman is a Predoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP, and a Doctoral Candidate, Department of Entomology; David Kerns, PhD, is a Professor, Extension Specialist and Statewide Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Xinsheng Liu, PhD, is a Senior Research Scholar and Research Scientist, ISTPP; Raul F. Medina, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and Arnold Vedlitz, PhD, is Director and Distinguished Research Scholar, ISTPP, and a Professor, Department of Public Service and Administration; all at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Elizabeth Heitman, PhD, is a Professor, Program in Ethics in Science and Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Arnold Vedlitz
- Carol L. Goldsmith, MPA, is Assistant Director and Research Specialist II, Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy (ISTPP); Ki Eun Kang, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP; Zach N. Adelman, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Leah W. Buchman is a Predoctoral Research Associate, ISTPP, and a Doctoral Candidate, Department of Entomology; David Kerns, PhD, is a Professor, Extension Specialist and Statewide Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Xinsheng Liu, PhD, is a Senior Research Scholar and Research Scientist, ISTPP; Raul F. Medina, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and Arnold Vedlitz, PhD, is Director and Distinguished Research Scholar, ISTPP, and a Professor, Department of Public Service and Administration; all at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Elizabeth Heitman, PhD, is a Professor, Program in Ethics in Science and Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
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172
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Champer SE, Oakes N, Sharma R, García-Díaz P, Champer J, Messer PW. Modeling CRISPR gene drives for suppression of invasive rodents using a supervised machine learning framework. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009660. [PMID: 34965253 PMCID: PMC8716047 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive rodent populations pose a threat to biodiversity across the globe. When confronted with these invaders, native species that evolved independently are often defenseless. CRISPR gene drive systems could provide a solution to this problem by spreading transgenes among invaders that induce population collapse, and could be deployed even where traditional control methods are impractical or prohibitively expensive. Here, we develop a high-fidelity model of an island population of invasive rodents that includes three types of suppression gene drive systems. The individual-based model is spatially explicit, allows for overlapping generations and a fluctuating population size, and includes variables for drive fitness, efficiency, resistance allele formation rate, as well as a variety of ecological parameters. The computational burden of evaluating a model with such a high number of parameters presents a substantial barrier to a comprehensive understanding of its outcome space. We therefore accompany our population model with a meta-model that utilizes supervised machine learning to approximate the outcome space of the underlying model with a high degree of accuracy. This enables us to conduct an exhaustive inquiry of the population model, including variance-based sensitivity analyses using tens of millions of evaluations. Our results suggest that sufficiently capable gene drive systems have the potential to eliminate island populations of rodents under a wide range of demographic assumptions, though only if resistance can be kept to a minimal level. This study highlights the power of supervised machine learning to identify the key parameters and processes that determine the population dynamics of a complex evolutionary system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel E. Champer
- Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Nathan Oakes
- Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Ronin Sharma
- Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Pablo García-Díaz
- Manaaki Whenua–Landcare Research, Lincoln, New Zealand and School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Jackson Champer
- Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Philipp W. Messer
- Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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173
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Abstract
Gene drives are an emerging technology with tremendous potential to impact public health, agriculture, and conservation. While gene drives can be described simply as selfish genetic elements (natural or engineered) that are inherited at non-Mendelian rates, upon closer inspection, engineered gene drive technology is a complex class of biotechnology that uses a diverse number of genetic features to bias rates of inheritance. As a complex technology, gene drives can be difficult to comprehend, not only for the public and stakeholders, but also to risk assessors, risk managers, and decisionmakers not familiar with gene drive literature. To address this difficulty, we describe a gene drive classification system based on 5 functional characteristics. These characteristics include a gene drive's objective, mechanism, release threshold, range, and persistence. The aggregate of the gene drive's characteristics can be described as the gene drive's architecture. Establishing a classification system to define different gene drive technologies should make them more comprehensible to the public and provide a framework to guide regulatory evaluation and decisionmaking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Overcash
- Justin Overcash, PhD, is an Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Science Fellow, Biotechnology Regulatory Services, Riverdale, MD
| | - Andrew Golnar
- Andrew Golnar, PhD, is an APHIS Science Fellow, Wildlife Services, Fort Collins, CO
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174
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Taitingfong R, Ullah A. Empowering Indigenous Knowledge in Deliberations on Gene Editing in the Wild. Hastings Cent Rep 2021; 51 Suppl 2:S74-S84. [PMID: 34905244 DOI: 10.1002/hast.1323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Proposals to release genetically engineered organisms in the wild raise complex ethical issues related to their safe and equitable implementation. While there is broad agreement that community and public engagement is vital to decision-making in this context, more discussion is needed about who should be engaged in such activities and in what ways. This article identifies Indigenous peoples as key stakeholders in decisions about gene-editing in the wild and argues that engagement activities need not only include Indigenous peoples but also be designed, conducted, and analyzed in ways that confront longstanding power imbalances that dismiss Indigenous expertise. We offer specific recommendations to guide deliberative activities to not only be inclusive of Indigenous peoples but also to empower their diverse, situated knowledges. We call on those committed to the inclusive design of broad public deliberation to pursue strategies that shift dominant power dynamics to include Indigenous communities in more meaningful ways.
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175
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Tapanelli S, Inghilterra MG, Cai J, Philpott J, Capriotti P, Windbichler N, Christophides GK. Assessment of Plasmodium falciparum Infection and Fitness of Genetically Modified Anopheles gambiae Aimed at Mosquito Population Replacement. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.806880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes expressing anti-plasmodial effectors propagating through wild mosquito populations by means of gene drive is a promising tool to support current malaria control strategies. The process of generating GM mosquitoes involves genetic transformation of mosquitoes from a laboratory colony and, often, interbreeding with other GM lines to cross in auxiliary traits. These mosquito colonies and GM lines thus often have different genetic backgrounds and GM lines are invariably highly inbred, which in conjunction with their independent rearing in the laboratory may translate to differences in their susceptibility to malaria parasite infection and life history traits. Here, we show that laboratory Anopheles gambiae colonies and GM lines expressing Cas9 and Cre recombinase vary greatly in their susceptibility to Plasmodium falciparum NF54 infection. Therefore, the choice of mosquitoes to be used as a reference when conducting infection or life history trait assays requires careful consideration. To address these issues, we established an experimental pipeline involving genetic crosses and genotyping of mosquitoes reared in shared containers throughout their lifecycle. We used this protocol to examine whether GM lines expressing the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) Scorpine in the mosquito midgut interfere with parasite infection and mosquito survival. We demonstrate that Scorpine expression in the Peritrophin 1 (Aper1) genomic locus reduces both P. falciparum sporozoite prevalence and mosquito lifespan; both these phenotypes are likely to be associated with the disturbance of the midgut microbiota homeostasis. These data lead us to conclude that the Aper1-Sco GM line could be used in proof-of-concept experiments aimed at mosquito population replacement, although the impact of its reduced fitness on the spread of the transgene through wild populations requires further investigation.
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176
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Gamez S, Chaverra-Rodriguez D, Buchman A, Kandul NP, Mendez-Sanchez SC, Bennett JB, Sánchez C HM, Yang T, Antoshechkin I, Duque JE, Papathanos PA, Marshall JM, Akbari OS. Exploiting a Y chromosome-linked Cas9 for sex selection and gene drive. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7202. [PMID: 34893590 PMCID: PMC8664916 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27333-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-based genetic engineering tools aimed to bias sex ratios, or drive effector genes into animal populations, often integrate the transgenes into autosomal chromosomes. However, in species with heterogametic sex chromsomes (e.g. XY, ZW), sex linkage of endonucleases could be beneficial to drive the expression in a sex-specific manner to produce genetic sexing systems, sex ratio distorters, or even sex-specific gene drives, for example. To explore this possibility, here we develop a transgenic line of Drosophila melanogaster expressing Cas9 from the Y chromosome. We functionally characterize the utility of this strain for both sex selection and gene drive finding it to be quite effective. To explore its utility for population control, we built mathematical models illustrating its dynamics as compared to other state-of-the-art systems designed for both population modification and suppression. Taken together, our results contribute to the development of current CRISPR genetic control tools and demonstrate the utility of using sex-linked Cas9 strains for genetic control of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Gamez
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Agragene Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Duverney Chaverra-Rodriguez
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Anna Buchman
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Verily Life Sciences, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Nikolay P Kandul
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Stelia C Mendez-Sanchez
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Group for Research in Biochemistry and Microbiology (Grupo de Investigación en Bioquímica Y Microbiología-GIBIM), School of Chemistry, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Jared B Bennett
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Divisions of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Héctor M Sánchez C
- Divisions of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Ting Yang
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Igor Antoshechkin
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering (BBE), California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Jonny E Duque
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Centro de Investigaciones en Enfermedades Tropicales - CINTROP, Facultad de Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Piedecuesta, Santander, Colombia
| | - Philippos A Papathanos
- Department of Entomology, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - John M Marshall
- Divisions of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Omar S Akbari
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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177
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Oberhofer G, Ivy T, Hay BA. Gene drive that results in addiction to a temperature-sensitive version of an essential gene triggers population collapse in Drosophila. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2107413118. [PMID: 34845012 PMCID: PMC8670509 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2107413118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
One strategy for population suppression seeks to use gene drive to spread genes that confer conditional lethality or sterility, providing a way of combining population modification with suppression. Stimuli of potential interest could be introduced by humans, such as an otherwise benign virus or chemical, or occur naturally on a seasonal basis, such as a change in temperature. Cleave and Rescue (ClvR) selfish genetic elements use Cas9 and guide RNAs (gRNAs) to disrupt endogenous versions of an essential gene while also including a Rescue version of the essential gene resistant to disruption. ClvR spreads by creating loss-of-function alleles of the essential gene that select against those lacking it, resulting in populations in which the Rescue provides the only source of essential gene function. As a consequence, if function of the Rescue, a kind of Trojan horse now omnipresent in a population, is condition dependent, so too will be the survival of that population. To test this idea, we created a ClvR in Drosophila in which Rescue activity of an essential gene, dribble, requires splicing of a temperature-sensitive intein (TS-ClvRdbe ). This element spreads to transgene fixation at 23 °C, but when populations now dependent on Ts-ClvRdbe are shifted to 29 °C, death and sterility result in a rapid population crash. These results show that conditional population elimination can be achieved. A similar logic, in which Rescue activity is conditional, could also be used in homing-based drive and to bring about suppression and/or killing of specific individuals in response to other stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Oberhofer
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
| | - Tobin Ivy
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
| | - Bruce A Hay
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
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178
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Lacy K, Schaefer KA, Scheitrum DP, Klein EY. The economic value of genetically engineered mosquitoes as a Malaria control strategy depends on local transmission rates. Biotechnol J 2021; 17:e2100373. [PMID: 34873849 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202100373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
This paper assesses the economic value of genetically engineered (GE) Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes as a malaria control strategy. We use an epidemiological-economic model of malaria transmission to evaluate this technology for a range of village-level transmission settings. In each setting, we evaluate public health outcomes following introduction of GE mosquitoes relative to a "status quo" baseline scenario. We also assess results both in contrast to-and in combination with-a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) strategy. We find that-in low transmission settings-the present value (PV) public health benefits of GE mosquito release are substantial, both relative to status quo dynamics and MDA. In contrast, in high transmission settings, the release of GE mosquitoes may increase steady-state infection rates. Our results indicate that there are substantial policy complementarities when GE mosquito release is combined with local MDA-the combined control strategy can lead to local eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Lacy
- Department of Economics, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
| | - K Aleks Schaefer
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Daniel P Scheitrum
- Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
| | - Eili Y Klein
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.,Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy, Washington, DC, USA
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179
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Lalyer CR, Sigsgaard L, Giese B. Ecological vulnerability analysis for suppression of Drosophila suzukii by gene drives. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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180
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Siddiqui HA, Harvey-Samuel T, Mansoor S. Gene drive: a faster route to plant improvement. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 26:1204-1206. [PMID: 34625344 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Gene drives for control of vector-borne diseases have been demonstrated in insects but remain challenging in plants. Theoretically, they could be transformative in speeding breeding programs and contributing to food security through providing novel weed control methods. Zhang et al. now report the possibility of implementing gene drive in plants for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Anees Siddiqui
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, a constituent College of Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Shahid Mansoor
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, a constituent College of Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
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181
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Viswanatha R, Mameli E, Rodiger J, Merckaert P, Feitosa-Suntheimer F, Colpitts TM, Mohr SE, Hu Y, Perrimon N. Bioinformatic and cell-based tools for pooled CRISPR knockout screening in mosquitos. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6825. [PMID: 34819517 PMCID: PMC8613219 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27129-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases present a worldwide public health burden. Current efforts to understand and counteract them have been aided by the use of cultured mosquito cells. Moreover, application in mammalian cells of forward genetic approaches such as CRISPR screens have identified essential genes and genes required for host-pathogen interactions, and in general, aided in functional annotation of genes. An equivalent approach for genetic screening of mosquito cell lines has been lacking. To develop such an approach, we design a new bioinformatic portal for sgRNA library design in several mosquito genomes, engineer mosquito cell lines to express Cas9 and accept sgRNA at scale, and identify optimal promoters for sgRNA expression in several mosquito species. We then optimize a recombination-mediated cassette exchange system to deliver CRISPR sgRNA and perform pooled CRISPR screens in an Anopheles cell line. Altogether, we provide a platform for high-throughput genome-scale screening in cell lines from disease vector species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghuvir Viswanatha
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Enzo Mameli
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Microbiology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University School of Medicine, 620 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Jonathan Rodiger
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Pierre Merckaert
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Fabiana Feitosa-Suntheimer
- Department of Microbiology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University School of Medicine, 620 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Tonya M Colpitts
- Department of Microbiology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University School of Medicine, 620 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Stephanie E Mohr
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Yanhui Hu
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- HHMI, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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182
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Terradas G, Hermann A, James AA, McGinnis W, Bier E. High-resolution in situ analysis of Cas9 germline transcript distributions in gene-drive Anopheles mosquitoes. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2021; 12:6428532. [PMID: 34791161 PMCID: PMC8728002 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Gene drives are programmable genetic elements that can spread beneficial traits into wild populations to aid in vector-borne pathogen control. Two different drives have been developed for population modification of mosquito vectors. The Reckh drive (vasa-Cas9) in Anopheles stephensi displays efficient allelic conversion through males but generates frequent drive-resistant mutant alleles when passed through females. In contrast, the AgNos-Cd1 drive (nos-Cas9) in An. gambiae achieves almost complete allelic conversion through both genders. Here, we examined the subcellular localization of RNA transcripts in the mosquito germline. In both transgenic lines, Cas9 is strictly co-expressed with endogenous genes in stem and pre-meiotic cells of the testes, where both drives display highly efficient conversion. However, we observed distinct co-localization patterns for the two drives in female reproductive tissues. These studies suggest potential determinants underlying efficient drive through the female germline. We also evaluated expression patterns of alternative germline genes for future gene-drive designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Terradas
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.,Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Anita Hermann
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.,Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Anthony A James
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - William McGinnis
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ethan Bier
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.,Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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183
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New developments in the field of genomic technologies and their relevance to conservation management. CONSERV GENET 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-021-01415-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AbstractRecent technological advances in the field of genomics offer conservation managers and practitioners new tools to explore for conservation applications. Many of these tools are well developed and used by other life science fields, while others are still in development. Considering these technological possibilities, choosing the right tool(s) from the toolbox is crucial and can pose a challenging task. With this in mind, we strive to inspire, inform and illuminate managers and practitioners on how conservation efforts can benefit from the current genomic and biotechnological revolution. With inspirational case studies we show how new technologies can help resolve some of the main conservation challenges, while also informing how implementable the different technologies are. We here focus specifically on small population management, highlight the potential for genetic rescue, and discuss the opportunities in the field of gene editing to help with adaptation to changing environments. In addition, we delineate potential applications of gene drives for controlling invasive species. We illuminate that the genomic toolbox offers added benefit to conservation efforts, but also comes with limitations for the use of these novel emerging techniques.
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184
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Faber NR, Meiborg AB, Mcfarlane GR, Gorjanc G, Harpur BA. A gene drive does not spread easily in populations of the honey bee parasite Varroa destructor. APIDOLOGIE 2021; 52:1112-1127. [PMID: 35068598 PMCID: PMC8755698 DOI: 10.1007/s13592-021-00891-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) are the most significant threat to beekeeping worldwide. They are directly or indirectly responsible for millions of colony losses each year. Beekeepers are somewhat able to control varroa populations through the use of physical and chemical treatments. However, these methods range in effectiveness, can harm honey bees, can be physically demanding on the beekeeper, and do not always provide complete protection from varroa. More importantly, in some populations varroa mites have developed resistance to available acaricides. Overcoming the varroa mite problem will require novel and targeted treatment options. Here, we explore the potential of gene drive technology to control varroa. We show that spreading a neutral gene drive in varroa is possible but requires specific colony-level management practices to overcome the challenges of both inbreeding and haplodiploidy. Furthermore, continued treatment with acaricides is necessary to give a gene drive time to fix in the varroa population. Unfortunately, a gene drive that impacts female or male fertility does not spread in varroa. Therefore, we suggest that the most promising way forward is to use a gene drive which carries a toxin precursor or removes acaricide resistance alleles. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13592-021-00891-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky R. Faber
- HighlanderLab, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan B. Meiborg
- HighlanderLab, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG United Kingdom
| | - Gus R. Mcfarlane
- Burdon Group, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG United Kingdom
| | - Gregor Gorjanc
- HighlanderLab, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG United Kingdom
| | - Brock A. Harpur
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
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185
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Fuchs S, Garrood WT, Beber A, Hammond A, Galizi R, Gribble M, Morselli G, Hui TYJ, Willis K, Kranjc N, Burt A, Crisanti A, Nolan T. Resistance to a CRISPR-based gene drive at an evolutionarily conserved site is revealed by mimicking genotype fixation. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009740. [PMID: 34610011 PMCID: PMC8519452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-based homing gene drives can be designed to disrupt essential genes whilst biasing their own inheritance, leading to suppression of mosquito populations in the laboratory. This class of gene drives relies on CRISPR-Cas9 cleavage of a target sequence and copying ('homing') therein of the gene drive element from the homologous chromosome. However, target site mutations that are resistant to cleavage yet maintain the function of the essential gene are expected to be strongly selected for. Targeting functionally constrained regions where mutations are not easily tolerated should lower the probability of resistance. Evolutionary conservation at the sequence level is often a reliable indicator of functional constraint, though the actual level of underlying constraint between one conserved sequence and another can vary widely. Here we generated a novel adult lethal gene drive (ALGD) in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae, targeting an ultra-conserved target site in a haplosufficient essential gene (AGAP029113) required during mosquito development, which fulfils many of the criteria for the target of a population suppression gene drive. We then designed a selection regime to experimentally assess the likelihood of generation and subsequent selection of gene drive resistant mutations at its target site. We simulated, in a caged population, a scenario where the gene drive was approaching fixation, where selection for resistance is expected to be strongest. Continuous sampling of the target locus revealed that a single, restorative, in-frame nucleotide substitution was selected. Our findings show that ultra-conservation alone need not be predictive of a site that is refractory to target site resistance. Our strategy to evaluate resistance in vivo could help to validate candidate gene drive targets for their resilience to resistance and help to improve predictions of the invasion dynamics of gene drives in field populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Fuchs
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - William T. Garrood
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Beber
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrew Hammond
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Roberto Galizi
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Gribble
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giulia Morselli
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tin-Yu J. Hui
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katie Willis
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nace Kranjc
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Austin Burt
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Crisanti
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- * E-mail: (AC); (TN)
| | - Tony Nolan
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (AC); (TN)
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186
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Davis RJ, Belikoff EJ, Dickey AN, Scholl EH, Benoit JB, Scott MJ. Genome and transcriptome sequencing of the green bottle fly, Lucilia sericata, reveals underlying factors of sheep flystrike and maggot debridement therapy. Genomics 2021; 113:3978-3988. [PMID: 34619342 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The common green bottle blow fly Lucilia sericata (family, Calliphoridae) is widely used for maggot debridement therapy, which involves the application of sterile maggots to wounds. The larval excretions and secretions are important for consuming necrotic tissue and inhibiting bacterial growth in wounds of patients. Lucilia sericata is also of importance as a pest of sheep and in forensic studies to estimate a postmortem interval. Here we report the assembly of a 565.3 Mb genome from long read PacBio DNA sequencing of genomic DNA. The genome contains 14,704 predicted protein coding genes and 1709 non-coding genes. Targeted annotation and transcriptional analyses identified genes that are highly expressed in the larval salivary glands (secretions) and Malpighian tubules (excretions) under normal growth conditions and following heat stress. The genomic resources will underpin future genetic studies and in development of engineered strains for genetic control of L. sericata and for biotechnology-enhanced maggot therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Davis
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7613, Raleigh, NC 27695-7613, USA.
| | - Esther J Belikoff
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7613, Raleigh, NC 27695-7613, USA.
| | - Allison N Dickey
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7566, Raleigh, NC 27695-7566, USA.
| | - Elizabeth H Scholl
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7566, Raleigh, NC 27695-7566, USA.
| | - Joshua B Benoit
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45211, USA.
| | - Maxwell J Scott
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7613, Raleigh, NC 27695-7613, USA.
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187
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Söllner JH, Mettenleiter TC, Petersen B. Genome Editing Strategies to Protect Livestock from Viral Infections. Viruses 2021; 13:1996. [PMID: 34696426 PMCID: PMC8539128 DOI: 10.3390/v13101996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The livestock industry is constantly threatened by viral disease outbreaks, including infections with zoonotic potential. While preventive vaccination is frequently applied, disease control and eradication also depend on strict biosecurity measures. Clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and associated proteins (Cas) have been repurposed as genome editors to induce targeted double-strand breaks at almost any location in the genome. Thus, CRISPR/Cas genome editors can also be utilized to generate disease-resistant or resilient livestock, develop vaccines, and further understand virus-host interactions. Genes of interest in animals and viruses can be targeted to understand their functions during infection. Furthermore, transgenic animals expressing CRISPR/Cas can be generated to target the viral genome upon infection. Genetically modified livestock can thereby reduce disease outbreaks and decrease zoonotic threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny-Helena Söllner
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 31535 Neustadt am Rübenberge, Germany;
| | | | - Björn Petersen
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 31535 Neustadt am Rübenberge, Germany;
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188
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Suhag A, Yadav H, Chaudhary D, Subramanian S, Jaiwal R, Jaiwal PK. Biotechnological interventions for the sustainable management of a global pest, whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:1228-1252. [PMID: 32696581 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) are polyphagous invasive hemipteran insects that cause serious losses of important crops by directly feeding on phloem sap and transmitting pathogenic viruses. These insects have emerged as a major threat to global agriculture and food security. Chemically synthesized insecticides are currently the only option to control whiteflies, but the ability of whiteflies to evolve resistance against insecticides has made the management of these insects very difficult. Natural host-plant resistance against whiteflies identified in some crop plants has not been exploited to a great extent. Genetic engineering approaches, such as transgenics and RNA interference (RNAi), are potentially useful for the control of whiteflies. Transgenic plants harboring insecticidal toxins/lectins developed via nuclear or chloroplast transformation are a promising vehicle for whitefly control. Double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) of several insect genes, delivered either through microinjection into the insect body cavity or orally via an artificial diet and transiently or stably expressed in transgenic plants, have controlled whiteflies in model plants and in some crops at the laboratory level, but not at the field level. In this review, we highlight the merits and demerits of each delivery method along with strategies for sustained delivery of dsRNAs via fungal entomopathogen/endosymbiont or nontransgenic RNAi approaches, foliar sprays, root absorption or nanocarriers as well as the factors affecting efficient RNAi and their biosafety issues. Genome sequencing and transcriptome studies of whitefly species are facilitating the selection of appropriate genes for RNAi and gene-editing technology for the efficient and resilient management of whiteflies and their transmitted viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archna Suhag
- Department of Zoology, M.D. University, Rohtak, India
| | - Honey Yadav
- Centre for Biotechnology, M.D. University, Rohtak, India
| | | | - S Subramanian
- Division of Entomology, Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Pawan K Jaiwal
- Centre for Biotechnology, M.D. University, Rohtak, India
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189
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Reid WR, Olson KE, Franz AWE. Current Effector and Gene-Drive Developments to Engineer Arbovirus-Resistant Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) for a Sustainable Population Replacement Strategy in the Field. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:1987-1996. [PMID: 33704462 PMCID: PMC8421695 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses cause morbidity and mortality among human populations living in the tropical regions of the world. Conventional mosquito control efforts based on insecticide treatments and/or the use of bednets and window curtains are currently insufficient to reduce arbovirus prevalence in affected regions. Novel, genetic strategies that are being developed involve the genetic manipulation of mosquitoes for population reduction and population replacement purposes. Population replacement aims at replacing arbovirus-susceptible wild-type mosquitoes in a target region with those that carry a laboratory-engineered antiviral effector to interrupt arboviral transmission in the field. The strategy has been primarily developed for Aedes aegypti (L.), the most important urban arbovirus vector. Antiviral effectors based on long dsRNAs, miRNAs, or ribozymes destroy viral RNA genomes and need to be linked to a robust gene drive to ensure their fixation in the target population. Synthetic gene-drive concepts are based on toxin/antidote, genetic incompatibility, and selfish genetic element principles. The CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system can be configurated as a homing endonuclease gene (HEG) and HEG-based drives became the preferred choice for mosquitoes. HEGs are highly allele and nucleotide sequence-specific and therefore sensitive to single-nucleotide polymorphisms/resistant allele formation. Current research efforts test new HEG-based gene-drive designs that promise to be less sensitive to resistant allele formation. Safety aspects in conjunction with gene drives are being addressed by developing procedures that would allow a recall or overwriting of gene-drive transgenes once they have been released.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Reid
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Ken E Olson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Alexander W E Franz
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Corresponding author, e-mail:
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190
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Karavolias NG, Horner W, Abugu MN, Evanega SN. Application of Gene Editing for Climate Change in Agriculture. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2021.685801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change imposes a severe threat to agricultural systems, food security, and human nutrition. Meanwhile, efforts in crop and livestock gene editing have been undertaken to improve performance across a range of traits. Many of the targeted phenotypes include attributes that could be beneficial for climate change adaptation. Here, we present examples of emerging gene editing applications and research initiatives that are aimed at the improvement of crops and livestock in response to climate change, and discuss technical limitations and opportunities therein. While only few applications of gene editing have been translated to agricultural production thus far, numerous studies in research settings have demonstrated the potential for potent applications to address climate change in the near future.
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191
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Dong S, Dong Y, Simões ML, Dimopoulos G. Mosquito transgenesis for malaria control. Trends Parasitol 2021; 38:54-66. [PMID: 34483052 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is one of the deadliest diseases. Because of the ineffectiveness of current malaria-control methods, several novel mosquito vector-based control strategies have been proposed to supplement existing control strategies. Mosquito transgenesis and gene drive have emerged as promising tools for preventing the spread of malaria by either suppressing mosquito populations by self-destructing mosquitoes or replacing mosquito populations with disease-refractory populations. Here we review the development of mosquito transgenesis and its application for malaria control, highlighting the transgenic expression of antiparasitic effector genes, inactivation of host factor genes, and manipulation of miRNAs and lncRNAs. Overall, from a malaria-control perspective, mosquito transgenesis is not envisioned as a stand-alone approach; rather, its use is proposed as a complement to existing vector-control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengzhang Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yuemei Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Maria L Simões
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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192
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Luo D, Tong JB, Feng Y. 3D-QSAR and Molecular Docking Analysis for Natural Aurone Derivatives as Anti-Malarial Agents. Polycycl Aromat Compd 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/10406638.2021.1973519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ding Luo
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for Industry, Xi'an, China
| | - Jian-Bo Tong
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for Industry, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi Feng
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for Industry, Xi'an, China
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193
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Legros M, Marshall JM, Macfadyen S, Hayes KR, Sheppard A, Barrett LG. Gene drive strategies of pest control in agricultural systems: Challenges and opportunities. Evol Appl 2021; 14:2162-2178. [PMID: 34603490 PMCID: PMC8477592 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in gene-editing technologies have opened new avenues for genetic pest control strategies, in particular around the use of gene drives to suppress or modify pest populations. Significant uncertainty, however, surrounds the applicability of these strategies to novel target species, their efficacy in natural populations and their eventual safety and acceptability as control methods. In this article, we identify issues associated with the potential use of gene drives in agricultural systems, to control pests and diseases that impose a significant cost to agriculture around the world. We first review the need for innovative approaches and provide an overview of the most relevant biological and ecological traits of agricultural pests that could impact the outcome of gene drive approaches. We then describe the specific challenges associated with using gene drives in agricultural systems, as well as the opportunities that these environments may offer, focusing in particular on the advantages of high-threshold gene drives. Overall, we aim to provide a comprehensive view of the potential opportunities and the remaining uncertainties around the use of gene drives in agricultural systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Legros
- CSIRO Agriculture and FoodCanberraACTAustralia
- CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science PlatformCanberraACTAustralia
| | - John M. Marshall
- Divisions of Biostatistics and Epidemiology – School of Public HealthUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCAUSA
| | | | | | | | - Luke G. Barrett
- CSIRO Agriculture and FoodCanberraACTAustralia
- CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science PlatformCanberraACTAustralia
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194
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Adelman ZN. Demystifying the Risk Assessment Process for Laboratory-Based Experiments Utilizing Invasive Genetic Elements: It Is More Than Gene Drive. APPLIED BIOSAFETY 2021; 26:154-163. [PMID: 36035544 PMCID: PMC9134331 DOI: 10.1089/apb.20.0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Advances in recombinant DNA approaches have resulted in the development of transgene architectures that severely bias their own inheritance, a process commonly referred to as "gene drive." The rapid pace of development, combined with the complexity of many gene drive approaches, threatens to overwhelm those responsible for ensuring its safe use in the laboratory, as even identifying that a specific transgene is capable of gene drive may not be intuitive. Although currently gene drive experiments have been limited to just a few species (mosquitoes, flies, mice, and yeast), the range of organisms used in gene drive research is expected to increase substantially in the coming years. Here the defining features of different gene drive approaches are discussed. Although this will start with a focus on identifying when gene drive could or could not occur, the emphasis will also be on establishing risk profiles based on anticipated level of invasiveness and persistence of transgenes in the surrounding environment. Attention is also called to the fact that transgenes can be considered invasive without being considered gene drive (and vice versa). This further supports the notion that adequate risk assessment requires information regarding the specific circumstances a given transgene or set of transgenes is capable of invading a corresponding population. Finally, challenges in the review and evaluation of work involving gene drive organisms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zach N. Adelman
- Department of Entomology and Agrilife Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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195
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Lanzaro GC, Campos M, Crepeau M, Cornel A, Estrada A, Gripkey H, Haddad Z, Kormos A, Palomares S. Selection of sites for field trials of genetically engineered mosquitoes with gene drive. Evol Appl 2021; 14:2147-2161. [PMID: 34603489 PMCID: PMC8477601 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel malaria control strategies using genetically engineered mosquitoes (GEMs) are on the horizon. Population modification is one approach wherein mosquitoes are engineered with genes rendering them refractory to the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, coupled with a low-threshold, Cas9-based gene drive. When released into a wild vector population, GEMs preferentially transmit these parasite-blocking genes to their offspring, ultimately modifying a vector population into a nonvector one. Deploying this technology awaits ecologically contained field trial evaluations. Here, we consider a process for site selection, the first critical step in designing a trial. Our goal is to identify a site that maximizes prospects for success, minimizes risk, and serves as a fair, valid, and convincing test of efficacy and impacts of a GEM product intended for large-scale deployment in Africa. We base site selection on geographic, geological, and biological, rather than social or legal, criteria. We recognize the latter as critically important but not as a first step in selecting a site. We propose physical islands as being the best candidates for a GEM field trial and present an evaluation of 22 African islands. We consider geographic and genetic isolation, biological complexity, island size, and topography and identify two island groups that satisfy key criteria for ideal GEM field trial sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory C. Lanzaro
- Vector Genetics LaboratoryDepartment of Pathology, Microbiology and ImmunologySchool of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Melina Campos
- Vector Genetics LaboratoryDepartment of Pathology, Microbiology and ImmunologySchool of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Marc Crepeau
- Vector Genetics LaboratoryDepartment of Pathology, Microbiology and ImmunologySchool of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Anthony Cornel
- Vector Genetics LaboratoryDepartment of Pathology, Microbiology and ImmunologySchool of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Abram Estrada
- Vector Genetics LaboratoryDepartment of Pathology, Microbiology and ImmunologySchool of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Hans Gripkey
- Vector Genetics LaboratoryDepartment of Pathology, Microbiology and ImmunologySchool of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ziad Haddad
- California Institute of TechnologyJet Propulsion LaboratoryPasadenaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ana Kormos
- Vector Genetics LaboratoryDepartment of Pathology, Microbiology and ImmunologySchool of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Steven Palomares
- Vector Genetics LaboratoryDepartment of Pathology, Microbiology and ImmunologySchool of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
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196
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Chae K, Valentin C, Jakes E, Myles KM, Adelman ZN. Novel synthetic 3'-untranslated regions for controlling transgene expression in transgenic Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. RNA Biol 2021; 18:223-231. [PMID: 34464234 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.1971440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgenic technology for mosquitoes is now more than two decades old, and a wide array of control sequences have been described for regulating gene expression in various life stages or specific tissues. Despite this, comparatively little attention has been paid to the development and validation of other transgene-regulating elements, especially 3'-untranslated regions (3'UTRs). As a consequence, the same regulatory sequences are often used multiple times in a single transgene array, potentially leading to instability of transgenic effector genes. To increase the repertoire of characterized 3'UTRs available for genetics-based mosquito control, we generated fifteen synthetic sequences based on the base composition of the widely used SV40 3'UTR sequence, and tested their ability to contribute to the expression of reporter genes EGFP or luciferase. Transient transfection in mosquito cells identified nine candidate 3'UTRs that conferred moderate to strong gene expression. Two of these were engineered into the mosquito genome through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated site-specific insertion and compared to the original SV40 3'UTR. Both synthetic 3'UTRs were shown to successfully promote transgene expression in all mosquito life stages (larva, pupa and adults), similar to the SV40 3'UTR, albeit with differences in intensity. Thus, the synthetic 3'UTR elements described here are suitable for regulating transgene expression in Ae. aegypti, and provide valuable alternatives in the design of multi-gene cassettes. Additionally, the synthetic-scramble approach we validate here could be used to generate additional functional 3'UTR elements in this or other organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keun Chae
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Collin Valentin
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Emma Jakes
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Kevin M Myles
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Zach N Adelman
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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197
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Guzmán-Zapata D, Vargas-Morales BV, Loyola-Vargas VM. From genome scissors to molecular scalpel: evolution of CRISPR systems. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2021; 37:82-104. [PMID: 34412573 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2021.1962071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
From bizarre palindromic repeats to a bacterial defense mechanism, to genome editing tool, and more, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats or CRISPR has significantly impacted the way we study genome modification in less than a decade. In this review, we would like to highlight some key players over 30 years of research and explain this biotechnological tool's basic mechanisms. We also refer to the evolution of the CRISPR variants and some of the applications derived from them. The understanding and upgrading of this system will be a valuable tool in the years to come to solve some of the challenges in diverse fields from pharmaceuticals to therapeutics, from basic plant genetics to crop improvement, from metabolic engineering to waste management and industrial processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Guzmán-Zapata
- Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular de Plantas, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Mérida, México
| | | | - Víctor M Loyola-Vargas
- Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular de Plantas, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Mérida, México
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198
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Verma P, Reeves RG, Gokhale CS. A common gene drive language eases regulatory process and eco-evolutionary extensions. BMC Ecol Evol 2021; 21:156. [PMID: 34372763 PMCID: PMC8351217 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-021-01881-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Synthetic gene drive technologies aim to spread transgenic constructs into wild populations even when they impose organismal fitness disadvantages. The extraordinary diversity of plausible drive mechanisms and the range of selective parameters they may encounter makes it very difficult to convey their relative predicted properties, particularly where multiple approaches are combined. The sheer number of published manuscripts in this field, experimental and theoretical, the numerous techniques resulting in an explosion in the gene drive vocabulary hinder the regulators’ point of view. We address this concern by defining a simplified parameter based language of synthetic drives. Results Employing the classical population dynamics approach, we show that different drive construct (replacement) mechanisms can be condensed and evaluated on an equal footing even where they incorporate multiple replacement drives approaches. Using a common language, it is then possible to compare various model properties, a task desired by regulators and policymakers. The generalization allows us to extend the study of the invasion dynamics of replacement drives analytically and, in a spatial setting, the resilience of the released drive constructs. The derived framework is available as a standalone tool. Conclusion Besides comparing available drive constructs, our tool is also useful for educational purpose. Users can also explore the evolutionary dynamics of future hypothetical combination drive scenarios. Thus, our results appraise the properties and robustness of drives and provide an intuitive and objective way for risk assessment, informing policies, and enhancing public engagement with proposed and future gene drive approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prateek Verma
- Research Group for Theoretical Models of Eco-evolutionary Dynamics, Department of Evolutionary Theory, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany.
| | - R Guy Reeves
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Chaitanya S Gokhale
- Research Group for Theoretical Models of Eco-evolutionary Dynamics, Department of Evolutionary Theory, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
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199
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Quinn C, Anthousi A, Wondji C, Nolan T. CRISPR-mediated knock-in of transgenes into the malaria vector Anopheles funestus. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2021; 11:6303614. [PMID: 34849822 PMCID: PMC8496255 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The ability to introduce mutations, or transgenes, of choice to precise genomic locations has revolutionized our ability to understand how genes and organisms work. In many mosquito species that are vectors of various human diseases, the advent of CRISPR genome editing tools has shed light on basic aspects of their biology that are relevant to their efficiency as disease vectors. This allows a better understanding of how current control tools work and opens up the possibility of novel genetic control approaches, such as gene drives, that deliberately introduce genetic traits into populations. Yet for the Anopheles funestus mosquito, a significant vector of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa and indeed the dominant vector species in many countries, transgenesis has yet to be achieved. We describe herein an optimized transformation system based on the germline delivery of CRISPR components that allows efficient cleavage of a previously validated genomic site and preferential repair of these cut sites via homology-directed repair (HDR), which allows the introduction of exogenous template sequence, rather than end-joining repair. The rates of transformation achieved are sufficiently high that it should be able to introduce alleles of choice to a target locus, and recover these, without the need to include additional dominant marker genes. Moreover, the high rates of HDR observed suggest that gene drives, which employ an HDR-type mechanism to ensure their proliferation in the genome, may be well suited to work in A. funestus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amalia Anthousi
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion 700 13, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion 700 13, Greece
| | - Charles Wondji
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
- Department of Medical Entomology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), Yaoundé 5, Cameroon
| | - Tony Nolan
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
- Corresponding author:
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200
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Feng X, Kambic L, Nishimoto JH, Reed FA, Denton JA, Sutton JT, Gantz VM. Evaluation of Gene Knockouts by CRISPR as Potential Targets for the Genetic Engineering of the Mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus. CRISPR J 2021; 4:595-608. [PMID: 34280034 PMCID: PMC8392076 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2021.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes are a globally widespread vector of several human and animal pathogens. Their biology and behavior allow them to thrive in proximity to urban areas, rendering them a constant public health threat. Their mixed bird/mammal feeding behavior further offers a vehicle for zoonotic pathogens transmission to people and, separately, poses a threat to the conservation of insular birds. The advent of CRISPR has led to the development of novel technologies for the genetic engineering of wild mosquito populations. Yet, research into Cx. quinquefasciatus has been lagging compared to other disease vectors. Here, we use this tool to disrupt a set of five pigmentation genes in Cx. quinquefasciatus that, when altered, lead to visible, homozygous-viable phenotypes. We further validate this approach in separate laboratories and in two distinct strains of Cx. quinquefasciatus that are relevant to potential future public health and bird conservation applications. We generate a double-mutant line, demonstrating the possibility of sequentially combining multiple such mutations in a single individual. Lastly, we target two loci, doublesex in the sex-determination pathway and proboscipedia, a hox gene, demonstrating the flexibility of these methods applied to novel targets. Our work provides a platform of seven validated loci that could be used for targeted mutagenesis in Cx. quinquefasciatus and the future development of genetic suppression strategies for this species. Furthermore, the mutant lines generated here could have widespread utility to the research community using this model organism, as they could be used as targets for transgene delivery, where a copy of the disrupted gene could be included as an easily scored transgenesis marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuechun Feng
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Lukas Kambic
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Hilo, Hawaiʻi, USA
| | | | - Floyd A. Reed
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
| | - Jai A. Denton
- Institute of Vector-borne Disease, University of Monash, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jolene T. Sutton
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Hilo, Hawaiʻi, USA
| | - Valentino M. Gantz
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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