1
|
Janzen A, Pothula R, Sychla A, Feltman NR, Smanski MJ. Predicting thresholds for population replacement gene drives. BMC Biol 2024; 22:40. [PMID: 38369493 PMCID: PMC10875781 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01823-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Threshold-dependent gene drives (TDGDs) could be used to spread desirable traits through a population, and are likely to be less invasive and easier to control than threshold-independent gene drives. Engineered Genetic Incompatibility (EGI) is an extreme underdominance system previously demonstrated in Drosophila melanogaster that can function as a TDGD when EGI agents of both sexes are released into a wild-type population. RESULTS Here we use a single generation fitness assay to compare the fecundity, mating preferences, and temperature-dependent relative fitness to wild-type of two distinct genotypes of EGI agents. We find significant differences in the behavior/performance of these EGI agents that would not be predicted a priori based on their genetic design. We report a surprising temperature-dependent change in the predicted threshold for population replacement in an EGI agent that drives ectopic expression of the developmental morphogen pyramus. CONCLUSIONS The single-generation fitness assay presented here could reduce the amount of time required to estimate the threshold for TDGD strategies for which hybrid genotypes are inviable. Additionally, this work underscores the importance of empirical characterization of multiple engineered lines, as behavioral differences can arise in unique genotypes for unknown reasons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Janzen
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 55455, MN, USA
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, 55108, MN, USA
| | - Ratnasri Pothula
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 55455, MN, USA
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, 55108, MN, USA
| | - Adam Sychla
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 55455, MN, USA
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, 55108, MN, USA
| | - Nathan R Feltman
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 55455, MN, USA
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, 55108, MN, USA
| | - Michael J Smanski
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 55455, MN, USA.
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, 55108, MN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Raban R, Marshall JM, Hay BA, Akbari OS. Manipulating the Destiny of Wild Populations Using CRISPR. Annu Rev Genet 2023; 57:361-390. [PMID: 37722684 PMCID: PMC11064769 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-031623-105059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Genetic biocontrol aims to suppress or modify populations of species to protect public health, agriculture, and biodiversity. Advancements in genome engineering technologies have fueled a surge in research in this field, with one gene editing technology, CRISPR, leading the charge. This review focuses on the current state of CRISPR technologies for genetic biocontrol of pests and highlights the progress and ongoing challenges of using these approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Raban
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
| | - John M Marshall
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Bruce A Hay
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering (BBE), California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Omar S Akbari
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hernández Elizárraga VH, Ballantyne S, O'Brien LG, Americo JA, Suhr ST, Senut MC, Minerich B, Merkes CM, Edwards TM, Klymus K, Richter CA, Waller DL, Passamaneck YJ, Rebelo MF, Gohl DM. Toward invasive mussel genetic biocontrol: Approaches, challenges, and perspectives. iScience 2023; 26:108027. [PMID: 37860763 PMCID: PMC10583111 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive freshwater mussels, such as the zebra (Dreissena polymorpha), quagga (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis), and golden (Limnoperna fortunei) mussel have spread outside their native ranges throughout many regions of the North American, South American, and European continents in recent decades, damaging infrastructure and the environment. This review describes ongoing efforts by multiple groups to develop genetic biocontrol methods for invasive mussels. First, we provide an overview of genetic biocontrol strategies that have been applied in other invasive or pest species. Next, we summarize physical and chemical methods that are currently in use for invasive mussel control. We then describe the multidisciplinary approaches our groups are employing to develop genetic biocontrol tools for invasive mussels. Finally, we discuss the challenges and limitations of applying genetic biocontrol tools to invasive mussels. Collectively, we aim to openly share information and combine expertise to develop practical tools to enable the management of invasive freshwater mussels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Scott Ballantyne
- Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin River Falls, River Falls, WI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Christopher M. Merkes
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI, USA
| | - Thea M. Edwards
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Katy Klymus
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Catherine A. Richter
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Diane L. Waller
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI, USA
| | - Yale J. Passamaneck
- Bureau of Reclamation, Technical Service Center, Hydraulic Investigations and Laboratory Services, Ecological Research Laboratory, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Mauro F. Rebelo
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daryl M. Gohl
- University of Minnesota Genomics Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Casas-Mollano JA, Zinselmeier M, Sychla A, Smanski MJ. Efficient gene activation in plants by the MoonTag programmable transcriptional activator. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.15.528671. [PMID: 36824723 PMCID: PMC9948947 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.15.528671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas-based transcriptional activators have been developed to induce gene expression in eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. The main advantages of CRISPR-Cas based systems is that they can achieve high levels of transcriptional activation and are very easy to program via pairing between the guide RNA and the DNA target strand. SunTag is a second-generation system that activates transcription by recruiting multiple copies of an activation domain (AD) to its target promoters. SunTag is a strong activator; however, in some species it is difficult to stably express. To overcome this problem, we designed MoonTag, a new activator that worked on the same basic principle as SunTag, but whose components are better tolerated when stably expressed in transgenic plants. We demonstrate that MoonTag is capable of inducing high levels of transcription in all plants tested. In Setaria, MoonTag is capable of inducing high levels of transcription of reporter genes as well as of endogenous genes. More important, MoonTag components are expressed in transgenic plants to high levels without any deleterious effects. MoonTag is also able to efficiently activate genes in eudicotyledonous species such as Arabidopsis and tomato. Finally, we show that MoonTag activation is functional across a range of temperatures, which is promising for potential field applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Armando Casas-Mollano
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics and Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108
- Center for Precision Plant Genomics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108
| | - Matthew Zinselmeier
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics and Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108
- Center for Precision Plant Genomics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108
- Department of Genetics, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108
| | - Adam Sychla
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics and Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108
- Center for Precision Plant Genomics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108
| | - Michael J Smanski
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics and Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108
- Center for Precision Plant Genomics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Siddiqui JA, Fan R, Naz H, Bamisile BS, Hafeez M, Ghani MI, Wei Y, Xu Y, Chen X. Insights into insecticide-resistance mechanisms in invasive species: Challenges and control strategies. Front Physiol 2023; 13:1112278. [PMID: 36699674 PMCID: PMC9868318 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1112278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Threatening the global community is a wide variety of potential threats, most notably invasive pest species. Invasive pest species are non-native organisms that humans have either accidentally or intentionally spread to new regions. One of the most effective and first lines of control strategies for controlling pests is the application of insecticides. These toxic chemicals are employed to get rid of pests, but they pose great risks to people, animals, and plants. Pesticides are heavily used in managing invasive pests in the current era. Due to the overuse of synthetic chemicals, numerous invasive species have already developed resistance. The resistance development is the main reason for the failure to manage the invasive species. Developing pesticide resistance management techniques necessitates a thorough understanding of the mechanisms through which insects acquire insecticide resistance. Insects use a variety of behavioral, biochemical, physiological, genetic, and metabolic methods to deal with toxic chemicals, which can lead to resistance through continuous overexpression of detoxifying enzymes. An overabundance of enzymes causes metabolic resistance, detoxifying pesticides and rendering them ineffective against pests. A key factor in the development of metabolic resistance is the amplification of certain metabolic enzymes, specifically esterases, Glutathione S-transferase, Cytochromes p450 monooxygenase, and hydrolyses. Additionally, insect guts offer unique habitats for microbial colonization, and gut bacteria may serve their hosts a variety of useful services. Most importantly, the detoxification of insecticides leads to resistance development. The complete knowledge of invasive pest species and their mechanisms of resistance development could be very helpful in coping with the challenges and effectively developing effective strategies for the control of invasive species. Integrated Pest Management is particularly effective at lowering the risk of chemical and environmental contaminants and the resulting health issues, and it may also offer the most effective ways to control insect pests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Ali Siddiqui
- College of Agriculture, College of Tobacco Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- International Jointed Institute of Plant Microbial Ecology and Resource Management in Guizhou University, Ministry of Agriculture, China & China Association of Agricultural Science Societies, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou-Europe Environmental Biotechnology and Agricultural Informatics Oversea Innovation Center in Guizhou University, Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Department, Guiyang, China
| | - Ruidong Fan
- College of Agriculture, College of Tobacco Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- International Jointed Institute of Plant Microbial Ecology and Resource Management in Guizhou University, Ministry of Agriculture, China & China Association of Agricultural Science Societies, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou-Europe Environmental Biotechnology and Agricultural Informatics Oversea Innovation Center in Guizhou University, Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Department, Guiyang, China
| | - Hira Naz
- Research and Development Centre for Fine Chemicals, National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Bamisope Steve Bamisile
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Henry Fok School of Biology and Agriculture, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan, China
| | - Muhammad Hafeez
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Muhammad Imran Ghani
- College of Agriculture, College of Tobacco Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- International Jointed Institute of Plant Microbial Ecology and Resource Management in Guizhou University, Ministry of Agriculture, China & China Association of Agricultural Science Societies, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou-Europe Environmental Biotechnology and Agricultural Informatics Oversea Innovation Center in Guizhou University, Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Department, Guiyang, China
| | - Yiming Wei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rice Genetics and Breeding, Guangxi Crop Genetic Improvement and Biotechnology Lab, Rice Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Yijuan Xu
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyulong Chen
- College of Agriculture, College of Tobacco Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- International Jointed Institute of Plant Microbial Ecology and Resource Management in Guizhou University, Ministry of Agriculture, China & China Association of Agricultural Science Societies, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou-Europe Environmental Biotechnology and Agricultural Informatics Oversea Innovation Center in Guizhou University, Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Department, Guiyang, China
- College of Science, Tibet University, Lhasa, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Future applications of synthetic biology will rely on deploying engineered cells outside of lab environments for long periods of time. Currently, a significant roadblock to this application is the potential for deactivating mutations in engineered genes. A recently developed method to protect engineered coding sequences from mutation is called Constraining Adaptive Mutations using Engineered Overlapping Sequences (CAMEOS). In this chapter we provide a workflow for utilizing CAMEOS to create synthetic overlaps between two genes, one essential (infA) and one non-essential (aroB), to protect the non-essential gene from mutation and loss of protein function. In this workflow we detail the methods to collect large numbers of related protein sequences, produce multiple sequence alignments (MSAs), use the MSAs to generate hidden Markov models and Markov random field models, and finally generate a library of overlapping coding sequences through CAMEOS scripts. To assist practitioners with basic coding skills to try out the CAMEOS method, we have created a virtual machine containing all the required packages already installed that can be downloaded and run locally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Y Logel
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul R Jaschke
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sychla A, Feltman NR, Hutchison WD, Smanski MJ. Modeling-informed Engineered Genetic Incompatibility strategies to overcome resistance in the invasive Drosophila suzukii. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 2:1063789. [PMID: 38468757 PMCID: PMC10926386 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2022.1063789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Engineered Genetic Incompatibility (EGI) is an engineered extreme underdominance genetic system wherein hybrid animals are not viable, functioning as a synthetic speciation event. There are several strategies in which EGI could be leveraged for genetic biocontrol of pest populations. We used an agent-based model of Drosophila suzukii (Spotted Wing Drosophila) to determine how EGI would fare with high rates of endemic genetic resistance alleles. We discovered a surprising failure mode wherein field-generated females convert an incompatible male release program into a population replacement gene drive. Local suppression could still be attained in two seasons by tailoring the release strategy to take advantage of this effect, or alternatively in one season by altering the genetic design of release agents. We show in this work that data from modeling can be utilized to recognize unexpected emergent phenomena and a priori inform genetic biocontrol treatment design to increase efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Sychla
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Nathan R. Feltman
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - William D. Hutchison
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Michael J. Smanski
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
The rapid growth in genomic techniques provides the potential to transform how we protect, manage, and conserve marine life. Further, solutions to boost the resilience of marine species to climate change and other disturbances that characterize the Anthropocene require transformative approaches, made more effective if guided by genomic data. Although genetic techniques have been employed in marine conservation for decades and the availability of genomic data is rapidly expanding, widespread application still lags behind other data types. This Essay reviews how genetics and genomics have been utilized in management initiatives for ocean conservation and restoration, highlights success stories, and presents a pathway forward to enhance the uptake of genomic data for protecting our oceans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine J. H. van Oppen
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Melinda A. Coleman
- Department of Primary Industries, NSW Fisheries, National Marine Science Centre, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Feltman NR, Burkness EC, Ebbenga D, Hutchison WD, Smanski MJ. HUGE pipeline to measure temporal genetic variation in Drosophila suzukii populations for genetic biocontrol applications. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 2:981974. [PMID: 38468784 PMCID: PMC10926429 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2022.981974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the fine-scale genome sequence diversity that exists within natural populations is important for developing models of species migration, temporal stability, and range expansion. For invasive species, agricultural pests, and disease vectors, sequence diversity at specific loci in the genome can impact the efficacy of next-generation genetic biocontrol strategies. Here we describe a pipeline for haplotype-resolution genetic variant discovery and quantification from thousands of Spotted Wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii, SWD) isolated at two field sites in the North-Central United States (Minnesota) across two seasons. We observed highly similar single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) frequencies at each genomic location at each field site and year. This supports the hypotheses that SWD overwinters in Minnesota, is annually populated by the same source populations or a combination of both theories. Also, the stable genetic structure of SWD populations allows for the rational design of genetic biocontrol technologies for population suppression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan R. Feltman
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Eric C. Burkness
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Dominique N. Ebbenga
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - William D. Hutchison
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Michael J. Smanski
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Upadhyay A, Feltman NR, Sychla A, Janzen A, Das SR, Maselko M, Smanski M. Genetically engineered insects with sex-selection and genetic incompatibility enable population suppression. eLife 2022; 11:71230. [PMID: 35108195 PMCID: PMC8860436 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71230] [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: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered Genetic Incompatibility (EGI) is a method to create species-like barriers to sexual reproduction. It has applications in pest control that mimic Sterile Insect Technique when only EGI males are released. This can be facilitated by introducing conditional female-lethality to EGI strains to generate a sex-sorting incompatible male system (SSIMS). Here, we demonstrate a proof of concept by combining tetracycline-controlled female lethality constructs with a pyramus-targeting EGI line in the model insect Drosophila melanogaster. We show that both functions (incompatibility and sex-sorting) are robustly maintained in the SSIMS line and that this approach is effective for population suppression in cage experiments. Further we show that SSIMS males remain competitive with wild-type males for reproduction with wild-type females, including at the level of sperm competition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ambuj Upadhyay
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
| | - Nathan R Feltman
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, United States
| | - Adam Sychla
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, United States
| | - Anna Janzen
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, United States
| | - Siba R Das
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, United States
| | | | - Michael Smanski
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Buchman A, Shriner I, Yang T, Liu J, Antoshechkin I, Marshall JM, Perry MW, Akbari OS. Engineered reproductively isolated species drive reversible population replacement. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3281. [PMID: 34078888 DOI: 10.1101/2020.08.09.242982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Engineered reproductive species barriers are useful for impeding gene flow and driving desirable genes into wild populations in a reversible threshold-dependent manner. However, methods to generate synthetic barriers are lacking in advanced eukaryotes. Here, to overcome this challenge, we engineer SPECIES (Synthetic Postzygotic barriers Exploiting CRISPR-based Incompatibilities for Engineering Species), an engineered genetic incompatibility approach, to generate postzygotic reproductive barriers. Using this approach, we create multiple reproductively isolated SPECIES and demonstrate their reproductive isolation and threshold-dependent gene drive capabilities in D. melanogaster. Given the near-universal functionality of CRISPR tools, this approach should be portable to many species, including insect disease vectors in which confinable gene drives could be of great practical utility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Buchman
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Isaiah Shriner
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ting Yang
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Junru Liu
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Igor Antoshechkin
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering (BBE), California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - John M Marshall
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Michael W Perry
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Omar S Akbari
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Buchman A, Shriner I, Yang T, Liu J, Antoshechkin I, Marshall JM, Perry MW, Akbari OS. Engineered reproductively isolated species drive reversible population replacement. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3281. [PMID: 34078888 PMCID: PMC8173020 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23531-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Engineered reproductive species barriers are useful for impeding gene flow and driving desirable genes into wild populations in a reversible threshold-dependent manner. However, methods to generate synthetic barriers are lacking in advanced eukaryotes. Here, to overcome this challenge, we engineer SPECIES (Synthetic Postzygotic barriers Exploiting CRISPR-based Incompatibilities for Engineering Species), an engineered genetic incompatibility approach, to generate postzygotic reproductive barriers. Using this approach, we create multiple reproductively isolated SPECIES and demonstrate their reproductive isolation and threshold-dependent gene drive capabilities in D. melanogaster. Given the near-universal functionality of CRISPR tools, this approach should be portable to many species, including insect disease vectors in which confinable gene drives could be of great practical utility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Buchman
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Isaiah Shriner
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ting Yang
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Junru Liu
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Igor Antoshechkin
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering (BBE), California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - John M Marshall
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Michael W Perry
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Omar S Akbari
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Developments in genome editing offer potential solutions to challenges in agriculture, industry, medicine, and the environment. However, many technologies remain unexploited due to limitations in the use of genetically altered organisms. In this study, we use B. subtilis spores to explore the possibility of bioengineering organisms while leaving their genome intact. Taking advantage of the differential expression between the mother cell and the fore-spore compartments during sporulation, we created plasmids programmed to modify the spore phenotype from the mother cell compartment, but to "self-digest" in the fore-spore. At the end of sporulation, the mother cell undergoes lysis and releases the phenotypically engineered, genetically unaltered spores. Using this approach, we demonstrated the potential to express foreign proteins in B. subtilis spores without genome alterations by producing spores expressing GFP in their protective coats, where approximately 90% of the spore population had no detectable plasmid or chromosome alterations. In a separate demonstration, we programmed KinA overexpression during vegetative growth to artificially induce sporulation, and also obtained spores with nearly 90% of them free of detectable plasmid. Artificial induction of sporulation could potentially simplify the bioprocess for industrial spore production, as it reduces the number of steps involved. Overall, these findings demonstrate the potential to create genetically intact bioengineered organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan F. Quijano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, 10027, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Physics, Columbia University, New York, 10027, United States
| | - Ozgur Sahin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, 10027, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Physics, Columbia University, New York, 10027, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Venette RC, Hutchison WD. Invasive Insect Species: Global Challenges, Strategies & Opportunities. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 1:650520. [PMID: 38468878 PMCID: PMC10926476 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2021.650520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert C. Venette
- Forest Service, US Department of Agriculture, St. Paul, MN, United States
- Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - William D. Hutchison
- Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hay BA, Oberhofer G, Guo M. Engineering the Composition and Fate of Wild Populations with Gene Drive. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 66:407-434. [PMID: 33035437 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-020117-043154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Insects play important roles as predators, prey, pollinators, recyclers, hosts, parasitoids, and sources of economically important products. They can also destroy crops; wound animals; and serve as vectors for plant, animal, and human diseases. Gene drive-a process by which genes, gene complexes, or chromosomes encoding specific traits are made to spread through wild populations, even if these traits result in a fitness cost to carriers-provides new opportunities for altering populations to benefit humanity and the environment in ways that are species specific and sustainable. Gene drive can be used to alter the genetic composition of an existing population, referred to as population modification or replacement, or to bring about population suppression or elimination. We describe technologies under consideration, progress that has been made, and remaining technological hurdles, particularly with respect to evolutionary stability and our ability to control the spread and ultimate fate of genes introduced into populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A Hay
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA; ,
- St. John's College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TP, United Kingdom
| | - Georg Oberhofer
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA; ,
| | - Ming Guo
- Departments of Neurology and Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Naegeli H, Bresson J, Dalmay T, Dewhurst IC, Epstein MM, Guerche P, Hejatko J, Moreno FJ, Mullins E, Nogué F, Rostoks N, Sánchez Serrano JJ, Savoini G, Veromann E, Veronesi F, Bonsall MB, Mumford J, Wimmer EA, Devos Y, Paraskevopoulos K, Firbank LG. Adequacy and sufficiency evaluation of existing EFSA guidelines for the molecular characterisation, environmental risk assessment and post-market environmental monitoring of genetically modified insects containing engineered gene drives. EFSA J 2020; 18:e06297. [PMID: 33209154 PMCID: PMC7658669 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in molecular and synthetic biology are enabling the engineering of gene drives in insects for disease vector/pest control. Engineered gene drives (that bias their own inheritance) can be designed either to suppress interbreeding target populations or modify them with a new genotype. Depending on the engineered gene drive system, theoretically, a genetic modification of interest could spread through target populations and persist indefinitely, or be restricted in its spread or persistence. While research on engineered gene drives and their applications in insects is advancing at a fast pace, it will take several years for technological developments to move to practical applications for deliberate release into the environment. Some gene drive modified insects (GDMIs) have been tested experimentally in the laboratory, but none has been assessed in small-scale confined field trials or in open release trials as yet. There is concern that the deliberate release of GDMIs in the environment may have possible irreversible and unintended consequences. As a proactive measure, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has been requested by the European Commission to review whether its previously published guidelines for the risk assessment of genetically modified animals (EFSA, 2012 and 2013), including insects (GMIs), are adequate and sufficient for GDMIs, primarily disease vectors, agricultural pests and invasive species, for deliberate release into the environment. Under this mandate, EFSA was not requested to develop risk assessment guidelines for GDMIs. In this Scientific Opinion, the Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) concludes that EFSA's guidelines are adequate, but insufficient for the molecular characterisation (MC), environmental risk assessment (ERA) and post-market environmental monitoring (PMEM) of GDMIs. While the MC,ERA and PMEM of GDMIs can build on the existing risk assessment framework for GMIs that do not contain engineered gene drives, there are specific areas where further guidance is needed for GDMIs.
Collapse
|
17
|
Maselko M, Feltman N, Upadhyay A, Hayward A, Das S, Myslicki N, Peterson AJ, O'Connor MB, Smanski MJ. Engineering multiple species-like genetic incompatibilities in insects. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4468. [PMID: 32901021 PMCID: PMC7478965 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18348-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Speciation constrains the flow of genetic information between populations of sexually reproducing organisms. Gaining control over mechanisms of speciation would enable new strategies to manage wild populations of disease vectors, agricultural pests, and invasive species. Additionally, such control would provide safe biocontainment of transgenes and gene drives. Here, we demonstrate a general approach to create engineered genetic incompatibilities (EGIs) in the model insect Drosophila melanogaster. EGI couples a dominant lethal transgene with a recessive resistance allele. Strains homozygous for both elements are fertile and fecund when they mate with similarly engineered strains, but incompatible with wild-type strains that lack resistant alleles. EGI genotypes can also be tuned to cause hybrid lethality at different developmental life-stages. Further, we demonstrate that multiple orthogonal EGI strains of D. melanogaster can be engineered to be mutually incompatible with wild-type and with each other. EGI is a simple and robust approach in multiple sexually reproducing organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Maselko
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
- Applied Biosciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Nathan Feltman
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - Ambuj Upadhyay
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Amanda Hayward
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - Siba Das
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - Nathan Myslicki
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - Aidan J Peterson
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Michael B O'Connor
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Michael J Smanski
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA.
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Biocontrol of the Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) in Australia: A Review and Future Directions. FISHES 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/fishes5020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Invasive pest species are recognized as one of the important drivers of reduced global biodiversity. In Australia, the 267 invasive plant, animal and microbial species, established since European colonization in the 1770s, have been unequivocally declared the most important threat to species diversity in this country. One invasive pest, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio), has been targeted in an integrated pest management plan that might include cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) as a potential biocontrol agent. The species-specificity of the released virus (and of field variants that will inevitably arise) has been assessed, and the virus judged to be safe. It has also been hypothesised that, because the virulence of the CyHV-3 will likely decline following release, the virus should be used strategically: initially, the aim would be to markedly reduce numbers of carp in naive populations, and then some other, as yet uncertain, complementary broad-scale control measure would knock-down carp numbers even further. Brief results are included from recent studies on the modelling of release and spread of the virus, the ecological and social concerns associated with virus release, and the restoration benefits that might be expected following carp control. We conclude that, while further work is required (on the virus, the target species, environmental issues, and especially the identification of a suitable broad-scale complementary control measure), optimism must prevail in order to ensure an eventual solution to this important environmental problem.
Collapse
|
19
|
Sánchez C HM, Bennett JB, Wu SL, Rašić G, Akbari OS, Marshall JM. Modeling confinement and reversibility of threshold-dependent gene drive systems in spatially-explicit Aedes aegypti populations. BMC Biol 2020; 18:50. [PMID: 32398005 PMCID: PMC7218562 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-020-0759-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The discovery of CRISPR-based gene editing and its application to homing-based gene drive systems has been greeted with excitement, for its potential to control mosquito-borne diseases on a wide scale, and concern, for the invasiveness and potential irreversibility of a release. Gene drive systems that display threshold-dependent behavior could potentially be used during the trial phase of this technology, or when localized control is otherwise desired, as simple models predict them to spread into partially isolated populations in a confineable manner, and to be reversible through releases of wild-type organisms. Here, we model hypothetical releases of two recently engineered threshold-dependent gene drive systems—reciprocal chromosomal translocations and a form of toxin-antidote-based underdominance known as UDMEL—to explore their ability to be confined and remediated. Results We simulate releases of Aedes aegypti, the mosquito vector of dengue, Zika, and other arboviruses, in Yorkeys Knob, a suburb of Cairns, Australia, where previous biological control interventions have been undertaken on this species. We monitor spread to the neighboring suburb of Trinity Park to assess confinement. Results suggest that translocations could be introduced on a suburban scale, and remediated through releases of non-disease-transmitting male mosquitoes with release sizes on the scale of what has been previously implemented. UDMEL requires fewer releases to introduce, but more releases to remediate, including of females capable of disease transmission. Both systems are expected to be confineable to the release site; however, spillover of translocations into neighboring populations is less likely. Conclusions Our analysis supports the use of translocations as a threshold-dependent drive system capable of spreading disease-refractory genes into Ae. aegypti populations in a confineable and reversible manner. It also highlights increased release requirements when incorporating life history and population structure into models. As the technology nears implementation, further ecological work will be essential to enhance model predictions in preparation for field trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Héctor M Sánchez C
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Jared B Bennett
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Sean L Wu
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Gordana Rašić
- Mosquito Control Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Omar S Akbari
- Cell and Developmental Biology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA
| | - John M Marshall
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA. .,Innovative Genomics Institute, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Casetta E. Making sense of nature conservation after the end of nature. HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF THE LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 42:18. [PMID: 32356016 DOI: 10.1007/s40656-020-00312-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The concept of nature in Western thought has been informed by the assumption of a categorical distinction between natural and artificial entities, which goes back to John Stuart Mill or even Aristotle. Such a way of articulating the natural/artificial distinction has proven unfit for conservation purposes mainly because of the extent and the pervasiveness of human activities that would leave no nature left to be conserved, and alternative views have been advanced. In this contribution, after arguing for the importance of the concept of naturalness as a guide for conservation, I will try to provide an account of the natural/artificial distinction suited to contemporary conservation framing. Focusing on a particular kind of objects that I suggest to name "environmental objects", I propose and defend the view of "naturalness as independence" according to which the more or less an environmental object's identity conditions and survival depend on human intervention, the more or less that object is artificial or natural, respectively. According to this view, conserving environmental objects will equate to maintaining or improving their naturalness (vis-à-vis their artefactualness) or even originating artificial objects that may become new natural objects. This view has the advantage, on the one hand, of providing a rationale for a distinction which is not only part of how people think, but also pervasive in conservation practices and policies and, on the other hand, of accounting for the global pervasiveness of human intervention in the so-called natural world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Casetta
- Department of Philosophy and Education, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Oberhofer G, Ivy T, Hay BA. Gene drive and resilience through renewal with next generation Cleave and Rescue selfish genetic elements. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:9013-9021. [PMID: 32245808 PMCID: PMC7183144 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1921698117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene drive-based strategies for modifying populations face the problem that genes encoding cargo and the drive mechanism are subject to separation, mutational inactivation, and loss of efficacy. Resilience, an ability to respond to these eventualities in ways that restore population modification with functional genes, is needed for long-term success. Here, we show that resilience can be achieved through cycles of population modification with "Cleave and Rescue" (ClvR) selfish genetic elements. ClvR comprises a DNA sequence-modifying enzyme such as Cas9/gRNAs that disrupts endogenous versions of an essential gene and a recoded version of the essential gene resistant to cleavage. ClvR spreads by creating conditions in which those lacking ClvR die because they lack functional versions of the essential gene. Cycles of modification can, in principle, be carried out if two ClvR elements targeting different essential genes are located at the same genomic position, and one of them, ClvRn+1, carries a Rescue transgene from an earlier element, ClvRnClvRn+1 should spread within a population of ClvRn, while also bringing about a decrease in its frequency. To test this hypothesis, we first show that multiple ClvRs, each targeting a different essential gene, function when located at a common chromosomal position in Drosophila We then show that when several of these also carry the Rescue from a different ClvR, they spread to transgene fixation in populations fixed for the latter and at its expense. Therefore, genetic modifications of populations can be overwritten with new content, providing an ongoing point of control.
Collapse
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;
- St John's College, University of Cambridge, CB2 1TP Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Clark M, Maselko M. Transgene Biocontainment Strategies for Molecular Farming. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:210. [PMID: 32194598 PMCID: PMC7063990 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Advances in plant synthetic biology promise to introduce novel agricultural products in the near future. 'Molecular farms' will include crops engineered to produce medications, vaccines, biofuels, industrial enzymes, and other high value compounds. These crops have the potential to reduce costs while dramatically increasing scales of synthesis and provide new economic opportunities to farmers. Current transgenic crops may be considered safe given their long-standing use, however, some applications of molecular farming may pose risks to human health and the environment. Unwanted gene flow from engineered crops could potentially contaminate the food supply, and affect wildlife. There is also potential for unwanted gene flow into engineered crops which may alter their ability to produce compounds of interest. Here, we briefly discuss the applications of molecular farming and explore the various genetic and physical methods that can be used for transgene biocontainment. As yet, no technology can be applied to all crop species, such that a combination of approaches may be necessary. Effective biocontainment is needed to enable large scale molecular farming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Clark
- Applied Biosciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Maciej Maselko
- Applied Biosciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- *Correspondence: Maciej Maselko,
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Freimoser FM, Rueda-Mejia MP, Tilocca B, Migheli Q. Biocontrol yeasts: mechanisms and applications. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 35:154. [PMID: 31576429 PMCID: PMC6773674 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-019-2728-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Yeasts occur in all environments and have been described as potent antagonists of various plant pathogens. Due to their antagonistic ability, undemanding cultivation requirements, and limited biosafety concerns, many of these unicellular fungi have been considered for biocontrol applications. Here, we review the fundamental research on the mechanisms (e.g., competition, enzyme secretion, toxin production, volatiles, mycoparasitism, induction of resistance) by which biocontrol yeasts exert their activity as plant protection agents. In a second part, we focus on five yeast species (Candida oleophila, Aureobasidium pullulans, Metschnikowia fructicola, Cryptococcus albidus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae) that are or have been registered for the application as biocontrol products. These examples demonstrate the potential of yeasts for commercial biocontrol usage, but this review also highlights the scarcity of fundamental studies on yeast biocontrol mechanisms and of registered yeast-based biocontrol products. Yeast biocontrol mechanisms thus represent a largely unexplored field of research and plentiful opportunities for the development of commercial, yeast-based applications for plant protection exist.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian M Freimoser
- Agroscope, Research Division Plant Protection, Müller-Thurgau-Strasse 29, 8820, Wädenswil, Switzerland.
| | - Maria Paula Rueda-Mejia
- Agroscope, Research Division Plant Protection, Müller-Thurgau-Strasse 29, 8820, Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Bruno Tilocca
- Dipartimento di Agraria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Quirico Migheli
- Dipartimento di Agraria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi and NRD - Nucleo di Ricerca sulla Desertificazione, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
|
25
|
Coleman MA, Goold HD. Harnessing synthetic biology for kelp forest conservation 1. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2019; 55:745-751. [PMID: 31152453 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Environmental and climatic change is outpacing the ability of organisms to adapt, at an unprecedented level, resulting in range contractions and global ecosystem shifts to novel states. At the same time, scientific advances continue to accelerate, providing never-before imagined solutions to current and emerging environmental problems. Synthetic biology, the creation of novel and engineered genetic variation, is perhaps the fastest developing and transformative scientific field. Its application to solve extant and emerging environmental problems is vast, at times controversial, and technological advances have outpaced the social, ethical, and practical considerations of its use. Here, we discuss the potential direct and indirect applications of synthetic biology to kelp forest conservation. Rather than advocate or oppose its use, we identify where and when it may play a role in halting or reversing global kelp loss and discuss challenges and identify pathways of research needed to bridge the gap between technological advances and organismal biology and ecology. There is a pressing need for prompt collaboration and dialogue among synthetic biologists, ecologists, and conservationists to identify opportunities for use and ensure that extant research directions are set on trajectories to allow these currently disparate fields to converge toward practical environmental solutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melinda A Coleman
- Department of Primary Industries, NSW Fisheries, National Marine Science Centre, 2 Bay Drive, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, 2450, Australia
- Southern Cross University, National Marine Science Centre, 2 Bay Drive, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, 2450, Australia
- University of Western Australia Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Hugh D Goold
- Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Woodbridge Road, Menangle, New South Wales, 2568, Australia
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Leftwich PT, Edgington MP, Harvey-Samuel T, Carabajal Paladino LZ, Norman VC, Alphey L. Recent advances in threshold-dependent gene drives for mosquitoes. Biochem Soc Trans 2018; 46:1203-1212. [PMID: 30190331 PMCID: PMC6195636 DOI: 10.1042/bst20180076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue and chikungunya, cause morbidity and mortality around the world. Recent advances in gene drives have produced control methods that could theoretically modify all populations of a disease vector, from a single release, making whole species less able to transmit pathogens. This ability has caused both excitement, at the prospect of global eradication of mosquito-borne diseases, and concern around safeguards. Drive mechanisms that require individuals to be released at high frequency before genes will spread can therefore be desirable as they are potentially localised and reversible. These include underdominance-based strategies and use of the reproductive parasite Wolbachia Here, we review recent advances in practical applications and mathematical analyses of these threshold-dependent gene drives with a focus on implementation in Aedes aegypti, highlighting their mechanisms and the role of fitness costs on introduction frequencies. Drawing on the parallels between these systems offers useful insights into practical, controlled application of localised drives, and allows us to assess the requirements needed for gene drive reversal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Luke Alphey
- The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Woking, Surrey, U.K.
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
McColl KA, Sunarto A, Neave MJ. Biocontrol of Carp: More Than Just a Herpesvirus. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2288. [PMID: 30319586 PMCID: PMC6168658 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth A McColl
- CSIRO-Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Agus Sunarto
- CSIRO-Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew J Neave
- CSIRO-Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Waters AJ, Capriotti P, Gaboriau DCA, Papathanos PA, Windbichler N. Rationally-engineered reproductive barriers using CRISPR & CRISPRa: an evaluation of the synthetic species concept in Drosophila melanogaster. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13125. [PMID: 30177778 PMCID: PMC6120925 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31433-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to erect rationally-engineered reproductive barriers in animal or plant species promises to enable a number of biotechnological applications such as the creation of genetic firewalls, the containment of gene drives or novel population replacement and suppression strategies for genetic control. However, to date no experimental data exist that explores this concept in a multicellular organism. Here we examine the requirements for building artificial reproductive barriers in the metazoan model Drosophila melanogaster by combining CRISPR-based genome editing and transcriptional transactivation (CRISPRa) of the same loci. We directed 13 single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) to the promoters of 7 evolutionary conserved genes and used 11 drivers to conduct a misactivation screen. We identify dominant-lethal activators of the eve locus and find that they disrupt development by strongly activating eve outside its native spatio-temporal context. We employ the same set of sgRNAs to isolate, by genome editing, protective INDELs that render these loci resistant to transactivation without interfering with target gene function. When these sets of genetic components are combined we find that complete synthetic lethality, a prerequisite for most applications, is achievable using this approach. However, our results suggest a steep trade-off between the level and scope of dCas9 expression, the degree of genetic isolation achievable and the resulting impact on fly fitness. The genetic engineering strategy we present here allows the creation of single or multiple reproductive barriers and could be applied to other multicellular organisms such as disease vectors or transgenic organisms of economic importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Waters
- Department of Life Sciences, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Paolo Capriotti
- Department of Life Sciences, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - David C A Gaboriau
- Facility for Imaging by Light Microscopy, NHLI, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Philippos Aris Papathanos
- Section of Genomics and Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Nikolai Windbichler
- Department of Life Sciences, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Goold HD, Wright P, Hailstones D. Emerging Opportunities for Synthetic Biology in Agriculture. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E341. [PMID: 29986428 PMCID: PMC6071285 DOI: 10.3390/genes9070341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid expansion in the emerging field of synthetic biology has to date mainly focused on the microbial sciences and human health. However, the zeitgeist is that synthetic biology will also shortly deliver major outcomes for agriculture. The primary industries of agriculture, fisheries and forestry, face significant and global challenges; addressing them will be assisted by the sector’s strong history of early adoption of transformative innovation, such as the genetic technologies that underlie synthetic biology. The implementation of synthetic biology within agriculture may, however, be hampered given the industry is dominated by higher plants and mammals, where large and often polyploid genomes and the lack of adequate tools challenge the ability to deliver outcomes in the short term. However, synthetic biology is a rapidly growing field, new techniques in genome design and synthesis, and more efficient molecular tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 may harbor opportunities more broadly than the development of new cultivars and breeds. In particular, the ability to use synthetic biology to engineer biosensors, synthetic speciation, microbial metabolic engineering, mammalian multiplexed CRISPR, novel anti microbials, and projects such as Yeast 2.0 all have significant potential to deliver transformative changes to agriculture in the short, medium and longer term. Specifically, synthetic biology promises to deliver benefits that increase productivity and sustainability across primary industries, underpinning the industry’s prosperity in the face of global challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hugh Douglas Goold
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia.
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Woodbridge Road, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia.
| | - Philip Wright
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Locked Bag 21, 161 Kite St, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia.
| | - Deborah Hailstones
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Woodbridge Road, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
|