1
|
Gong JT, Mamai W, Wang X, Zhu J, Li Y, Liu J, Tang Q, Huang Y, Zhang J, Zhou J, Maiga H, Somda NSB, Martina C, Kotla SS, Wallner T, Bouyer J, Xi Z. Upscaling the production of sterile male mosquitoes with an automated pupa sex sorter. Sci Robot 2024; 9:eadj6261. [PMID: 39083578 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.adj6261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Effective mosquito population suppression has been repeatedly demonstrated in field trials through the release of male mosquitoes to induce sterile mating with wild females using the incompatible insect technique (IIT), the sterile insect technique (SIT), or their combination. However, upscaling these techniques requires a highly efficient and scalable approach for the sex separation of mass-reared mosquitoes to minimize the unintentional release of females, which can lead to either population replacement or biting nuisance, a major bottleneck up to now. Here, we report the successful development of an automated mosquito pupa sex sorter that can effectively separate large numbers of males from females for population suppression of Aedes aegypti, A. albopictus, and Culex quinquefasciatus. The male production capacity of the automated sex sorter was increased by ~17-fold compared with manual sex separation with the Fay-Morlan sorter and enabled one person to separate 16 million males per week. With ~0.5% female contamination, the produced males exhibited high flight ability and mating performance. The field trial demonstrates that the quality of A. albopictus males produced using the automated sex sorter is suitable for inducing population suppression. These results indicate that the automated sex sorter offers the potential to upscale IIT and SIT against mosquito vectors for disease control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Tao Gong
- Guangzhou Wolbaki Biotech Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Wadaka Mamai
- Insect Pest Control Sub-programme, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
- Institut de Recherche Agricole pour le Développement (IRAD), Yaoundé, Cameroun
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- Guangzhou Wolbaki Biotech Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Zhu
- Guangzhou Wolbaki Biotech Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongjun Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Julian Liu
- Guangzhou Wolbaki Biotech Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Qixian Tang
- Guangzhou Wolbaki Biotech Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanhui Huang
- Guangzhou Wolbaki Biotech Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Jixin Zhang
- Guangzhou Wolbaki Biotech Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiayi Zhou
- Guangzhou Wolbaki Biotech Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Hamidou Maiga
- Insect Pest Control Sub-programme, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Direction Régionale de l'Ouest (IRSS-DRO), Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Nanwintoum Séverin Bimbilé Somda
- Insect Pest Control Sub-programme, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche en Science et Technologie (UFR/ST), Université Norbert ZONGO (UNZ), Koudougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Claudia Martina
- Insect Pest Control Sub-programme, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simran Singh Kotla
- Insect Pest Control Sub-programme, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Wallner
- Insect Pest Control Sub-programme, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jérémy Bouyer
- Insect Pest Control Sub-programme, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
- ASTRE, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
- ASTRE, CIRAD, INRAE, University of Montpellier, Plateforme Technologique CYROI, Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Zhiyong Xi
- Guangzhou Wolbaki Biotech Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, China
- Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Duran-Ahumada S, Karrer L, Cheng C, Roeske I, Pilchik J, Jimenez-Vallejo D, Smith E, Roy K, Kirstein OD, Martin-Park A, Contreras-Perera Y, Che-Mendoza A, Gonzalez-Olvera G, Puerta-Guardo HN, Uribe-Soto SI, Manrique-Saide P, Vazquez-Prokopec G. Wolbachia pipientis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) mediated effects on the fitness and performance of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) under variable temperatures and initial larval densities. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2024:tjae088. [PMID: 39077840 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjae088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Wolbachia pipientis (Hertig, 1936), also referred as Wolbachia, is a bacterium present across insect taxa, certain strains of which have been demonstrated to impact the fitness and capacity to transmit viruses in mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762). Most studies examine these impacts in limited sets of environmental regimes. Here we seek to understand the impacts of environmentally relevant conditions such as larval density, temperature, and their interaction on wAlbB-infected A. aegypti. Using a factorial design, we measured wAlbB stability (relative density, post-emergence in females, and in progeny), the ability for wAlbB to induce cytoplasmic incompatibility, and bacterial effects on mosquito fitness (fecundity, fertility, and body mass) and performance (adult survival and time to pupation) across 2 temperature regimes (fluctuating and constant) and 2 initial larval densities (low and high). Fluctuating daily regimes of temperature (27 to 40 °C) led to decreased post-emergence wAlbB density and increased wAlbB density in eggs compared to constant temperature (27 °C). An increased fecundity was found in wAlbB-carrying females reared at fluctuating temperatures compared to uninfected wild-type females. wAlbB-carrying adult females showed significantly increased survival than wild-type females. Contrarily, wAlbB-carrying adult males exhibited a significantly lower survival than wild-type males. We found differential effects of assessed treatments (Wolbachia infection status, temperature, and larval density) across mosquito sexes and life stages. Taken together, our results indicate that realistic conditions may not impact dramatically the stability of wAlbB infection in A. aegypti. Nonetheless, understanding the ecological consequence of A. aegypti-wAlbB interaction is complex due to life history tradeoffs under conditions faced by natural populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Duran-Ahumada
- Population Biology, Ecology, and Evolution Graduate Program Emory University Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Luiza Karrer
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Chun Cheng
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University Atlanta, GA, USA
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Isabella Roeske
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Josie Pilchik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - David Jimenez-Vallejo
- Population Biology, Ecology, and Evolution Graduate Program Emory University Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Emily Smith
- Population Biology, Ecology, and Evolution Graduate Program Emory University Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kristina Roy
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Oscar D Kirstein
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Abdiel Martin-Park
- Laboratory for the Biological Control of Aedes aegypti, Collaborative Unit for Entomological Bioassays (UCBE-LCB), Autonomous University of Yucatan, Merida, Mexico
| | - Yamili Contreras-Perera
- Laboratory for the Biological Control of Aedes aegypti, Collaborative Unit for Entomological Bioassays (UCBE-LCB), Autonomous University of Yucatan, Merida, Mexico
| | - Azael Che-Mendoza
- Laboratory for the Biological Control of Aedes aegypti, Collaborative Unit for Entomological Bioassays (UCBE-LCB), Autonomous University of Yucatan, Merida, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Gonzalez-Olvera
- Laboratory for the Biological Control of Aedes aegypti, Collaborative Unit for Entomological Bioassays (UCBE-LCB), Autonomous University of Yucatan, Merida, Mexico
| | - Henry N Puerta-Guardo
- Laboratory for the Biological Control of Aedes aegypti, Collaborative Unit for Entomological Bioassays (UCBE-LCB), Autonomous University of Yucatan, Merida, Mexico
| | - Sandra I Uribe-Soto
- Sciences Faculty, National University of Colombia, Medellin Campus, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Pablo Manrique-Saide
- Laboratory for the Biological Control of Aedes aegypti, Collaborative Unit for Entomological Bioassays (UCBE-LCB), Autonomous University of Yucatan, Merida, Mexico
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Weng SC, Chen F, Li M, Lee S, Gerry C, Turksoy DC, Akbari OS. Establishing a Male-Positive Genetic Sexing Strain in the Asian Malaria Vector Anopheles stephensi. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.17.603997. [PMID: 39071362 PMCID: PMC11275880 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.17.603997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Genetic biocontrol interventions targeting mosquito-borne diseases require the release of male mosquitoes exclusively, as only females consume blood and transmit human pathogens. This reduces the risk of spreading pathogens while enabling effective population control. Robust sex sorting methods to enable early larval sorting in mosquitoes need to be developed to allow for scalable sex sorting for genetic biocontrol interventions. This study applies the SEPARATOR (Sexing Element Produced by Alternative RNA-splicing of A Transgenic Observable Reporter) system, previously developed for Aedes aegypti , to the Asian malaria vector Anopheles stephensi . We hypothesized that the intron from the doublesex gene in Anopheles gambiae would function in An. stephensi due to evolutionary conservation. Our results confirm that the splicing module from An. gambiae operates effectively in An. stephensi , demonstrating evolutionary conservation in sex-specific splicing events between these species. This system enables reliable positive male selection from first instar larval to pupal stages. RT-PCR analysis demonstrates that male-specific EGFP expression is dependent on doublesex sex-specific splicing events. The SEPARATOR system's independence from sex-chromosome linkage confers resistance to meiotic recombination and chromosomal rearrangements. This approach may facilitate the mass release of males, and the cross-species portability of SEPARATOR establishes it as a valuable tool for genetic biocontrol interventions across various pest species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Che Weng
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Fangying Chen
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ming Li
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sammy Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Connor Gerry
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Dylan Can Turksoy
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Omar S. Akbari
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lombardi G, Lampazzi E, Calvitti M. Incompatible insect technique: insights on potential outcomes of releasing contaminant females: a proof of concept under semi-field conditions. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 39031863 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Releasing large numbers of Aedes albopictus males, carrying the artificially introduced Wolbachia 'wPip' strain, results in a decrease in the reproductive capacity of wild females due to a phenomenon known as cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). This vector control strategy is referred to as the incompatible insect technique (IIT). However, its widespread implementation faces various challenges, including the complexity of removing fertile females from the males intended for release. Here, we present the results of semi-field experiments comparing the impact of minimal female co-release on two IIT modes: unidirectional CI-based (UnCI IIT) and bidirectional CI-based (BiCI IIT), specifically targeting Ae. albopictus. RESULTS The contamination of 'wPip' infected females (2%) during male releases significantly weakened the overall effectiveness of IIT, emphasizing the need for thorough sex separation. Specifically, with UnCI IIT, despite the low rate of co-released females, there was a gradual rise in 'wPip' infection frequency, resulting in more compatible mating and subsequently higher rates of egg hatching. Conversely, this pattern was effectively mitigated in BiCI IIT owing to the reciprocal sterility between the wild-type and the 'wPip' infected populations. CONCLUSION Through an experimental approach, conducted in a semi-field setting, we have contributed to advancing scientific understanding regarding the potential outcomes of implementing the IIT strategy in the absence of a complete sexing system. The results suggest that safety measures for mitigating the potential impacts of co-released females can be tailored according to the specific type of IIT being utilized. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- 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 Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Elena Lampazzi
- Biotechnology and Agroindustry Division, ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development), Casaccia Research Center, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Calvitti
- Biotechnology and Agroindustry Division, ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development), Casaccia Research Center, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mamai W, Bueno-Masso O, Wallner T, Nikièma SA, Meletiou S, Deng L, Balestrino F, Yamada H, Bouyer J. Efficiency assessment of a novel automatic mosquito pupae sex separation system in support of area-wide male-based release strategies. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9170. [PMID: 38649700 PMCID: PMC11035561 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58067-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study provides a comparative analysis of two state-of-the-art automatic mosquito pupae sex sorters currently available: the ORINNO and the WOLBAKI Biotech pupae sex separation systems, which both exploit the sexual size dimorphism of pupae. In Aedes aegypti, the WOLBAKI sex sorter and the ORINNO with a sieve mesh size of 1.050 mm achieved sex separation with female contamination rates below 1%, low pupae mortality rates and high male flight capacity. However, in Ae. albopictus, there was more variability, with female contamination rates above the 1% threshold and pupae mortality reaching 27% when using the ORINNO sorter. On the other hand, the WOLBAKI sorter achieved a male pupae recovery of 47.99 ± 8.81% and 50.91 ± 11.77% in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, respectively, while the ORINNO sorter with a smaller sieve size achieved male pupae recoveries of 38.08 ± 9.69% and 40.16 ± 2.73% in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, respectively. This study provides valuable information for researchers and practitioners in the field, assisting in the selection of the most suitable system for mosquito control, management and research programs depending on their specific requirements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W Mamai
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria.
- Institut de Recherche Agricole pour le Développement (IRAD), Yaoundé, Cameroun.
| | - O Bueno-Masso
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - T Wallner
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - S A Nikièma
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Direction Régionale de l'Ouest (IRSS/DRO), Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - S Meletiou
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
- Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - L Deng
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, Singapore, Singapore
| | - F Balestrino
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - H Yamada
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - J Bouyer
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE CIRAD-INRA "Animals, Health, Territories, Risks and Ecosystems", Campus International de Baillarguet, 34398, Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Aldridge RL, Gibson S, Linthicum KJ. Aedes aegypti Controls AE. Aegypti: SIT and IIT-An Overview. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MOSQUITO CONTROL ASSOCIATION 2024; 40:32-49. [PMID: 38427588 DOI: 10.2987/23-7154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The sterile insect technique (SIT) and the incompatible insect technique (IIT) are emerging and potentially revolutionary tools for controlling Aedes aegypti (L.), a prominent worldwide mosquito vector threat to humans that is notoriously difficult to reduce or eliminate in intervention areas using traditional integrated vector management (IVM) approaches. Here we provide an overview of the discovery, development, and application of SIT and IIT to Ae. aegypti control, and innovations and advances in technology, including transgenics, that could elevate these techniques to a worldwide sustainable solution to Ae. aegypti when combined with other IVM practices.
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang P, Jialaliding Z, Gu J, Merchant A, Zhang Q, Zhou X. Knockout of ovary serine protease Leads to Ovary Deformation and Female Sterility in the Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia furnacalis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16311. [PMID: 38003502 PMCID: PMC10671606 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216311] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Oogenesis in insects is a carefully orchestrated process, facilitating the formation of female gametes, which is regulated by multiple extrinsic and intrinsic factors, including ovary serine protease (Osp). As a member of the serine protease family, Osp is a homolog of Nudel, a maternally required protease defining embryonic dorsoventral polarity in Drosophila. In this study, we used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis to functionally characterize Osp in the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis, a devastating maize pest throughout Asia and Australia. Building on previous knowledge, we hypothesized that knockout of Osp would disrupt embryonic development in O. furnacalis females. To examine this overarching hypothesis, we (1) cloned and characterized Osp from O. furnacalis, (2) designed target sites on exons 1 and 4 to construct a CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis system, and (3) documented phenotypic impacts among O. furnacalis Osp mutants. As a result, we (1) examined the temporal-spatial expression profiles of OfOsp, which has an open reading frame of 5648 bp in length and encodes a protein of 1873 amino acids; (2) established O. furnacalis Osp mutants; and (3) documented recessive, female-specific sterility among OfOspF mutants, including absent or deformed oviducts and reduced fertility in female but not male mutants. Overall, the combined results support our initial hypothesis that Osp is required for embryonic development, specifically ovarian maturation, in O. furnacalis females. Given its substantial impacts on female sterility, Osp provides a potential target for the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) to manage Lepidoptera pests in general and the species complex Ostrinia in particular.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Porui Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; (P.Z.); (Z.J.); (J.G.)
| | - Zuerdong Jialaliding
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; (P.Z.); (Z.J.); (J.G.)
| | - Junwen Gu
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; (P.Z.); (Z.J.); (J.G.)
| | - Austin Merchant
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA;
| | - Qi Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; (P.Z.); (Z.J.); (J.G.)
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Weng SC, Antoshechkin I, Marois E, Akbari OS. Efficient sex separation by exploiting differential alternative splicing of a dominant marker in Aedes aegypti. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1011065. [PMID: 38011259 PMCID: PMC10703412 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Only female mosquitoes consume blood giving them the opportunity to transmit deadly human pathogens. Therefore, it is critical to remove females before conducting releases for genetic biocontrol interventions. Here we describe a robust sex-sorting approach termed SEPARATOR (Sexing Element Produced by Alternative RNA-splicing of A Transgenic Observable Reporter) that exploits sex-specific alternative splicing of an innocuous reporter to ensure exclusive dominant male-specific expression. Using SEPARATOR, we demonstrate reliable sex selection from early larval and pupal stages in Aedes aegypti, and use a Complex Object Parametric Analyzer and Sorter (COPAS) to demonstrate scalable high-throughput sex-selection of first instar larvae. Additionally, we use this approach to sequence the transcriptomes of early larval males and females and find several genes that are sex-specifically expressed. SEPARATOR can simplify mass production of males for release programs and is designed to be cross-species portable and should be instrumental for genetic biocontrol interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Che Weng
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Igor Antoshechkin
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering (BBE), California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, United States of America
| | - Eric Marois
- CNRS UPR9022, INSERM U1257, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Omar S. Akbari
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Weng SC, Antoshechkin I, Marois E, Akbari OS. Efficient Sex Separation by Exploiting Differential Alternative Splicing of a Dominant Marker in Aedes aegypti. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.16.545348. [PMID: 37398094 PMCID: PMC10312783 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.16.545348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Only female mosquitoes consume blood and transmit deadly human pathogens. Therefore, it is critical to remove females before conducting releases for genetic biocontrol interventions. Here we describe a robust sex-sorting approach termed SEPARATOR (Sexing Element Produced by Alternative RNA-splicing of A Transgenic Observable Reporter) that exploits sex-specific alternative splicing of an innocuous reporter to ensure exclusive dominant male-specific expression. Using SEPARATOR, we demonstrate reliable sex selection from larval and pupal stages in Aedes aegypti, and use a Complex Object Parametric Analyzer and Sorter (COPAS®) to demonstrate scalable high-throughput sex-selection of first instar larvae. Additionally, we use this approach to sequence the transcriptomes of early larval males and females and find several genes that are sex-specifically expressed in males. SEPARATOR can simplify mass production of males for release programs and is designed to be cross-species portable and should be instrumental for genetic biocontrol interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Che Weng
- School of Biological Sciences, Department 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, CA91125, USA
| | - Eric Marois
- CNRS UPR9022, INSERM U1257, Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Omar S. Akbari
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gunathilaka RAKM, Jayatunga DPW, Ganehiarachchi GASM. Effect of delayed mating on reproductive performance and life-history parameters of dengue vector Aedes aegypti. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 113:126-132. [PMID: 36065760 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485322000396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Dengue is a fast-spreading mosquito-borne viral disease in the world. The primary vector of the disease is Aedes aegypti of the family Culicidae. It is a container breeder. Since a vaccine or a drug has not been developed against dengue, vector control appears to be the best method so far to control dengue. The current study was conducted to determine the effect of delayed mating on fecundity, fertility, life-history parameters, and longevity of Ae. aegypti, because such information can help formulate integrated vector control strategies involving the release of sub-fertile males into the environment. During this study, mating was delayed by 0, 2, 5, and 8 days after emergence. Males and females were separated by hand at the pupal stage using the apparent size difference of the sexes. The separated pupae were kept in separate cages until emergence. When mating was delayed for 8 days, the number of eggs laid by the female declined by 38%, and the percentage number of eggs that hatched reduced by 24%. However, the percentage of larval mortality, duration of the larval and pupal periods, and adult longevity were not significantly affected. The current results indicate that delayed mating has a negative effect on the reproductive performance of vector mosquitoes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R A K M Gunathilaka
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Management, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
| | - D P W Jayatunga
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Management, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
| | - G A S M Ganehiarachchi
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Management, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ntoyi NL, Mashatola T, Bouyer J, Kraupa C, Maiga H, Mamai W, Bimbile-Somda NS, Wallner T, Carvalho DO, Munhenga G, Yamada H. Life-history traits of a fluorescent Anopheles arabiensis genetic sexing strain introgressed into South African genomic background. Malar J 2022; 21:254. [PMID: 36064699 PMCID: PMC9446760 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04276-6] [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] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa has set a mandate to eliminate local malaria transmission by 2023. In pursuit of this objective a Sterile Insect Technique programme targeting the main vector Anopheles arabiensis is currently under development. Significant progress has been made towards operationalizing the technology. However, one of the main limitations being faced is the absence of an efficient genetic sexing system. This study is an assessment of an An. arabiensis (AY-2) strain carrying the full Y chromosome from Anopheles gambiae, including a transgenic red fluorescent marker, being introgressed into a South African genetic background as a potential tool for a reliable sexing system. METHODS Adult, virgin males from the An. arabiensis AY-2 strain were outcrossed to virgin females from the South African, Kwazulu-Natal An. arabiensis (KWAG strain) over three generations. Anopheles arabiensis AY-2 fluorescent males were sorted as first instar larvae (L1) using the Complex Object Parametric Analyzer and Sorter (COPAS) and later screened as pupae to verify the sex. Life history traits of the novel hybrid KWAG-AY2 strain were compared to the original fluorescent AY-2 strain, the South African wild-type KWAG strain and a standard laboratory An. arabiensis (Dongola reference strain). RESULTS The genetic stability of the sex-linked fluorescent marker and the integrity and high level of sexing efficiency of the system were confirmed. No recombination events in respect to the fluorescent marker were detected over three rounds of introgression crosses. KWAG-AY2 had higher hatch rates and survival of L1 to pupae and L1 to adult than the founding strains. AY-2 showed faster development time of immature stages and larger adult body size, but lower larval survival rates. Adult KWAG males had significantly higher survival rates. There was no significant difference between the strains in fecundity and proportion of males. KWAG-AY2 males performed better than reference strains in flight ability tests. CONCLUSION The life history traits of KWAG-AY2, its rearing efficiency under laboratory conditions, the preservation of the sex-linked fluorescence and perfect sexing efficiency after three rounds of introgression crosses, indicate that it has potential for mass rearing. The potential risks and benefits associated to the use of this strain within the Sterile Insect Technique programme in South Africa are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nonhlanhla L Ntoyi
- Vector Reference Laboratory, Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa. .,Wits Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, MRC Collaborating Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Research on Malaria, Johannesburg, South Africa. .,Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Thabo Mashatola
- Vector Reference Laboratory, Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Wits Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, MRC Collaborating Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Research on Malaria, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jérémy Bouyer
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carina Kraupa
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hamidou Maiga
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wadaka Mamai
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nanwintoum S Bimbile-Somda
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Wallner
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - Danilo O Carvalho
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - Givemore Munhenga
- Vector Reference Laboratory, Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Wits Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, MRC Collaborating Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Research on Malaria, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Hanano Yamada
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Augustinos AA, Nikolouli K, Duran de la Fuente L, Misbah-ul-Haq M, Carvalho DO, Bourtzis K. Introgression of the Aedes aegypti Red-Eye Genetic Sexing Strains Into Different Genomic Backgrounds for Sterile Insect Technique Applications. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:821428. [PMID: 35186905 PMCID: PMC8847382 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.821428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti is an invasive mosquito species and major vector of human arboviruses. A wide variety of control methods have been employed to combat mosquito populations. One of them is the sterile insect technique (SIT) that has recently attracted considerable research efforts due to its proven record of success and the absence of harmful environmental footprints. The efficiency and cost-effectiveness of SIT is significantly enhanced by male-only releases. For mosquito SIT, male-only releases are ideally needed since females bite, blood-feed and transmit the pathogens. Ae. aegypti genetic sexing strains (GSS) have recently become available and are based on eye colour mutations that were chosen as selectable markers. These genetic sexing strains were developed through classical genetics and it was shown to be subjected to genetic recombination, a phenomenon that is not suppressed in males as is the case in many Diptera. The genetic stability of these GSS was strengthened by the induction and isolation of radiation-induced inversions. In this study, we used the red eye mutation and the inversion Inv35 line of the Ae. aegypti red-eye GSS s and introgressed them in six different genomic backgrounds to develop GSS with the respective local genomic backgrounds. Our goal was to assess whether the recombination frequencies in the strains with and without the inversion are affected by the different genomic backgrounds. In all cases the recombination events were suppressed in all Inv35 GSS strains, thus indicating that the genomic background does not negatively affect the inversion result. Absence of any effect that could be ascribed to genetic differences, enables the introgression of the key elements of the GSS into the local genomic background prior to release to the target areas. Maintaining the local background increases the chances for successful matings between released males and wild females and addresses potential regulatory concerns regarding biosafety and biosecurity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonios A. Augustinos
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, IAEA Laboratories, Seibersdorf, Austria
- *Correspondence: Antonios A. Augustinos,
| | - Katerina Nikolouli
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, IAEA Laboratories, Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Lucia Duran de la Fuente
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, IAEA Laboratories, Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Muhammad Misbah-ul-Haq
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, IAEA Laboratories, Seibersdorf, Austria
- Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Danilo O. Carvalho
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, IAEA Laboratories, Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Kostas Bourtzis
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, IAEA Laboratories, Seibersdorf, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Reavey CE, Walker AS, Joyce SP, Broom L, Willse A, Ercit K, Poletto M, Barnes ZH, Marubbi T, Troczka BJ, Treanor D, Beadle K, Granville B, de Mello V, Teal J, Sulston E, Ashton A, Akilan L, Naish N, Stevens O, Humphreys-Jones N, Warner SAJ, Spinner SAM, Rose NR, Head G, Morrison NI, Matzen KJ. Self-limiting fall armyworm: a new approach in development for sustainable crop protection and resistance management. BMC Biotechnol 2022; 22:5. [PMID: 35086540 PMCID: PMC8793274 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-022-00735-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a significant and widespread pest of maize, sorghum, rice, and other economically important crops. Successful management of this caterpillar pest has historically relied upon application of synthetic insecticides and through cultivation of genetically engineered crops expressing insecticidal proteins (Bt crops). Fall armyworm has, however, developed resistance to both synthetic insecticides and Bt crops, which risks undermining the benefits delivered by these important crop protection tools. Previous modelling and empirical studies have demonstrated that releases of insecticide- or Bt-susceptible insects genetically modified to express conditional female mortality can both dilute insecticide resistance and suppress pest populations. RESULTS Here, we describe the first germline transformation of the fall armyworm and the development of a genetically engineered male-selecting self-limiting strain, OX5382G, which exhibits complete female mortality in the absence of an additive in the larval diet. Laboratory experiments showed that males of this strain are competitive against wild-type males for copulations with wild-type females, and that the OX5382G self-limiting transgene declines rapidly to extinction in closed populations following the cessation of OX5382G male releases. Population models simulating the release of OX5382G males in tandem with Bt crops and non-Bt 'refuge' crops show that OX5382G releases can suppress fall armyworm populations and delay the spread of resistance to insecticidal proteins. CONCLUSIONS This article describes the development of self-limiting fall armyworm designed to control this pest by suppressing pest populations, and population models that demonstrate its potential as a highly effective method of managing resistance to Bt crops in pest fall armyworm populations. Our results provide early promise for a potentially valuable future addition to integrated pest management strategies for fall armyworm and other pests for which resistance to existing crop protection measures results in damage to crops and impedes sustainable agriculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam S Walker
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Stephen P Joyce
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Lucy Broom
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Build, Roosevelt Dr, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Alan Willse
- Bayer Crop Science, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, USA
| | - Kyla Ercit
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Mattia Poletto
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Zoe H Barnes
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Thea Marubbi
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | | | - David Treanor
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Katherine Beadle
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Ben Granville
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Vanessa de Mello
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Joss Teal
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Edward Sulston
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Anna Ashton
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Luxziyah Akilan
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Neil Naish
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Oliver Stevens
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | | | - Simon A J Warner
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
- Oxford University Innovation, Buxton Court, 3 West Way, Oxford, OX2 0JB, UK
| | - Sian A M Spinner
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Nathan R Rose
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK.
| | - Graham Head
- Bayer Crop Science, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, USA
| | - Neil I Morrison
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Kelly J Matzen
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mysore K, Sun L, Li P, Roethele JB, Misenti JK, Kosmach J, Igiede J, Duman-Scheel M. A Conserved Female-Specific Requirement for the GGT Gene in Mosquito Larvae Facilitates RNAi-Mediated Sex Separation in Multiple Species of Disease Vector Mosquitoes. Pathogens 2022; 11:169. [PMID: 35215113 PMCID: PMC8879970 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although several emerging mosquito control technologies are dependent on mass releases of adult males, methods of sex-sorting that can be implemented globally have not yet been established. RNAi screens led to the discovery of siRNA, which targets gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), a gene which is well conserved in multiple species of mosquitoes and located at the sex-determining M locus region in Aedes aegypti. Silencing the A. aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Anopheles gambiae, Culex pipiens, and Culex quinquefasciatus GGT genes resulted in female larval death, with no significant impact on male survival. Generation of yeast strains that permitted affordable expression and oral delivery of shRNA corresponding to mosquito GGT genes facilitated larval target gene silencing and generated significantly increased 5 males:1 female adult ratios in each species. Yeast targeting a conserved sequence in Culex GGT genes was incorporated into a larval mass-rearing diet, permitting the generation of fit adult male C. pipiens and C. quinquefasciatus, two species for which labor-intensive manual sex separation had previously been utilized. The results of this study indicate that female-specific yeast-based RNAi larvicides may facilitate global implementation of population-based control strategies that require releases of sterile or genetically modified adult males, and that yeast RNAi strategies can be utilized in various species of mosquitoes that have progressed to different stages of sex chromosome evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keshava Mysore
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN 46617, USA; (K.M.); (L.S.); (P.L.); (J.B.R.); (J.K.M.); (J.K.); (J.I.)
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Longhua Sun
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN 46617, USA; (K.M.); (L.S.); (P.L.); (J.B.R.); (J.K.M.); (J.K.); (J.I.)
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN 46617, USA; (K.M.); (L.S.); (P.L.); (J.B.R.); (J.K.M.); (J.K.); (J.I.)
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Joseph B. Roethele
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN 46617, USA; (K.M.); (L.S.); (P.L.); (J.B.R.); (J.K.M.); (J.K.); (J.I.)
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Joi K. Misenti
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN 46617, USA; (K.M.); (L.S.); (P.L.); (J.B.R.); (J.K.M.); (J.K.); (J.I.)
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - John Kosmach
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN 46617, USA; (K.M.); (L.S.); (P.L.); (J.B.R.); (J.K.M.); (J.K.); (J.I.)
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Jessica Igiede
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN 46617, USA; (K.M.); (L.S.); (P.L.); (J.B.R.); (J.K.M.); (J.K.); (J.I.)
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Molly Duman-Scheel
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN 46617, USA; (K.M.); (L.S.); (P.L.); (J.B.R.); (J.K.M.); (J.K.); (J.I.)
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Releases of sterile males are the gold standard for many insect population control programs, and precise sex sorting to remove females prior to male releases is essential to the success of these operations. To advance traditional methods for scaling the generation of sterile males, we previously described a CRISPR-mediated precision-guided sterile insect technique (pgSIT), in which Cas9 and gRNA strains are genetically crossed to generate sterile males for mass release. While effective at generating F1 sterile males, pgSIT requires a genetic cross between the two parental strains, which requires maintenance and sexing of two strains in a factory. Therefore, to advance pgSIT further by removing this crossing step, here we describe a next-generation temperature-inducible pgSIT (TI-pgSIT) technology and demonstrate its proof-of-concept in Drosophila melanogaster. Importantly, we were able to develop a true breeding strain for TI-pgSIT that eliminates the requirement for sex sorting-a feature that may help further automate production at scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay P. Kandul
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Junru Liu
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Omar S. Akbari
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Li F, Yamamoto A, Belikoff EJ, Berger A, Griffith EH, Scott MJ. A conditional female lethal system for genetic suppression of the global fruit crop pest Drosophila suzukii. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:4915-4922. [PMID: 34169646 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931, Diptera: Drosophilidae) is a global pest of soft-skinned fruits such as blueberries, cherries and raspberries. Also known as spotted-wing drosophila, D. suzukii is native to Asia but is now widely distributed in the Americas and Europe, and presents a serious challenge for growers. Genetic control strategies offer an environmentally friendly approach for the control of D. suzukii. RESULTS In this study, we developed transgenic strains of D. suzukii that carry dominant conditional female lethal transgenes. When raised in the absence of tetracycline, female D. suzukii die. We show that repeated releases of an excess of transgenic males can suppress D. suzukii populations in laboratory cage trials. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that the transgenic strain could provide an effective approach for control of this invasive pest of soft-skinned fruits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Li
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Akihiko Yamamoto
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Esther J Belikoff
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Amy Berger
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Emily H Griffith
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Maxwell J Scott
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
The β 2Tubulin, Rad50-ATPase and enolase cis-regulatory regions mediate male germline expression in Tribolium castaneum. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18131. [PMID: 34518617 PMCID: PMC8438054 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97443-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetics-based pest management processes, including the sterile insect technique, are an effective method for the control of some pest insects. However, current SIT methods are not directly transferable to many important pest insect species due to the lack of genetic sexing strains. Genome editing is revolutionizing the way we conduct genetics in insects, including in Tribolium castaneum, an important genetic model and agricultural pest. We identified orthologues of β2Tubulin, Rad50-ATPase and enolase in T. castaneum. Using RT-PCR, we confirmed that these genes are predominantly expressed in the testis. PiggyBac-based transformation of T. castaneum cis-regulatory regions derived from Tc-β2t, Tc-rad50 or Tc-eno resulted in EGFP expression specifically in the T. castaneum testis. Additionally, we determined that each of these regulatory regions regulates EGFP expression in different cell types of the male gonad. Cis-regulatory regions from Tc-β2t produced EGFP expression throughout spermatogenesis and also in mature sperms; Tc-rad50 resulted in expression only in the haploid spermatid, while Tc-eno expressed EGFP in late spermatogenesis. In summary, the regulatory cis-regions characterized in this study are not only suited to study male gonadal function but could be used for development of transgenic sexing strains that produce one sex in pest control strategies.
Collapse
|
18
|
Benedict MQ. Sterile Insect Technique: Lessons From the Past. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:1974-1979. [PMID: 33629719 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
When E.F. Knipling conceived of the release of sexually sterile insects to suppress wild populations, he laid down several fundamental qualities that characterized suitable target species-some of which mosquitoes generally violate-including high reproductive rates and large population numbers. Regardless of this, their global importance in public health has led numerous research teams to attempt to use the mosquito sterile insect technique against several species. Because of the degree of financial commitment required for suppression programs, most releases have consisted of preliminary investigations of male performance, population characteristics, and production methods. Those that have accomplished suppression provide important insights regarding the challenges of production, dispersal, and immigration. Insights gained from these studies remain relevant today, regardless of the genetic control technology being applied. In this article, I highlight studies that were notable for the insights that were gained, the intrinsic difficulties that mosquitoes present, and synthesize these into recommendations for successful applications of the sterile insect technique and newer technologies to mosquitoes.
Collapse
|
19
|
Mysore K, Sun L, Roethele JB, Li P, Igiede J, Misenti JK, Duman-Scheel M. A conserved female-specific larval requirement for MtnB function facilitates sex separation in multiple species of disease vector mosquitoes. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:338. [PMID: 34174948 PMCID: PMC8234664 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04844-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clusters of sex-specific loci are predicted to shape the boundaries of the M/m sex-determination locus of the dengue vector mosquito Aedes aegypti, but the identities of these genes are not known. Identification and characterization of these loci could promote a better understanding of mosquito sex chromosome evolution and lead to the elucidation of new strategies for male mosquito sex separation, a requirement for several emerging mosquito population control strategies that are dependent on the mass rearing and release of male mosquitoes. This investigation revealed that the methylthioribulose-1-phosphate dehydratase (MtnB) gene, which resides adjacent to the M/m locus and encodes an evolutionarily conserved component of the methionine salvage pathway, is required for survival of female larvae. Results Larval consumption of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) strains engineered to express interfering RNA corresponding to MtnB resulted in target gene silencing and significant female death, yet had no impact on A. aegypti male survival or fitness. Integration of the yeast larvicides into mass culturing protocols permitted scaled production of fit adult male mosquitoes. Moreover, silencing MtnB orthologs in Aedes albopictus, Anopheles gambiae, and Culex quinquefasciatus revealed a conserved female-specific larval requirement for MtnB among different species of mosquitoes. Conclusions The results of this investigation, which may have important implications for the study of mosquito sex chromosome evolution, indicate that silencing MtnB can facilitate sex separation in multiple species of disease vector insects. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04844-w.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keshava Mysore
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN, 46617, USA.,University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Longhua Sun
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN, 46617, USA.,University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Joseph B Roethele
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN, 46617, USA.,University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN, 46617, USA.,University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Jessica Igiede
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN, 46617, USA.,University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Joi K Misenti
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN, 46617, USA.,University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Molly Duman-Scheel
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN, 46617, USA. .,University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
A functional requirement for sex-determination M/m locus region lncRNA genes in Aedes aegypti female larvae. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10657. [PMID: 34017069 PMCID: PMC8137943 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90194-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Although many putative long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) genes have been identified in insect genomes, few of these genes have been functionally validated. A screen for female-specific larvicides that facilitate Aedes aegypti male sex separation uncovered multiple interfering RNAs with target sites in lncRNA genes located in the M/m locus region, including loci within or tightly linked to the sex determination locus. Larval consumption of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) strain engineered to express interfering RNA corresponding to lncRNA transcripts resulted in significant female death, yet had no impact on male survival or fitness. Incorporation of the yeast larvicides into mass culturing protocols facilitated scaled production and separation of fit adult males, indicating that yeast larvicides could benefit mosquito population control strategies that rely on mass releases of male mosquitoes. These studies functionally verified a female-specific developmental requirement for M/m locus region lncRNA genes, suggesting that sexually antagonistic lncRNA genes found within this highly repetitive pericentromeric DNA sequence may be contributing to the evolution of A. aegypti sex chromosomes.
Collapse
|
21
|
Hosack GR, Ickowicz A, Hayes KR. Quantifying the risk of vector-borne disease transmission attributable to genetically modified vectors. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:201525. [PMID: 33959322 PMCID: PMC8074930 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.201525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The relative risk of disease transmission caused by the potential release of transgenic vectors, such as through sterile insect technique or gene drive systems, is assessed with comparison with wild-type vectors. The probabilistic risk framework is demonstrated with an assessment of the relative risk of lymphatic filariasis, malaria and o'nyong'nyong arbovirus transmission by mosquito vectors to human hosts given a released transgenic strain of Anopheles coluzzii carrying a dominant sterile male gene construct. Harm is quantified by a logarithmic loss function that depends on the causal risk ratio, which is a quotient of basic reproduction numbers derived from mathematical models of disease transmission. The basic reproduction numbers are predicted to depend on the number of generations in an insectary colony and the number of backcrosses between the transgenic and wild-type lineages. Analogous causal risk ratios for short-term exposure to a single cohort release are also derived. These causal risk ratios were parametrized by probabilistic elicitations, and updated with experimental data for adult vector mortality. For the wild-type, high numbers of insectary generations were predicted to reduce the number of infectious human cases compared with uncolonized wild-type. Transgenic strains were predicted to produce fewer infectious cases compared with the uncolonized wild-type.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey R. Hosack
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Data61, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Adrien Ickowicz
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Data61, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Keith R. Hayes
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Data61, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Shults P, Cohnstaedt LW, Adelman ZN, Brelsfoard C. Next-generation tools to control biting midge populations and reduce pathogen transmission. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:31. [PMID: 33413518 PMCID: PMC7788963 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04524-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Biting midges of the genus Culicoides transmit disease-causing agents resulting in a significant economic impact on livestock industries in many parts of the world. Localized control efforts, such as removal of larval habitat or pesticide application, can be logistically difficult, expensive and ineffective if not instituted and maintained properly. With these limitations, a population-level approach to the management of Culicoides midges should be investigated as a means to replace or supplement existing control strategies. Next-generation control methods such as Wolbachia- and genetic-based population suppression and replacement are being investigated in several vector species. Here we assess the feasibility and applicability of these approaches for use against biting midges. We also discuss the technical and logistical hurdles needing to be addressed for each method to be successful, as well as emphasize the importance of addressing community engagement and involving stakeholders in the investigation and development of these approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Shults
- Texas A&M University, 370 Olsen Blvd, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Lee W Cohnstaedt
- USDA-ARS Arthropod Borne Animal Disease Research Unit, 1515 College Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502, USA
| | - Zach N Adelman
- Texas A&M University, 370 Olsen Blvd, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Koskinioti P, Augustinos AA, Carvalho DO, Misbah-Ul-Haq M, Pillwax G, de la Fuente LD, Salvador-Herranz G, Herrero RA, Bourtzis K. Genetic sexing strains for the population suppression of the mosquito vector Aedes aegypti. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 376:20190808. [PMID: 33357054 PMCID: PMC7776939 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of arthropod-borne viruses including dengue, chikungunya and Zika. Vector population control methods are reviving to impede disease transmission. An efficient sex separation for male-only releases is crucial for area-wide mosquito population suppression strategies. Here, we report on the construction of two genetic sexing strains using red- and white-eye colour mutations as selectable markers. Quality control analysis showed that the Red-eye genetic sexing strains (GSS) is better and more genetically stable than the White-eye GSS. The introduction of an irradiation-induced inversion (Inv35) increases genetic stability and reduces the probability of female contamination of the male release batches. Bi-weekly releases of irradiated males of both the Red-eye GSS and the Red-eye GSS/Inv35 fully suppressed target laboratory cage populations within six and nine weeks, respectively. An image analysis algorithm allowing sex determination based on eye colour identification at the pupal stage was developed. The next step is to automate the Red-eye-based genetic sexing and validate it in pilot trials prior to its integration in large-scale population suppression programmes. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Novel control strategies for mosquito-borne diseases’.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Koskinioti
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Seibersdorf, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Antonios A Augustinos
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Seibersdorf, Vienna, Austria
| | - Danilo O Carvalho
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Seibersdorf, Vienna, Austria
| | - Muhammad Misbah-Ul-Haq
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Seibersdorf, Vienna, Austria.,Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Gulizar Pillwax
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Seibersdorf, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lucia Duran de la Fuente
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Seibersdorf, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gustavo Salvador-Herranz
- Departamento de Expresión Gráfica, Proyectos y Urbanismo, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rafael Argilés Herrero
- Insect Pest Control Section, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Wagramerstrasse 5, PO Box 100, 1400 Vienna, Austria
| | - Kostas Bourtzis
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Seibersdorf, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Yan Y, Schwirz J, Schetelig MF. Characterization of the Drosophila suzukii β2-tubulin gene and the utilization of its promoter to monitor sex separation and insemination. Gene 2020; 771:145366. [PMID: 33346099 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.145366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The Drosophila melanogaster β2-tubulin gene (Dm-β2t) controls the function of microtubules in the testis and sperm, and has been evaluated for use in biocontrol strategies based on the sterile insect technique, including sexing and the induction of male sterility. The spotted-wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) is native to eastern Asia but has spread globally as an invasive pest of fruit crops, so biocontrol strategies are urgently required for this species. We therefore isolated the β2tubulin ortholog Ds-β2t from the USA laboratory strain of D. suzukii and confirmed the presence of functional motifs by aligning orthologs from multiple insects. The developmental expression profile of Ds-β2t was determined by RT-PCR using gene-specific primers and was similar to that of Dm-β2t. We then isolated the Ds-β2t promoter and used it to generate transgenic strains expressing a testis-specific fluorescent protein starting from the thirdinstar larvae. Efficient sexing was achieved based on fluorescence detection, and the transgenic males showed a similar survival rate to wild-type males. Fluorescence imaging and PCR were also used to confirm the insemination of wild-type females by transgenic males. We therefore confirm that D. suzukii strains expressing fluorescent markers under the control of the Ds-β2t promoter can be used for sexing and the confirmation of mating, and we discuss the wider potential of the Ds-β2t promoter in the context of genetic control strategies for D. suzukii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yan
- Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Winchesterstraße 2, 35394 Giessen, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Winchesterstraße 2, Germany.
| | - Jonas Schwirz
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Winchesterstraße 2, Germany
| | - Marc F Schetelig
- Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Winchesterstraße 2, 35394 Giessen, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Winchesterstraße 2, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Augustinos AA, Misbah-Ul-Haq M, Carvalho DO, de la Fuente LD, Koskinioti P, Bourtzis K. Irradiation induced inversions suppress recombination between the M locus and morphological markers in Aedes aegypti. BMC Genet 2020; 21:142. [PMID: 33339503 PMCID: PMC7747368 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-020-00949-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of arthropod-borne viruses and one of the most widespread and invasive mosquito species. Due to the lack of efficient specific drugs or vaccination strategies, vector population control methods, such as the sterile insect technique, are receiving renewed interest. However, availability of a reliable genetic sexing strategy is crucial, since there is almost zero tolerance for accidentally released females. Development of genetic sexing strains through classical genetics is hindered by genetic recombination that is not suppressed in males as is the case in many Diptera. Isolation of naturally-occurring or irradiation-induced inversions can enhance the genetic stability of genetic sexing strains developed through genetically linking desirable phenotypes with the male determining region. RESULTS For the induction and isolation of inversions through irradiation, 200 male pupae of the 'BRA' wild type strain were irradiated at 30 Gy and 100 isomale lines were set up by crossing with homozygous 'red-eye' (re) mutant females. Recombination between re and the M locus and the white (w) gene (causing a recessive white eye phenotype when mutated) and the M locus was tested in 45 and 32 lines, respectively. One inversion (Inv35) reduced recombination between both re and the M locus, and wand the M locus, consistent with the presence of a rather extended inversion between the two morphological mutations, that includes the M locus. Another inversion (Inv5) reduced recombination only between w and the M locus. In search of naturally-occurring, recombination-suppressing inversions, homozygous females from the red eye and the white eye strains were crossed with seventeen and fourteen wild type strains collected worldwide, representing either recently colonized or long-established laboratory populations. Despite evidence of varying frequencies of recombination, no combination led to the elimination or substantial reduction of recombination. CONCLUSION Inducing inversions through irradiation is a feasible strategy to isolate recombination suppressors either on the M or the m chromosome for Aedes aegypti. Such inversions can be incorporated in genetic sexing strains developed through classical genetics to enhance their genetic stability and support SIT or other approaches that aim to population suppression through male-delivered sterility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonios A Augustinos
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, A-1400, Vienna, Austria.
- Present address: Department of Plant Protection, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Demeter, Institute of Industrial and Forage Crops, 26442, Patras, Greece.
| | - Muhammad Misbah-Ul-Haq
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, A-1400, Vienna, Austria
- Present address: Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Danilo O Carvalho
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, A-1400, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lucia Duran de la Fuente
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, A-1400, Vienna, Austria
| | - Panagiota Koskinioti
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, A-1400, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kostas Bourtzis
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, A-1400, Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Using Moderate Transgene Expression to Improve the Genetic Sexing System of the Australian Sheep Blow Fly Lucilia cuprina. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11110797. [PMID: 33202756 PMCID: PMC7697711 DOI: 10.3390/insects11110797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Populations of pest insects can be suppressed through repeated mass releases of sterilized insects. This is particularly effective if only sterile males are released. We previously developed several genetically modified strains of the Australian sheep blowfly that produce only males when raised on diet that lacked tetracycline. A disadvantage of the some of the engineered strains was that females would lay few eggs unless fed a diet with a low dose of tetracycline. In this study we show that effective male-only strains can be made by combining driver/effector lines that have moderate transgene expression/activity. Furthermore, the strain does not require tetracycline in the adult diet for female fertility. This “moderate expression/activity” strategy could be more generally applied to other pests that can be genetically modified. Abstract The sterile insect technique (SIT) is a promising strategy to control the Australian sheep blow fly Lucilia cuprina, a major pest of sheep. We have previously developed a transgenic embryonic sexing system (TESS) for this pest to facilitate the potential SIT application. TESS carry two transgenes, a tetracycline transactivator (tTA) driver and a tTA-activated pro-apoptotic effector. TESS females die at the embryonic stage unless tetracycline is supplied in the diet. However, undesired female sterility was observed in some TESS strains without tetracycline due to expression of tTA in ovaries. Here we investigate if TESS that combine transgenes with relatively low/moderate expression/activity improves the fertility of TESS females. tTA driver lines were evaluated for tTA expression by quantitative real time PCR and/or by crossing with a tTA-activated RFPex effector line. Fertility and lethality tests showed that a TESS strain containing a driver line with moderate tTA expression and an effector line showing moderate pro-apoptotic activity could recover the fertility of parental females and eliminated all female offspring at the embryonic stage. Consequently, such a strain could be further evaluated for an SIT program for L. cuprina, and such a “moderate strategy” could be considered for the TESS development in other pest species.
Collapse
|
27
|
Douglas C, Turner JMA. Advances and challenges in genetic technologies to produce single-sex litters. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008898. [PMID: 32701961 PMCID: PMC7377362 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
There is currently a requirement for single-sex litters for many applications, including agriculture, pest control, and reducing animal culling in line with the 3Rs principles: Reduction, Replacement, and Refinement. The advent of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing presents a new opportunity with which to potentially generate all-female or all-male litters. We review some of the historical nongenetic strategies employed to generate single-sex litters and investigate how genetic and genome editing techniques are currently being used to produce all-male or all-female progeny. Lastly, we speculate on future technologies for generating single-sex litters and the possible associated challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Douglas
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - James M A Turner
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Guissou E, Poda S, de Sales Hien DF, Yerbanga SR, Da DF, Cohuet A, Fournet F, Roux O, Maiga H, Diabaté A, Gilles J, Bouyer J, Ouédraogo AG, Rayaissé JB, Lefèvre T, Dabiré KR. Effect of irradiation on the survival and susceptibility of female Anopheles arabiensis to natural isolates of Plasmodium falciparum. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:266. [PMID: 32434542 PMCID: PMC7238563 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04135-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sterile insect technique (SIT) is a vector control strategy relying on the mass release of sterile males into wild vector populations. Current sex separation techniques are not fully efficient and could lead to the release of a small proportion of females. It is therefore important to evaluate the effect of irradiation on the ability of released females to transmit pathogens. This study aimed to assess the effect of irradiation on the survival and competence of Anopheles arabiensis females for Plasmodium falciparum in laboratory conditions. METHODS Pupae were irradiated at 95 Gy of gamma-rays, and emerging females were challenged with one of 14 natural isolates of P. falciparum. Seven days post-blood meal (dpbm), irradiated and unirradiated-control females were dissected to assess the presence of oocysts, using 8 parasite isolates. On 14 dpbm, sporozoite dissemination in the head/thorax was also examined, using 10 parasites isolates including 4 in common with the 7 dpbm dissection (oocyst data). The survivorship of irradiated and unirradiated-control mosquitoes was monitored. RESULTS Overall, irradiation reduced the proportion of mosquitoes infected with the oocyst stages by 17% but this effect was highly inconsistent among parasite isolates. Secondly, there was no significant effect of irradiation on the number of developing oocysts. Thirdly, there was no significant difference in both the sporozoite infection rate and load between the irradiated and unirradiated-control mosquitoes. Fourthly, irradiation had varying effects on female survival with either a negative effect or no effect. CONCLUSIONS The effect of irradiation on mosquito competence strongly varied among parasite isolates. Because of such isolate variability and, the fact that different parasite isolates were used to collect oocyst and sporozoite data, the irradiation-mediated reduction of oocyst prevalence was not confirmed for the sporozoite stages. Our data indicate that irradiated female An. arabiensis could contribute to malaria transmission, and highlight the need for perfect sexing tools, which would prevent the release of females as part of SIT programmes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edwige Guissou
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- MIVEGEC, Montpellier University, IRD, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Laboratoire mixte international sur les vecteurs (LAMIVECT), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- Université Nazi Boni, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Serge Poda
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- MIVEGEC, Montpellier University, IRD, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Laboratoire mixte international sur les vecteurs (LAMIVECT), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Domombabele François de Sales Hien
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- Laboratoire mixte international sur les vecteurs (LAMIVECT), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Serge Rakiswende Yerbanga
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- Laboratoire mixte international sur les vecteurs (LAMIVECT), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Dari Frédéric Da
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- Laboratoire mixte international sur les vecteurs (LAMIVECT), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Anna Cohuet
- MIVEGEC, Montpellier University, IRD, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Laboratoire mixte international sur les vecteurs (LAMIVECT), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Florence Fournet
- MIVEGEC, Montpellier University, IRD, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Laboratoire mixte international sur les vecteurs (LAMIVECT), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Olivier Roux
- MIVEGEC, Montpellier University, IRD, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Laboratoire mixte international sur les vecteurs (LAMIVECT), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Hamidou Maiga
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Abdoulaye Diabaté
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- Laboratoire mixte international sur les vecteurs (LAMIVECT), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Jeremie Gilles
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jérémy Bouyer
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Jean-Baptiste Rayaissé
- Laboratoire mixte international sur les vecteurs (LAMIVECT), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- Centre International de Recherche-Développement sur l’Elevage en zone Subhumide, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Thierry Lefèvre
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- MIVEGEC, Montpellier University, IRD, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Laboratoire mixte international sur les vecteurs (LAMIVECT), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- Centre de Recherche en Écologie et Évolution de la Santé (CREES), Montpellier, France
| | - Kounbobr Roch Dabiré
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- Laboratoire mixte international sur les vecteurs (LAMIVECT), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Kandul NP, Liu J, Hsu AD, Hay BA, Akbari OS. A drug-inducible sex-separation technique for insects. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2106. [PMID: 32355156 PMCID: PMC7193620 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16020-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we describe a drug-inducible genetic system for insect sex-separation that demonstrates proof-of-principle for positive sex selection in D. melanogaster. The system exploits the toxicity of commonly used broad-spectrum antibiotics geneticin and puromycin to kill the non-rescued sex. Sex-specific rescue is achieved by inserting sex-specific introns into the coding sequences of antibiotic-resistance genes. When raised on geneticin-supplemented food, the sex-sorter line establishes 100% positive selection for female progeny, while the food supplemented with puromycin positively selects 100% male progeny. Since the described system exploits conserved sex-specific splicing mechanisms and reagents, it has the potential to be adaptable to other insect species of medical and agricultural importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay P Kandul
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92092, USA
| | - Junru Liu
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92092, USA
| | - Alexander D Hsu
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, MC 156-29, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Bruce A Hay
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, MC 156-29, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Omar S Akbari
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92092, USA.
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, MC 156-29, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA.
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society-UCSD, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Liu P, Jin B, Li X, Zhao Y, Gu J, Biedler JK, Tu ZJ, Chen XG. Nix is a male-determining factor in the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 118:103311. [PMID: 31901476 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.103311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The initial signal that governs sex determination is highly variable among insects. A homolog of Nix, the male-determining factor in Aedes aegypti, was previously found in the Asian tiger mosquito Ae. albopictus. Here we show that the Ae. albopictus Nix (AalNix) is more complex in gene structure and splice isoforms than its Ae. aegypti homolog (AaeNix). AalNix shows a similar transcription profile compared to AaeNix. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockouts of AalNix in vivo and in the Ae. albopictus C6/36 cells lead to a shift of dsx and fru splicing towards the female isoforms. G0 knockout males showed feminization and deformities including feminized antennae, absence or partial absence of gonocoxites, gonostyli, testes and accessory glands, and the formation of ovaries. Despite ~70 MY of divergence, Nix functions as a conserved male-determining factor in the two most important arboviral vectors, namely Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peiwen Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Binbin Jin
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Xiaocong Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Yijie Zhao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Jinbao Gu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - James K Biedler
- Department of Biochemistry and the Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Zhijian Jake Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and the Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
| | - Xiao-Guang Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Yan Y, Williamson ME, Davis RJ, Andere AA, Picard CJ, Scott MJ. Improved transgenic sexing strains for genetic control of the Australian sheep blow fly Lucilia cuprina using embryo-specific gene promoters. Mol Genet Genomics 2019; 295:287-298. [PMID: 31720776 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-019-01622-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
For genetic approaches for controlling insect pests such as the sterile insect technique (SIT), it is advantageous to release only males as females are ineffective as control agents and they consume about 50% of the diet. Here we developed tetracycline-repressible Lucilia cuprina transgenic strains in which adult females were fully fertile and viable on a diet that lacked tetracycline and all of their female offspring died at the embryo stage. The transgenic strains are an improvement over the strains we developed previously, which had the disadvantage that adult females on diet without tetracycline were sterile and died prematurely. This was possibly due to the low level expression of the effector gene in ovaries. In the strains developed in this study, the early promoters from L. cuprina nullo or Cochliomyia macellaria CG14427 genes were used to drive the tetracycline transactivator (tTA) expression in the early embryo. In the absence of tetracycline, tTA activates expression of the proapoptotic gene Lshid which contains a female-specific intron. Consequently, only females produce active HID protein and die at the embryo stage. Crossing the tTA-expressing driver lines with an RFPex reporter line confirmed that there was no expression of the effector gene in the ovary. These new embryonic L. cuprina transgenic sexing strains hold great promise for genetic control programs and the system reported here might also be transferable to other major calliphorid livestock pests such as the New World screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yan
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7613, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7613, USA.,Fraunhofer IME-BR, Winchesterstr. 2, 35394, Giessen, Germany
| | - Megan E Williamson
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7613, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7613, USA
| | - Rebecca J Davis
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7613, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7613, USA
| | - Anne A Andere
- Fraunhofer IME-BR, Winchesterstr. 2, 35394, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christine J Picard
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Maxwell J Scott
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7613, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7613, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Differentially and Co-expressed Genes in Embryo, Germ-Line and Somatic Tissues of Tribolium castaneum. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2019; 9:2363-2373. [PMID: 31113821 PMCID: PMC6643895 DOI: 10.1534/g3.119.400340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptomic studies of Tribolium castaneum have led to significant advances in our understanding of co-regulation and differential expression of genes in development. However, previously used microarray approaches have covered only a subset of known genes. The aim of this study was to investigate gene expression patterns of beetle embryo, germ-line and somatic tissues. We identified 12,302 expressed genes and determined differentially expressed up and down-regulated genes among all samples. For example, 1624 and 3639 genes were differentially increased in expression greater than or equal to twofold change (FDR < 0.01) in testis vs. ovary (virgin female) and ovary vs. embryo (0-5 hr), respectively. Of these, many developmental, somatic and germ-line differentially expressed genes were identified. Furthermore, many maternally deposited transcripts were identified, whose expression either decreased rapidly or persisted during embryogenesis. Genes with the largest change in expression were predominantly decreased during early embryogenesis as compared to ovary or were increased in testis compared to embryo. We also identify zygotic genes induced after fertilization. The genome wide variation in transcript regulation in maternal and zygotic genes could provide additional information on how the anterior posterior axis formation is established in Tribolium embryos as compared to Drosophila Together, our data will facilitate studies of comparative developmental biology as well as help identify candidate genes for identifying cis-elements to drive transgenic constructs.
Collapse
|
33
|
Lutrat C, Giesbrecht D, Marois E, Whyard S, Baldet T, Bouyer J. Sex Sorting for Pest Control: It's Raining Men! Trends Parasitol 2019; 35:649-662. [PMID: 31255488 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In the pursuit of better pest- and vector-control strategies, attention returns to an old proven technology, the sterile insect technique (SIT) and related insect population-suppression methods. A major obstacle for any of these approaches that involves the release of sterile males is the separation of males from females during the mass rearing stage, in order to improve the cost-efficiency of these methods and to prevent the release of biting and disease-vectoring females. This review describes recent sex-sorting developments in dipteran flies with an emphasis on assessing the suitability of these methods for large-scale rearing of male vectors for mass release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Célia Lutrat
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-34398, Montpellier, France; ASTRE, CIRAD, INRA, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - David Giesbrecht
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Eric Marois
- CNRS UPR9022, INSERM U963, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Steve Whyard
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Thierry Baldet
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-34398, Montpellier, France; ASTRE, CIRAD, INRA, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jérémy Bouyer
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-34398, Montpellier, France; Insect Pest Control, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vienna, Austria. @cirad.fr
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Petrella V, Aceto S, Colonna V, Saccone G, Sanges R, Polanska N, Volf P, Gradoni L, Bongiorno G, Salvemini M. Identification of sex determination genes and their evolution in Phlebotominae sand flies (Diptera, Nematocera). BMC Genomics 2019; 20:522. [PMID: 31238870 PMCID: PMC6593557 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5898-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera, Nematocera) are important vectors of several pathogens, including Leishmania parasites, causing serious diseases of humans and dogs. Despite their importance as disease vectors, most aspects of sand fly biology remain unknown including the molecular basis of their reproduction and sex determination, aspects also relevant for the development of novel vector control strategies. RESULTS Using comparative genomics/transcriptomics data mining and transcriptional profiling, we identified the sex determining genes in phlebotomine sand flies and proposed the first model for the sex determination cascade of these insects. For all the genes identified, we produced manually curated gene models, developmental gene expression profile and performed evolutionary molecular analysis. We identified and characterized, for the first time in a Nematocera species, the transformer (tra) homolog which exhibits both conserved and novel features. The analysis of the tra locus in sand flies and its expression pattern suggest that this gene is able to autoregulate its own splicing, as observed in the fruit fly Ceratitis capitata and several other insect species. CONCLUSIONS Our results permit to fill the gap about sex determination in sand flies, contribute to a better understanding of this developmental pathway in Nematocera and open the way for the identification of sex determining orthologs in other species of this important Diptera sub-order. Furthermore, the sex determination genes identified in our work also provide the opportunity of future biotechnological applications to control natural population of sand flies, reducing their impact on public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Petrella
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Aceto
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenza Colonna
- National Research Council, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Saccone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Remo Sanges
- Stazione Zoologica “Anton Dohrn”, Naples, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Nikola Polanska
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Luigi Gradoni
- Unit of Vector-borne Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Gioia Bongiorno
- Unit of Vector-borne Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Salvemini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Taracena ML, Hunt CM, Benedict MQ, Pennington PM, Dotson EM. Downregulation of female doublesex expression by oral-mediated RNA interference reduces number and fitness of Anopheles gambiae adult females. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:170. [PMID: 30992032 PMCID: PMC6466716 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3437-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mosquito-borne diseases affect millions worldwide, with malaria alone killing over 400 thousand people per year and affecting hundreds of millions. To date, the best strategy to prevent the disease remains insecticide-based mosquito control. However, insecticide resistance as well as economic and social factors reduce the effectiveness of the current methodologies. Alternative control technologies are in development, including genetic control such as the sterile insect technique (SIT). The SIT is a pivotal tool in integrated agricultural pest management and could be used to improve malaria vector control. To apply the SIT and most other newer technologies against disease transmitting mosquitoes, it is essential that releases are composed of males with minimal female contamination. The removal of females is an essential requirement because released females can themselves contribute towards nuisance biting and disease transmission. Thus, females need to be eliminated from the cohorts prior to release. Manual separation of Anopheles gambiae pupae or adult mosquitoes based on morphology is time consuming, is not feasible on a large scale and has limited the implementation of the SIT technique. The doublesex (dsx) gene is one of the effector switches of sex determination in the process of sex differentiation in insects. Both males and females have specific splicing variants that are expressed across the different life stages. Using RNA interference (RNAi) to reduce expression of the female specific (dsxF) variant of this gene has proven to have detrimental effects to the females in other mosquito species, such as Aedes aegypti. We tested oral RNAi on dsx (AgdsxF) in An. gambiae. Methods We studied the expression pattern of the dsx gene in the An. gambiae G3 strain. We knocked down AgdsxF expression in larvae through oral delivery of double stranded RNA (dsRNA) produced by bacteria and observed its effects in adults. Results Our results show that feeding of AgdsxF dsRNA can effectively reduce (> 66%) the mRNA of female dsx transcript and that there is a concomitant reduction in the number of female larvae that achieve adulthood. Control groups produced 52% (± 3.9% SE) of adult males and 48% (± 4.0% SE) females, while AgdsxF dsRNA treated groups had 72.1% (± 4.0% SE) males vs 27.8% females (± 3.3% SE). In addition, the female adults produce fewer progeny, 37.1% (± 8.2% SE) less than the controls. The knockdown was sex-specific and had no impact on total numbers of viable male adults, in the male dsx transcripts or male fitness parameters such as longevity or body size. Conclusions These findings indicate that RNAi could be used to improve novel mosquito control strategies that require efficient sex separation and male-only release of An. gambiae by targeting sex determination genes such as AgdsxF. The advantages of using RNAi in a controlled setting for mosquito rearing are numerous, as the dose and time of exposure are controlled, and the possibility of off-target effects and the waste of female production would be significantly reduced. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3437-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mabel L Taracena
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, MS G49, USA.
| | - Catherine M Hunt
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, MS G49, USA
| | - Mark Q Benedict
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, MS G49, USA
| | - Pamela M Pennington
- Centro de Estudios en Biotecnologia, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, 18 Avenida 11-95, 01015, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Ellen M Dotson
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, MS G49, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Lebon C, Benlali A, Atyame C, Mavingui P, Tortosa P. Construction of a genetic sexing strain for Aedes albopictus: a promising tool for the development of sterilizing insect control strategies targeting the tiger mosquito. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:658. [PMID: 30583741 PMCID: PMC6304753 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3212-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aedes albopictus is an invasive mosquito species of global medical concern as its distribution has recently expanded to Africa, the Americas and Europe. In the absence of prophylaxis protecting human populations from emerging arboviruses transmitted by this mosquito species, the most straightforward control measures rely on the suppression or manipulation of vector natural populations. A number of environmental-friendly methods using mass releases of sterilizing males are currently under development. However, these strategies are still lacking an efficient sexing method required for production of males at an industrial scale. Results We present the first Genetic Sexing Strain (GSS) in Ae. albopictus, hereafter referred as Tikok, obtained by sex linkage of the rdl gene conferring dieldrin resistance. Hatch rate, larval survival and sex ratio were followed during twelve generations. The use of dieldrin at the third larval stage allowed selecting 98 % of males on average. Conclusion A good production rate of Tikok males makes this GSS suitable for any control method based on mass production of Ae. albopictus males. Despite limitations resulting from reduced egg hatch as well as the nature of the used insecticide, the construction of this GSS paves the way for industrial sex separation of Ae. albopictus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyrille Lebon
- Groupement d'Intérêt Public Cyclotron Océan Indien (CYROI), 2 rue maxime Rivière, 97490 Ste Clotilde, Ste Clotilde, France
| | - Aude Benlali
- Groupement d'Intérêt Public Cyclotron Océan Indien (CYROI), 2 rue maxime Rivière, 97490 Ste Clotilde, Ste Clotilde, France.,Symbiosis Technologies for Insect Control (SymbioTIC). Plateforme de Recherche Cyroi, 2 rue Maxime Rivière, 97490 Ste Clotilde, Ste Clotilde, France
| | - Célestine Atyame
- Université de La Réunion, Unité Mixte de Recherche Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical (UMR PIMIT). CNRS 9192, INSERM 1187, IRD 249. Plateforme de recherche CYROI, 2 rue Maxime Rivière, 97490 Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Patrick Mavingui
- Symbiosis Technologies for Insect Control (SymbioTIC). Plateforme de Recherche Cyroi, 2 rue Maxime Rivière, 97490 Ste Clotilde, Ste Clotilde, France.,Université de La Réunion, Unité Mixte de Recherche Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical (UMR PIMIT). CNRS 9192, INSERM 1187, IRD 249. Plateforme de recherche CYROI, 2 rue Maxime Rivière, 97490 Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France.,Université de Lyon, Lyon, France, Université Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France; CNRS, UMR 5557, Ecologie Microbienne, Villeurbanne, France, INRA, UMR1418, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Pablo Tortosa
- Symbiosis Technologies for Insect Control (SymbioTIC). Plateforme de Recherche Cyroi, 2 rue Maxime Rivière, 97490 Ste Clotilde, Ste Clotilde, France. .,Université de La Réunion, Unité Mixte de Recherche Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical (UMR PIMIT). CNRS 9192, INSERM 1187, IRD 249. Plateforme de recherche CYROI, 2 rue Maxime Rivière, 97490 Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Molecular tools and genetic markers for the generation of transgenic sexing strains in Anopheline mosquitoes. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:660. [PMID: 30583738 PMCID: PMC6304780 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3207-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a serious global health burden, affecting more than 200 million people each year in over 90 countries, predominantly in Africa, Asia and the Americas. Since the year 2000, a concerted effort to combat malaria has reduced its incidence by more than 40%, primarily due to the use of insecticide-treated bednets, indoor residual spraying and artemisinin-based combination drug therapies. Nevertheless, the cost of control is expected to nearly triple over the next decade and the current downward trend in disease transmission is threatened by the rise of resistance to drugs and insecticides. Novel strategies that are sustainable and cost-effective are needed to help usher in an era of malaria elimination. The most effective strategies thus far have focussed on control of the mosquito vector. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is a potentially powerful strategy that aims to suppress mosquito populations through the unproductive mating of wild female mosquitoes with sterile males that are released en masse. The technique and its derivatives are currently not appropriate for malaria control because it is difficult to sterilise males without compromising their ability to mate, and because anopheline males cannot be easily separated from females, which if released, could contribute to disease transmission. Advances in genome sequencing technologies and the development of transgenic techniques provide the tools necessary to produce mosquito sexing strains, which promise to improve current malaria-control programs and pave the way for new ones. In this review, the progress made in the development of transgenic sexing strains for the control of Anopheles gambiae, a major vector of human malaria, is discussed.
Collapse
|
38
|
Bourtzis K, Tu ZJ. Joint FAO/IAEA Coordinated Research Project on "Exploring genetic, molecular, mechanical and behavioural methods of sex separation in mosquitoes" - an introduction. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:653. [PMID: 30583742 PMCID: PMC6304754 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3206-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kostas Bourtzis
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - Zhijian Jake Tu
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Kittayapong P, Kaeothaisong NO, Ninphanomchai S, Limohpasmanee W. Combined sterile insect technique and incompatible insect technique: sex separation and quality of sterile Aedes aegypti male mosquitoes released in a pilot population suppression trial in Thailand. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:657. [PMID: 30583749 PMCID: PMC6304762 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3214-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The sterile insect technique (SIT), which is based on irradiation-induced sterility, and incompatible insect technique (IIT), which is based on Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility (a kind of male sterility), have been used as alternative methods to reduce mosquito vector populations. Both methods require the release of males to reduce fertile females and suppress the number of natural populations. Different techniques of sex separation to obtain only males have been investigated previously. Our work involves an application of mechanical larval-pupal glass separators to separate Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti males from females at the pupal stage, prior to irradiation, and for use in a pilot field release and to assess the quality of males and females before and after sex separation and sterilization. Results This study was the first to demonstrate the efficiency of mechanical glass separators in separating males for use in an Ae. aegypti suppression trial by a combined SIT/IIT approach. Our results indicated that male and female pupae of Wolbachia-infected Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were significantly different (p < 0.05) in weight, size, and emergence-time, which made it easier for sex separation by this mechanical method. During the pilot field release, the percentage of female contamination was detected to be quite low and significantly different between the first (0.10 ± 0.13) and the second (0.02 ± 0.02) twelve-week period. Both males and females were almost completely sterile after exposure to 70 Gy irradiation dose. We observed that both irradiated Wolbachia-infected males and females survived and lived longer than two weeks, but males could live longer than females (p < 0.05) when they were irradiated at the same irradiation dose. When comparing irradiated mosquitoes with non-irradiated ones, there was no significant difference in longevity and survival-rate between those males, but non-irradiated females lived longer than irradiated ones (p < 0.05). Conclusion Mechanical sex separation by using a larval-pupal glass separator was practically applied to obtain only males for further sterilization and open field release in a pilot population suppression trial of Ae. aegypti in Thailand. Female contamination was detected to be quite low, and skilled personnel can reduce the risk for female release. The irradiated Wolbachia-infected females accidentally released were found to be completely sterile, with shorter life span than males.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patttamaporn Kittayapong
- Center of Excellence for Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University at Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand. .,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Nuanla-Ong Kaeothaisong
- Center of Excellence for Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University at Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Suwannapa Ninphanomchai
- Center of Excellence for Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University at Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Wanitch Limohpasmanee
- Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Nakhon Nayok, 26120, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
Vector control programs based on population reduction by matings with mass-released sterile insects require the release of only male mosquitoes, as the release of females, even if sterile, would increase the number of biting and potentially disease-transmitting individuals. While small-scale releases demonstrated the applicability of sterile males releases to control the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti, large-scale programs for mosquitoes are currently prevented by the lack of efficient sexing systems in any of the vector species.Different approaches of sexing are pursued, including classical genetic and mechanical methods of sex separation. Another strategy is the development of transgenic sexing systems. Such systems already exist in other insect pests. Genome modification tools could be used to apply similar strategies to mosquitoes. Three major tools to modify mosquito genomes are currently used: transposable elements, site-specific recombination systems, and genome editing via TALEN or CRISPR/Cas. All three can serve the purpose of developing sexing systems and vector control strains in mosquitoes in two ways: first, via their use in basic research. A better understanding of mosquito biology, including the sex-determining pathways and the involved genes can greatly facilitate the development of sexing strains. Moreover, basic research can help to identify other regulatory elements and genes potentially useful for the construction of transgenic sexing systems. Second, these genome modification tools can be used to apply the gained knowledge to build and test mosquito sexing strains for vector control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irina Häcker
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Marc F Schetelig
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
The global economic cost of Aedes-borne diseases, such as dengue, is estimated to be in the billions of dollars annually. In this scenario, a sustained vector control strategy is the only alternative to control dengue, as well as other diseases transmitted by Aedes, including Zika and chikungunya. The use of transgenic mosquitoes is a promising weapon in the improvement of approaches currently applied in Aedes aegypti control. Field trials using genetically modified mosquitoes for population control have been conducted and offer an excellent opportunity to evaluate what can be improved. In a mass-rearing mosquito facility, the absence of a transgenic line that produces male-only progeny is undoubtedly a limiting factor; thus, being able to manipulate sex determination in this species is a fundamental step for the success of this strategy. Likewise, the possibility of manipulation of the sex determination pathway opens-up a new opportunity for disease control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Bianca Burini Kojin
- Department of Entomology, Texas A & M University, Minnie Belle Heep Center, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Margareth Lara Capurro
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Papathanos PA, Bourtzis K, Tripet F, Bossin H, Virginio JF, Capurro ML, Pedrosa MC, Guindo A, Sylla L, Coulibaly MB, Yao FA, Epopa PS, Diabate A. A perspective on the need and current status of efficient sex separation methods for mosquito genetic control. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:654. [PMID: 30583720 PMCID: PMC6304774 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3222-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Major efforts are currently underway to develop novel, complementary methods to combat mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquito genetic control strategies (GCSs) have become an increasingly important area of research on account of their species-specificity, track record in targeting agricultural insect pests, and their environmentally non-polluting nature. A number of programs targeting Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes, vectors of human arboviruses and malaria respectively, are currently being developed or deployed in many parts of the world. Operationally implementing these technologies on a large scale however, beyond proof-of-concept pilot programs, is hampered by the absence of adequate sex separation methods. Sex separation eliminates females in the laboratory from male mosquitoes prior to release. Despite the need for sex separation for the control of mosquitoes, there have been limited efforts in recent years in developing systems that are fit-for-purpose. In this special issue of Parasites and Vectors we report on the progress of the global Coordinated Research Program on “Exploring genetic, molecular, mechanical and behavioural methods for sex separation in mosquitoes” that is led by the Insect Pest Control Subprogramme of the Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture with the specific aim of building efficient sex separation systems for mosquito species. In an effort to overcome current barriers we briefly highlight what we believe are the three main reasons why progress has been so slow in developing appropriate sex separation systems: the availability of methods that are not scalable, the difficulty of building the ideal genetic systems and, finally, the lack of research efforts in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philippos Aris Papathanos
- Department of Entomology, The Robert H Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Kostas Bourtzis
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - Frederic Tripet
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Hervé Bossin
- Laboratoire d'Entomologie Médicale, Institut Louis Malardé, BP 30, 98713, Papeete, French Polynesia.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée infection, Marseille, France
| | | | - Margareth Lara Capurro
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Michelle Cristine Pedrosa
- Biofabrica Moscamed Brazil, Industrial District, Juazeiro, BA, Brazil.,Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Amadou Guindo
- Malaria Research and Training Center, Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako, Point G, Bamako, BP: 1805, Mali
| | - Lakamy Sylla
- Malaria Research and Training Center, Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako, Point G, Bamako, BP: 1805, Mali
| | - Mamadou B Coulibaly
- Malaria Research and Training Center, Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako, Point G, Bamako, BP: 1805, Mali
| | - Franck Adama Yao
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Patric Stephane Epopa
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Abdoulaye Diabate
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Ndo C, Poumachu Y, Metitsi D, Awono-Ambene HP, Tchuinkam T, Gilles JLR, Bourtzis K. Isolation and characterization of a temperature-sensitive lethal strain of Anopheles arabiensis for SIT-based application. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:659. [PMID: 30583745 PMCID: PMC6304777 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3216-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria is still a global health problem and vector control is the cornerstone of disease control strategies using indoor residual insecticide spraying (IRS) and insecticide-treated nets. The situation is becoming acute with widespread resistance to the limited arsenal of available insecticide classes. Therefore, new and innovative tools to reduce Plasmodium transmission are in need and this situation raised considerable interest in using sterile insect technique (SIT) against human pest insects, particularly Anopheles malaria vectors. When considering a mosquito release programme, one of the first issues to be addressed is how to eliminate/separate the hematophagous vector females. In this paper, we report the development and evaluation of an Anopheles arabiensis temperature-sensitive lethal (tsl) strain towards its potential use for the development of a genetic sexing strain (GSS). Anopheles arabiensis male mosquitoes originated from North Cameroon were treated with 0.05% ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). The mutagen was added to 10% sucrose solution and mosquitoes fed ad-libitum for 24h and 48h on a cotton wool soaked with sucrose-mutagen solution placed at the top of the cup. Treated males were then allowed to mate with wild virgin females and their progenies were screened for heat sensitivity from F3 to F8, until the isolation and establishment of a tsl strain which was further characterized by assessing its productivity (fecundity and fertility), larval development, adult longevity as well as nature and inheritance pattern of the tsl. Results Observations showed that the number of eggs laid and their hatch rate were similar between females that mated with mutagenized males and those from the control suggesting that mutagenesis didn't affect An. arabiensis male fecundity and fertility. At F3, fourteen isofemale families out of 88 tested, which showed mortalities ranged between 50 and 80 %, were selected as lines potentially containing a tsl mutation. From F4 to F8, a tsl strain was isolated and established by screening L1 larvae at 41°C for 3 hours. This strain showed similar life history traits compared to the wild type strain in terms of fertility, larval development time and adult's emergence. Crossing experiments to further assess the nature and inheritance pattern of the tsl phenotype showed that it is due to a recessive allele located on an autosome. Conclusion The successful establishment of the An. arabiensis tsl strain is a valuable tool towards the development of a GSS for SIT applications against this species. This will be done by induction of a Y-autosome translocation to link the wild-type allele to the Y chromosome in such manner that males are wild-type (temperature resistant) and females are mutant (temperature sensitive).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyrille Ndo
- Institut de Recherche de Yaoundé (IRY), Organisation de Coordination pour la lutte contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), P.O Box 288, Yaoundé, Cameroon. .,Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon. .,Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), P.O Box 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | - Yacouba Poumachu
- Institut de Recherche de Yaoundé (IRY), Organisation de Coordination pour la lutte contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), P.O Box 288, Yaoundé, Cameroon.,Vector Borne Parasitic and Infectious diseases Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Biology and Ecology (VBID-LABEA), Departement of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Dschang, P.O Box 067, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Danale Metitsi
- Institut de Recherche de Yaoundé (IRY), Organisation de Coordination pour la lutte contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), P.O Box 288, Yaoundé, Cameroon.,Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 337, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Herman Parfait Awono-Ambene
- Institut de Recherche de Yaoundé (IRY), Organisation de Coordination pour la lutte contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), P.O Box 288, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Timoléon Tchuinkam
- Vector Borne Parasitic and Infectious diseases Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Biology and Ecology (VBID-LABEA), Departement of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Dschang, P.O Box 067, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Jeremie Lionnel Roger Gilles
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Technique in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kostas Bourtzis
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Technique in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Bellini R, Puggioli A, Balestrino F, Carrieri M, Urbanelli S. Exploring protandry and pupal size selection for Aedes albopictus sex separation. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:650. [PMID: 30583737 PMCID: PMC6304755 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3213-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We explored the possibility to improve male/female separation (sexing) in Aedes albopictus by selection of two strains, one toward increasing sex dimorphism and another toward increasing protandry. In the laboratory we selected and crossed small males with large females to exploit dimorphism, and early pupating males with late pupating females to exploit protandry. RESULTS While selection for enhanced dimorphism was not a profitable character, the selection for enhanced protandry up to F10 produced significant improvement in the time interval between male and female pupation. By collecting the pupae at 24 h from the beginning of pupation, without any sieving operation, we obtained about 28.50% of pupae (calculated in relation to the estimated initial number of first instar larvae used), vs 26.49% we had in the control strain, and, more interestingly, when checking the sex ratio of these pupae we observed a presence of females of 0.92% vs 23.02% in the control strain. We also modified our egg hatching protocol from the previous standard procedure that required keeping the eggs in the glass hatching container overnight (for about 14-16 h) to a new protocol where eggs are kept in the hatching container for 4 h in order to obtain more synchronized larvae. This was possible without any reduction in the egg hatching rate. CONCLUSIONS In Aedes albopictus it is possible to develop hyper-protandric strains useful to produce male pupae without applying other sexing systems. This represents a considerable achievement assisting the Sterile Insect Technique application, allowing improvement of the current sexing method based on mechanical separation. More investigations are under way in order to further enhance the male productivity capacity of the strain and to determine whether the selection has any impact on the male fitness parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romeo Bellini
- Centro Agricoltura Ambiente "G.Nicoli" IAEA Collaborating Centre, Via Argini Nord 3351, 40014, Crevalcore, Italy. .,Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Arianna Puggioli
- Centro Agricoltura Ambiente "G.Nicoli" IAEA Collaborating Centre, Via Argini Nord 3351, 40014, Crevalcore, Italy.,Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Balestrino
- Centro Agricoltura Ambiente "G.Nicoli" IAEA Collaborating Centre, Via Argini Nord 3351, 40014, Crevalcore, Italy.,Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Carrieri
- Centro Agricoltura Ambiente "G.Nicoli" IAEA Collaborating Centre, Via Argini Nord 3351, 40014, Crevalcore, Italy.,Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sandra Urbanelli
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Zacarés M, Salvador-Herranz G, Almenar D, Tur C, Argilés R, Bourtzis K, Bossin H, Pla I. Exploring the potential of computer vision analysis of pupae size dimorphism for adaptive sex sorting systems of various vector mosquito species. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:656. [PMID: 30583722 PMCID: PMC6304766 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3221-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Several mosquito population suppression strategies based on the rearing and release of sterile males have provided promising results. However, the lack of an efficient male selection method has hampered the expansion of these approaches into large-scale operational programmes. Currently, most of these programmes targeting Aedes mosquitoes rely on sorting methods based on the sexual size dimorphism (SSD) at the pupal stage. The currently available sorting methods have not been developed based on biometric analysis, and there is therefore potential for improvement. We applied an automated pupal size estimator developed by Grupo Tragsa with laboratory samples of Anopheles arabiensis, Aedes albopictus, Ae. polynesiensis, and three strains of Ae. aegypti. The frequency distribution of the pupal size was analyzed. We propose a general model for the analysis of the frequency distribution of mosquito pupae in the context of SSD-sorting methods, which is based on a Gaussian mixture distribution functions, thus making possible the analysis of performance (% males recovery) and purity (% males on the sorted sample). Results For the three Aedes species, the distribution of the pupae size can be modeled by a mixture of two Gaussian distribution functions and the proposed model fitted the experimental data. For a given population, each size threshold is linked to a specific outcome of male recovery. Two dimensionless parameters that measure the suitability for SSD-based sorting of a specific batch of pupae are provided. The optimal sorting results are predicted for the highest values of SSD and lowest values of intra-batch variance. Rearing conditions have a strong influence in the performance of the SSD-sorting methods and non-standard rearing can lead to increase pupae size heterogeneity. Conclusions Sex sorting of pupae based on size dimorphism can be achieved with a high performance (% males recovery) and a reasonably high purity (% males on the sorted sample) for the different Aedes species and strains. The purity and performance of a sex sorting operation in the tested Aedes species are linked parameters whose relation can be modeled. The conclusions of this analysis are applicable to all the existing SSD-sorting methods. The efficiency of the SSD-sorting methods can be improved by reducing the heterogeneity of pupae size within rearing containers. The heterogeneity between batches does not strongly affect the quality of the sex sorting, as long as a specific separation threshold is not pre-set before the sorting process. For new developments, we recommend using adaptive and precise threshold selection methods applied individually to each batch or to a mix of batches. Adaptive and precise thresholds will allow the sex-sorting of mixed batches in operational conditions maintaining the target purity at the cost of a reduction in performance. We also recommend a strategy whereby an acceptable level of purity is pre-selected and remains constant across the different batches of pupae while the performance varies from batch to batch to fit with the desired purity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Zacarés
- Departamento de Ciencias Experimentales y Matemáticas, Universidad Católica de Valencia "San Vicente Mártir", C/Guillem de Castro 94, 46003, Valencia, Spain
| | - Gustavo Salvador-Herranz
- Departamento de Expresión Gráfica, Proyectos y Urbanismo, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Valencia, Spain
| | - David Almenar
- Grupo Tragsa, Avda. de la Industria 26, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carles Tur
- Grupo Tragsa, Avda. de la Industria 26, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Rafael Argilés
- Insect Pest Control Section, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Wagramerstrasse 5, PO Box 100, A-1400, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kostas Bourtzis
- Insect Pest Control Section, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Wagramerstrasse 5, PO Box 100, A-1400, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hervé Bossin
- Laboratoire d'Entomologie Médicale, Institut Louis Malardé, BP 30, 98713, Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia.,IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée infection, Univ. Aix Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Ignacio Pla
- Grupo Tragsa, Avda. de la Industria 26, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Mashatola T, Ndo C, Koekemoer LL, Dandalo LC, Wood OR, Malakoane L, Poumachu Y, Lobb LN, Kaiser M, Bourtzis K, Munhenga G. A review on the progress of sex-separation techniques for sterile insect technique applications against Anopheles arabiensis. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:646. [PMID: 30583746 PMCID: PMC6304763 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3219-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The feasibility of the sterile insect technique (SIT) as a malaria vector control strategy against Anopheles arabiensis has been under investigation over the past decade. One of the critical steps required for the application of this technique to mosquito control is the availability of an efficient and effective sex-separation system. Sex-separation systems eliminate female mosquitoes from the production line prior to irradiation and field release of sterile males. This is necessary because female mosquitoes can transmit pathogens such as malaria and, therefore, their release must be prevented. Sex separation also increases the efficiency of an SIT programme. Various sex-separation strategies have been explored including the exploitation of developmental and behavioural differences between male and female mosquitoes, and genetic approaches. Most of these are however species-specific and are not indicated for the major African malaria vectors such as An. arabiensis. As there is currently no reliable sex-separation method for An. arabiensis, various strategies were explored in an attempt to develop a robust system that can be applied on a mass-rearing scale. The progress and challenges faced during the development of a sexing system for future pilot and/or large-scale SIT release programmes against An. arabiensis are reviewed here. Three methods of sex separation were examined. The first is the use of pupal size for gender prediction. The second is the elimination of blood-feeding adult females through the addition of an endectocide to a blood meal source. The third is the establishment of a genetic sexing strain (GSS) carrying an insecticide resistance selectable marker (dieldrin-resistance rdl gene and/or other GABA receptor antagonists that can be used as alternative insecticides to dieldrin) or a temperature-sensitive lethal marker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thabo Mashatola
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, MRC Collaborating Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Research on Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cyrille Ndo
- Organisation de Coordination pour la lutte Contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Institut de recherche de Yaoundé (IRY), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
- Centre for Research in Infectious Disease (CRI), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Lizette L. Koekemoer
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, MRC Collaborating Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Research on Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Leonard C. Dandalo
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, MRC Collaborating Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Research on Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Oliver R. Wood
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, MRC Collaborating Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Research on Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lerato Malakoane
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, MRC Collaborating Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Research on Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Yacouba Poumachu
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
- Organisation de Coordination pour la lutte Contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Institut de recherche de Yaoundé (IRY), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Vector Borne Disease Laboratory of the Applied Biology and Ecology Research Unit (VBDL-URBEA) Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Leanne N. Lobb
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, MRC Collaborating Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Research on Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Maria Kaiser
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, MRC Collaborating Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Research on Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kostas Bourtzis
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - Givemore Munhenga
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, MRC Collaborating Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Research on Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Dandalo LC, Kemp A, Koekemoer LL, Munhenga G. Effect of ionising (gamma) radiation on female Anopheles arabiensis. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2018; 111:38-40. [PMID: 28371834 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trx013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In a mosquito sterile insect technique programme the ideal scenario is to release male mosquitoes only. However, because there are currently no sex separation strategies which guarantee total female elimination, this study investigated the effect of irradiation on physiological and reproductive fitness of females of an Anopheles arabiensis genetic sexing strain. Methods Female pupae were irradiated at 70 Gy and the effects of irradiation on adult emergence, longevity, blood-feeding capability, mating ability, fecundity and fertility were assessed. Results and conclusion Irradiation reduced adult emergence and fecundity but did not affect adult survivorship, mating and blood feeding ability, which suggests that irradiated female mosquitoes can transmit disease pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonard C Dandalo
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Center for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Sandringham, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alan Kemp
- Special Viral Pathogens Laboratory, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Sandringham, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lizette L Koekemoer
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Center for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Sandringham, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Givemore Munhenga
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Center for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Sandringham, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Dandalo LC, Munhenga G, Kaiser ML, Koekemoer LL. Development of a genetic sexing strain of Anopheles arabiensis for KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 32:61-69. [PMID: 28846145 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
An efficient sexing system is important for the release of sterile males for any control programme using the sterile insect technique. This study describes the development and characterization of a new genetic sexing strain from South Africa (GMK), needed for the planned implementation of such a programme in northern KwaZulu-Natal Province. The base colony used was a locally modified laboratory strain of Anopheles arabiensis containing a sex-linked gene conferring dieldrin resistance to male mosquitoes. Female A. arabiensis mosquitoes from northern KwaZulu-Natal were mated with these males and backcrossed to introduce the dieldrin resistance gene to the Y chromosome. The resulting strain therefore had an overall genotype representing the local population but with the Y chromosome containing the dieldrin resistance gene. Life-history characteristics, stability of the sex-linked resistance marker, and reduction in dieldrin waste were investigated. The strain showed semi-sterility exhibited by low egg hatch rates, faster development in the immature stages and longer adult survivorship compared with the parental strains. While the GMK strain carrying the dieldrin-resistant gene was successfully established, the stability of the gene is limited, requiring periodic purification. Dieldrin waste can be limited by treating many more eggs than currently recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L C Dandalo
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, MRC Collaborating Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Research on Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Vector Reference Laboratory, Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - G Munhenga
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, MRC Collaborating Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Research on Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Vector Reference Laboratory, Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - M L Kaiser
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, MRC Collaborating Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Research on Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Vector Reference Laboratory, Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - L L Koekemoer
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, MRC Collaborating Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Research on Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Vector Reference Laboratory, Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Sun D, Guo Z, Liu Y, Zhang Y. Progress and Prospects of CRISPR/Cas Systems in Insects and Other Arthropods. Front Physiol 2017; 8:608. [PMID: 28932198 PMCID: PMC5592444 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and the CRISPR-associated gene Cas9 represent an invaluable system for the precise editing of genes in diverse species. The CRISPR/Cas9 system is an adaptive mechanism that enables bacteria and archaeal species to resist invading viruses and phages or plasmids. Compared with zinc finger nucleases and transcription activator-like effector nucleases, the CRISPR/Cas9 system has the advantage of requiring less time and effort. This efficient technology has been used in many species, including diverse arthropods that are relevant to agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and public health; however, there is no review that systematically summarizes its successful application in the editing of both insect and non-insect arthropod genomes. Thus, this paper seeks to provide a comprehensive and impartial overview of the progress of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in different arthropods, reviewing not only fundamental studies related to gene function exploration and experimental optimization but also applied studies in areas such as insect modification and pest control. In addition, we also describe the latest research advances regarding two novel CRISPR/Cas systems (CRISPR/Cpf1 and CRISPR/C2c2) and discuss their future prospects for becoming crucial technologies in arthropods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Sun
- Longping Branch, Graduate School of Hunan UniversityChangsha, China.,Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Zhaojiang Guo
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Longping Branch, Graduate School of Hunan UniversityChangsha, China
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Sultan M, Buitenhuis R, Murphy G, Scott-Dupree CD. Development of a mechanical sexing system to improve the efficacy of an area-wide sterile insect release programme to control American serpentine leafminer (Diptera: Agromyzidae) in Canadian ornamental greenhouses. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2017; 73:830-837. [PMID: 27888603 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND American serpentine leafminer (ASL), Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess), is a significant pest of greenhouse ornamental crops, and females damage leaf tissue with their ovipositor during feeding and oviposition. The sterile insect technique has been advocated as a non-chemical alternative to currently available control methods. In area-wide sterile insect release programmes, males act as true vectors of sterility. Females should be eliminated from a cohort of pupae prior to irradiation to maximise production economics and sterility spread. The aim of this research was to develop a mechanical sexing system based on pupal size to reduce the proportion of ASL females. RESULTS Cumulative frequency distributions were used to examine significant differences in male and female pupal length and dorsal and lateral width distributions. Optimum size cut-off points based on the largest differences in distribution curves were used to determine the dimensions of three different sieve designs. Sieve pores measuring 1.543 mm by 0.765 mm excluded 76% of female pupae and doubled the proportion of males in the throughput sample. CONCLUSION Pupal sexual dimorphisms identified in this research can be used to design a sieve to aid in reducing the proportion of females prior to irradiation, thus improving the efficacy of an area-wide sterile insect release programme. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Sultan
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Rose Buitenhuis
- Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, Vineland, ON, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|