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Apte RA, Smidler AL, Pai JJ, Chow ML, Chen S, Mondal A, Sánchez C. HM, Antoshechkin I, Marshall JM, Akbari OS. Eliminating malaria vectors with precision-guided sterile males. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2312456121. [PMID: 38917000 PMCID: PMC11228498 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2312456121] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Controlling the principal African malaria vector, the mosquito Anopheles gambiae, is considered essential to curtail malaria transmission. However, existing vector control technologies rely on insecticides, which are becoming increasingly ineffective. Sterile insect technique (SIT) is a powerful suppression approach that has successfully eradicated a number of insect pests, yet the A. gambiae toolkit lacks the requisite technologies for its implementation. SIT relies on iterative mass releases of nonbiting, nondriving, sterile males which seek out and mate with monandrous wild females. Once mated, females are permanently sterilized due to mating-induced refractoriness, which results in population suppression of the subsequent generation. However, sterilization by traditional methods renders males unfit, making the creation of precise genetic sterilization methods imperative. Here, we introduce a vector control technology termed precision-guided sterile insect technique (pgSIT), in A. gambiae for inducible, programmed male sterilization and female elimination for wide-scale use in SIT campaigns. Using a binary CRISPR strategy, we cross separate engineered Cas9 and gRNA strains to disrupt male-fertility and female-essential genes, yielding >99.5% male sterility and >99.9% female lethality in hybrid progeny. We demonstrate that these genetically sterilized males have good longevity, are able to induce sustained population suppression in cage trials, and are predicted to eliminate wild A. gambiae populations using mathematical models, making them ideal candidates for release. This work provides a valuable addition to the malaria genetic biocontrol toolkit, enabling scalable SIT-like confinable, species-specific, and safe suppression in the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reema A. Apte
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Andrea L. Smidler
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - James J. Pai
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Martha L. Chow
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Sanle Chen
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Agastya Mondal
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Héctor M. Sánchez C.
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Igor Antoshechkin
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA91125
| | - John M. Marshall
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Omar S. Akbari
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
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Connolly JB, Burt A, Christophides G, Diabate A, Habtewold T, Hancock PA, James AA, Kayondo JK, Lwetoijera DW, Manjurano A, McKemey AR, Santos MR, Windbichler N, Randazzo F. Considerations for first field trials of low-threshold gene drive for malaria vector control. Malar J 2024; 23:156. [PMID: 38773487 PMCID: PMC11110314 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-04952-9] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Sustainable reductions in African malaria transmission require innovative tools for mosquito control. One proposal involves the use of low-threshold gene drive in Anopheles vector species, where a 'causal pathway' would be initiated by (i) the release of a gene drive system in target mosquito vector species, leading to (ii) its transmission to subsequent generations, (iii) its increase in frequency and spread in target mosquito populations, (iv) its simultaneous propagation of a linked genetic trait aimed at reducing vectorial capacity for Plasmodium, and (v) reduced vectorial capacity for parasites in target mosquito populations as the gene drive system reaches fixation in target mosquito populations, causing (vi) decreased malaria incidence and prevalence. Here the scope, objectives, trial design elements, and approaches to monitoring for initial field releases of such gene dive systems are considered, informed by the successful implementation of field trials of biological control agents, as well as other vector control tools, including insecticides, Wolbachia, larvicides, and attractive-toxic sugar bait systems. Specific research questions to be addressed in initial gene drive field trials are identified, and adaptive trial design is explored as a potentially constructive and flexible approach to facilitate testing of the causal pathway. A fundamental question for decision-makers for the first field trials will be whether there should be a selective focus on earlier points of the pathway, such as genetic efficacy via measurement of the increase in frequency and spread of the gene drive system in target populations, or on wider interrogation of the entire pathway including entomological and epidemiological efficacy. How and when epidemiological efficacy will eventually be assessed will be an essential consideration before decisions on any field trial protocols are finalized and implemented, regardless of whether initial field trials focus exclusively on the measurement of genetic efficacy, or on broader aspects of the causal pathway. Statistical and modelling tools are currently under active development and will inform such decisions on initial trial design, locations, and endpoints. Collectively, the considerations here advance the realization of developer ambitions for the first field trials of low-threshold gene drive for malaria vector control within the next 5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- John B Connolly
- Department of Life Sciences, Silwood Park, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Austin Burt
- Department of Life Sciences, Silwood Park, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - George Christophides
- Department of Life Sciences, South Kensington Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Abdoulaye Diabate
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Tibebu Habtewold
- Department of Life Sciences, South Kensington Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Penelope A Hancock
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, St. Mary's Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Anthony A James
- Departments of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics and Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Jonathan K Kayondo
- Entomology Department, Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Alphaxard Manjurano
- Malaria Research Unit and Laboratory Sciences, Mwanza Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Andrew R McKemey
- Department of Life Sciences, Silwood Park, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Michael R Santos
- Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, North Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nikolai Windbichler
- Department of Life Sciences, South Kensington Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK
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3
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Mondal A, Sánchez C. HM, Marshall JM. MGDrivE 3: A decoupled vector-human framework for epidemiological simulation of mosquito genetic control tools and their surveillance. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1012133. [PMID: 38805562 PMCID: PMC11161092 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012133] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Novel mosquito genetic control tools, such as CRISPR-based gene drives, hold great promise in reducing the global burden of vector-borne diseases. As these technologies advance through the research and development pipeline, there is a growing need for modeling frameworks incorporating increasing levels of entomological and epidemiological detail in order to address questions regarding logistics and biosafety. Epidemiological predictions are becoming increasingly relevant to the development of target product profiles and the design of field trials and interventions, while entomological surveillance is becoming increasingly important to regulation and biosafety. We present MGDrivE 3 (Mosquito Gene Drive Explorer 3), a new version of a previously-developed framework, MGDrivE 2, that investigates the spatial population dynamics of mosquito genetic control systems and their epidemiological implications. The new framework incorporates three major developments: i) a decoupled sampling algorithm allowing the vector portion of the MGDrivE framework to be paired with a more detailed epidemiological framework, ii) a version of the Imperial College London malaria transmission model, which incorporates age structure, various forms of immunity, and human and vector interventions, and iii) a surveillance module that tracks mosquitoes captured by traps throughout the simulation. Example MGDrivE 3 simulations are presented demonstrating the application of the framework to a CRISPR-based homing gene drive linked to dual disease-refractory genes and their potential to interrupt local malaria transmission. Simulations are also presented demonstrating surveillance of such a system by a network of mosquito traps. MGDrivE 3 is freely available as an open-source R package on CRAN (https://cran.r-project.org/package=MGDrivE2) (version 2.1.0), and extensive examples and vignettes are provided. We intend the software to aid in understanding of human health impacts and biosafety of mosquito genetic control tools, and continue to iterate per feedback from the genetic control community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agastya Mondal
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Héctor M. Sánchez C.
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - John M. Marshall
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
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4
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Sánchez C. HM, Smith DL, Marshall JM. MGSurvE: A framework to optimize trap placement for genetic surveillance of mosquito populations. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1012046. [PMID: 38709820 PMCID: PMC11098508 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012046] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic surveillance of mosquito populations is becoming increasingly relevant as genetics-based mosquito control strategies advance from laboratory to field testing. Especially applicable are mosquito gene drive projects, the potential scale of which leads monitoring to be a significant cost driver. For these projects, monitoring will be required to detect unintended spread of gene drive mosquitoes beyond field sites, and the emergence of alternative alleles, such as drive-resistant alleles or non-functional effector genes, within intervention sites. This entails the need to distribute mosquito traps efficiently such that an allele of interest is detected as quickly as possible-ideally when remediation is still viable. Additionally, insecticide-based tools such as bednets are compromised by insecticide-resistance alleles for which there is also a need to detect as quickly as possible. To this end, we present MGSurvE (Mosquito Gene SurveillancE): a computational framework that optimizes trap placement for genetic surveillance of mosquito populations such that the time to detection of an allele of interest is minimized. A key strength of MGSurvE is that it allows important biological features of mosquitoes and the landscapes they inhabit to be accounted for, namely: i) resources required by mosquitoes (e.g., food sources and aquatic breeding sites) can be explicitly distributed through a landscape, ii) movement of mosquitoes may depend on their sex, the current state of their gonotrophic cycle (if female) and resource attractiveness, and iii) traps may differ in their attractiveness profile. Example MGSurvE analyses are presented to demonstrate optimal trap placement for: i) an Aedes aegypti population in a suburban landscape in Queensland, Australia, and ii) an Anopheles gambiae population on the island of São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe. Further documentation and use examples are provided in project's documentation. MGSurvE is intended as a resource for both field and computational researchers interested in mosquito gene surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor M. Sánchez C.
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - David L. Smith
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - John M. Marshall
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
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5
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Miranda LS, Rudd SR, Mena O, Hudspeth PE, Barboza-Corona JE, Park HW, Bideshi DK. The Perpetual Vector Mosquito Threat and Its Eco-Friendly Nemeses. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:182. [PMID: 38534451 DOI: 10.3390/biology13030182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are the most notorious arthropod vectors of viral and parasitic diseases for which approximately half the world's population, ~4,000,000,000, is at risk. Integrated pest management programs (IPMPs) have achieved some success in mitigating the regional transmission and persistence of these diseases. However, as many vector-borne diseases remain pervasive, it is obvious that IPMP successes have not been absolute in eradicating the threat imposed by mosquitoes. Moreover, the expanding mosquito geographic ranges caused by factors related to climate change and globalization (travel, trade, and migration), and the evolution of resistance to synthetic pesticides, present ongoing challenges to reducing or eliminating the local and global burden of these diseases, especially in economically and medically disadvantaged societies. Abatement strategies include the control of vector populations with synthetic pesticides and eco-friendly technologies. These "green" technologies include SIT, IIT, RIDL, CRISPR/Cas9 gene drive, and biological control that specifically targets the aquatic larval stages of mosquitoes. Regarding the latter, the most effective continues to be the widespread use of Lysinibacillus sphaericus (Ls) and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti). Here, we present a review of the health issues elicited by vector mosquitoes, control strategies, and lastly, focus on the biology of Ls and Bti, with an emphasis on the latter, to which no resistance has been observed in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Silva Miranda
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
| | - Sarah Renee Rudd
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
- Integrated Biomedical Graduate Studies, and School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Oscar Mena
- Undergraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
| | - Piper Eden Hudspeth
- Undergraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
| | - José E Barboza-Corona
- Departmento de Alimentos, Posgrado en Biociencias, Universidad de Guanajuato Campus Irapuato-Salamanca, Irapuato 36500, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Hyun-Woo Park
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
- Undergraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
| | - Dennis Ken Bideshi
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
- Undergraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
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6
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Zhang D, Maiga H, Li Y, Bakhoum MT, Wang G, Sun Y, Damiens D, Mamai W, Bimbilé Somda NS, Wallner T, Bueno-Masso O, Martina C, Kotla SS, Yamada H, Lu D, Tan CH, Guo J, Feng Q, Zhang J, Zhao X, Paerhande D, Pan W, Wu Y, Zheng X, Wu Z, Xi Z, Vreysen MJB, Bouyer J. Mating harassment may boost the effectiveness of the sterile insect technique for Aedes mosquitoes. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1980. [PMID: 38438367 PMCID: PMC10912119 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46268-x] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The sterile insect technique is based on the overflooding of a target population with released sterile males inducing sterility in the wild female population. It has proven to be effective against several insect pest species of agricultural and veterinary importance and is under development for Aedes mosquitoes. Here, we show that the release of sterile males at high sterile male to wild female ratios may also impact the target female population through mating harassment. Under laboratory conditions, male to female ratios above 50 to 1 reduce the longevity of female Aedes mosquitoes by reducing their feeding success. Under controlled conditions, blood uptake of females from an artificial host or from a mouse and biting rates on humans are also reduced. Finally, in a field trial conducted in a 1.17 ha area in China, the female biting rate is reduced by 80%, concurrent to a reduction of female mosquito density of 40% due to the swarming of males around humans attempting to mate with the female mosquitoes. This suggests that the sterile insect technique does not only suppress mosquito vector populations through the induction of sterility, but may also reduce disease transmission due to increased female mortality and lower host contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjing Zhang
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hamidou Maiga
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, IAEA, Vienna, Austria
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Direction Régionale de l'Ouest (IRSS-DRO), Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Yongjun Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Wolbaki Biotech Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mame Thierno Bakhoum
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Direction Régionale de l'Ouest (IRSS-DRO), Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles, Laboratoire National de l'Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Gang Wang
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - David Damiens
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR MIVEGEC (CNRS/IRD/Université de Montpellier), IRD Réunion/GIP CYROI (Recherche Santé Bio-innovation), Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Wadaka Mamai
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, IAEA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nanwintoum Séverin Bimbilé Somda
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, IAEA, Vienna, Austria
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche en Science et Technologie (UFR/ST), UniversitéNorbert ZONGO (UNZ), BP 376, Koudougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Thomas Wallner
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, IAEA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Odet Bueno-Masso
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, IAEA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Martina
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, IAEA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simran Singh Kotla
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, IAEA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hanano Yamada
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, IAEA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Deng Lu
- National Environment Agency, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Jiatian Guo
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingdeng Feng
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junyan Zhang
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xufei Zhao
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dilinuer Paerhande
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Pan
- SYSU Nuclear and Insect Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Dongguan, China
| | - Yu Wu
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoying Zheng
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongdao Wu
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyong Xi
- Guangzhou Wolbaki Biotech Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Marc J B Vreysen
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, IAEA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jérémy Bouyer
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, IAEA, Vienna, Austria.
- ASTRE, CIRAD, F-34398, Montpellier, France.
- ASTRE, Cirad, INRAE, Univ. Montpellier, Plateforme Technologique CYROI, Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France.
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7
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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.
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8
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Li M, Kandul NP, Sun R, Yang T, Benetta ED, Brogan DJ, Antoshechkin I, Sánchez C HM, Zhan Y, DeBeaubien NA, Loh YM, Su MP, Montell C, Marshall JM, Akbari OS. Targeting sex determination to suppress mosquito populations. eLife 2024; 12:RP90199. [PMID: 38289340 PMCID: PMC10945564 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Each year, hundreds of millions of people are infected with arboviruses such as dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika, which are all primarily spread by the notorious mosquito Aedes aegypti. Traditional control measures have proven insufficient, necessitating innovations. In response, here we generate a next-generation CRISPR-based precision-guided sterile insect technique (pgSIT) for Ae. aegypti that disrupts genes essential for sex determination and fertility, producing predominantly sterile males that can be deployed at any life stage. Using mathematical models and empirical testing, we demonstrate that released pgSIT males can effectively compete with, suppress, and eliminate caged mosquito populations. This versatile species-specific platform has the potential for field deployment to effectively control wild populations of disease vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Nikolay P Kandul
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Ruichen Sun
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Ting Yang
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Elena D Benetta
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Daniel J Brogan
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Igor Antoshechkin
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering (BBE), California Institute of TechnologyPasadenaUnited States
| | - Héctor M Sánchez C
- Divisions of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Yinpeng Zhan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and the Neuroscience Research, Institute, University of California, Santa BarbaraSanta BarbaraUnited States
| | - Nicolas A DeBeaubien
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and the Neuroscience Research, Institute, University of California, Santa BarbaraSanta BarbaraUnited States
| | - YuMin M Loh
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya UniversityNagoyaJapan
| | - Matthew P Su
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya UniversityNagoyaJapan
- Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya UniversityNagoyaJapan
| | - Craig Montell
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and the Neuroscience Research, Institute, University of California, Santa BarbaraSanta BarbaraUnited States
| | - John M Marshall
- Divisions of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
- Innovative Genomics InstituteBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Omar S Akbari
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
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9
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Weng SC, Masri RA, Akbari OS. Advances and challenges in synthetic biology for mosquito control. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:75-88. [PMID: 38000957 PMCID: PMC11064511 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.11.001] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne illnesses represent a significant global health peril, resulting in approximately one million fatalities annually. West Nile, dengue, Zika, and malaria are continuously expanding their global reach, driven by factors that escalate mosquito populations and pathogen transmission. Innovative control measures are imperative to combat these catastrophic ailments. Conventional approaches, such as eliminating breeding sites and using insecticides, have been helpful, but they face challenges such as insecticide resistance and environmental harm. Given the mounting severity of mosquito-borne diseases, there is promise in exploring innovative approaches using synthetic biology to bolster mosquitoes' resistance to pathogens, or even eliminate the mosquito vectors, as a means of control. This review outlines current strategies, future goals, and the importance of gene editing for global health defenses against mosquito-borne diseases.
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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
| | - Reem A Masri
- 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.
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10
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Finda MF, Juma EO, Kahamba NF, Mthawanji RS, Sambo M, Emidi B, Wiener S, O'Brochta D, Santos M, James S, Okumu FO. Perspectives of African stakeholders on gene drives for malaria control and elimination: a multi-country survey. Malar J 2023; 22:384. [PMID: 38129897 PMCID: PMC10740233 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04787-w] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene drive modified mosquitoes (GDMMs) have the potential to address Africa's persistent malaria problem, but are still in early stages of development and testing. Continuous engagement of African stakeholders is crucial for successful evaluation and implementation of these technologies. The aim of this multi-country study was, therefore, to explore the insights and recommendations of key stakeholders across Africa on the potential of GDMMs for malaria control and elimination in the continent. METHODS A concurrent mixed-methods study design was used, involving a structured survey administered to 180 stakeholders in 25 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, followed by 18 in-depth discussions with selected groups and individuals. Stakeholders were drawn from academia, research and regulatory institutions, government ministries of health and environment, media and advocacy groups. Thematic content analysis was used to identify key topics from the in-depth discussions, and descriptive analysis was done to summarize information from the survey data. RESULTS Despite high levels of awareness of GDMMs among the stakeholders (76.7%), there was a relatively low-level of understanding of their key attributes and potential for malaria control (28.3%). When more information about GDMMs was provided to the stakeholders, they readily discussed their insights and concerns, and offered several recommendations to ensure successful research and implementation of the technology. These included: (i) increasing relevant technical expertise within Africa, (ii) generating local evidence on safety, applicability, and effectiveness of GDMMs, and (iii) developing country-specific regulations for safe and effective governance of GDMMs. A majority of the respondents (92.9%) stated that they would support field trials or implementation of GDMMs in their respective countries. This study also identified significant misconceptions regarding the phase of GDMM testing in Africa, as several participants incorrectly asserted that GDMMs were already present in Africa, either within laboratories or released into the field. CONCLUSION Incorporating views and recommendations of African stakeholders in the ongoing research and development of GDMMs is crucial for instilling stakeholder confidence on their potential application. These findings will enable improved planning for GDMMs in Africa as well as improved target product profiles for the technologies to maximize their potential for solving Africa's enduring malaria challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marceline F Finda
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, PO Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania.
| | - Elijah O Juma
- Pan-African Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA), Off Mbagathi Road, PO Box 44455-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Najat F Kahamba
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, PO Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Rhosheen S Mthawanji
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre 3, PO Box 30096, Chichiri, Malawi
| | - Maganga Sambo
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, PO Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Basiliana Emidi
- National Institute for Medical Research, PO Box 1462, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Susan Wiener
- Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, 11400 Rockville Pike, Suite 600, North Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
| | - David O'Brochta
- Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, 11400 Rockville Pike, Suite 600, North Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Michael Santos
- Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, 11400 Rockville Pike, Suite 600, North Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Stephanie James
- Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, 11400 Rockville Pike, Suite 600, North Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Fredros O Okumu
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, PO Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- School of Life Science and Bioengineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Smuts Avenue, Braamofontein, 2000, South Africa
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11
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Barbosa AL, Gois GC, Dos Santos VB, Pinto ATDM, de Castro Andrade BP, de Souza LB, Almeida E Sá FH, Virginio JF, Queiroz MAÁ. Effects of different diets on Aedes aegypti adults: improving rearing techniques for sterile insect technique. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 113:748-755. [PMID: 37743777 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485323000408] [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: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The aim was to evaluate the effect of different energy diets available in adulthood on the longevity, dispersal capacity and sexual performance of Aedes aegypti produced under a mass-rearing system. To evaluate the effects of diets in relation to the survival of the adult male insects of Ae. aegypti, six treatments were used: sucrose at a concentration of 10%, as a positive control (sack10); starvation, as a negative control (starvation); sucrose at a concentration of 20% associated with 1 g/l of ascorbic acid (sac20vitC); wild honey in a concentration of 10% (honey10); demerara sugar in a 10% concentration (demerara10); and sucrose at a concentration of 20% associated with 1 g/l of ascorbic acid and 0.5 g/l of amino acid proline (sac20vitCPr). Each treatment had 16 cages containing 50 adult males. For the tests of flight ability and propensity to copulation, five treatments were used (saca10; sac20vitC; mel10; demerara10; and sac20vitCPr), with males each for flight ability and females copulated by a single male for copulation propensity. The diet composed of sucrose at a concentration of 20% associated with ascorbic acid, as an antioxidant, improved the survival, flight ability and propensity to copulate in Ae. aegypti males under mass-rearing conditions, and may be useful to enhance the performance of sterile males, thus improving the success of sterile insect technique programmes.
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12
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Raban R, Marshall JM, Hay BA, Akbari OS. Manipulating the Destiny of Wild Populations Using CRISPR. Annu Rev Genet 2023; 57:361-390. [PMID: 37722684 PMCID: PMC11064769 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-031623-105059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Genetic biocontrol aims to suppress or modify populations of species to protect public health, agriculture, and biodiversity. Advancements in genome engineering technologies have fueled a surge in research in this field, with one gene editing technology, CRISPR, leading the charge. This review focuses on the current state of CRISPR technologies for genetic biocontrol of pests and highlights the progress and ongoing challenges of using these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Raban
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
| | - John M Marshall
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Bruce A Hay
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering (BBE), California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Omar S Akbari
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
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13
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Li M, Kandul NP, Sun R, Yang T, Benetta ED, Brogan DJ, Antoshechkin I, Sánchez C. HM, Zhan Y, DeBeaubien NA, Loh YM, Su MP, Montell C, Marshall JM, Akbari OS. Targeting Sex Determination to Suppress Mosquito Populations. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.18.537404. [PMID: 37131747 PMCID: PMC10153225 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.18.537404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Each year, hundreds of millions of people are infected with arboviruses such as dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika, which are all primarily spread by the notorious mosquito Aedes aegypti. Traditional control measures have proven insufficient, necessitating innovations. In response, here we generate a next generation CRISPR-based precision-guided sterile insect technique (pgSIT) for Aedes aegypti that disrupts genes essential for sex determination and fertility, producing predominantly sterile males that can be deployed at any life stage. Using mathematical models and empirical testing, we demonstrate that released pgSIT males can effectively compete with, suppress, and eliminate caged mosquito populations. This versatile species-specific platform has the potential for field deployment to effectively control wild populations of disease vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nikolay P. Kandul
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ruichen Sun
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ting Yang
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Elena D. Benetta
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Daniel J. Brogan
- 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, CA 91125, USA
| | - Héctor M. Sánchez C.
- Divisions of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Yinpeng Zhan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and the Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Nicolas A. DeBeaubien
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and the Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - YuMin M. Loh
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Matthew P. Su
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Craig Montell
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and the Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - John M. Marshall
- Divisions of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Omar S. Akbari
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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14
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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.
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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
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15
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Al-Obeidi WDM, Al-Rawi DF, Ali LH. Production of Single-Cell Oil from a Local Isolate Bacillus subtilis Using Palm Fronds. Int J Biomater 2023; 2023:8882842. [PMID: 37946858 PMCID: PMC10632059 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8882842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This study, conducted at the Department of Biology, University of Anbar, Iraq, focuses on addressing the escalating issue of contamination and aims to acquire microbial oils to alleviate the global shortage in plant and animal oil production, utilizing environmental waste as a carbon source to reduce global pollution and select efficient local bacterial isolates of Bacillus subtilis for the production of single-cell oil (SCO) using local soil and environmental waste as a carbon source. Four isolates were selected as the best in producing single-cell oil, with the isolate with code C4 standing out as it recorded the highest production. It is worth noting that all these isolates belong to the bacteria type Bacillus subtilis. Palm fronds were found to be the most suitable environmental residue for SCO production compared to other waste materials (wheat straw and wheat bran). Submerged cultures were used to improve SCO production, with optimal conditions determined as pH 7, a temperature of 30°C, carbon source concentration of 3 g/100 ml, inoculum volume of 3 ml/100 ml, inoculum density of 20 × 107 cells, and an incubation period of 72 hours. The Soxhlet extraction method was used to obtain the oil, which was found to contain high percentages of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid (46.030%) and palmitoleic acid (16.579%). The oil was highly soluble in chloroform and ethanol but insoluble in water. The saponification test indicated the potential for soap production from the oil. This comprehensive research addresses the need for locally sourced and sustainable SCO production, offering insights into the selection of efficient bacterial isolates, the optimization of cultivation conditions, and the valuable properties of the resulting SCO. The significance of this study lies in the production of single-cell oil from soil-isolated Bacillus subtilis bacteria for use in food applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dhafer F. Al-Rawi
- College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Anbar, Ramadi, Iraq
| | - Loay H. Ali
- College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Anbar, Ramadi, Iraq
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16
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Velez ID, Uribe A, Barajas J, Uribe S, Ángel S, Suaza-Vasco JD, Mejia Torres MC, Arbeláez MP, Santacruz-Sanmartin E, Duque L, Martínez L, Posada T, Patiño AC, Gonzalez SM, Velez AL, Ramírez J, Salazar M, Gómez S, Osorio JE, Iturbe-Ormaetxe I, Dong Y, Muzzi FC, Rances E, Johnson PH, Smithyman R, Col B, Green BR, Frossard T, Brown-Kenyon J, Joubert DA, Grisales N, Ritchie SA, Denton JA, Gilles JRL, Anders KL, Kutcher SC, Ryan PA, O’Neill SL. Large-scale releases and establishment of wMel Wolbachia in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes throughout the Cities of Bello, Medellín and Itagüí, Colombia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011642. [PMID: 38032856 PMCID: PMC10688688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The wMel strain of Wolbachia has been successfully introduced into Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and has been shown to reduce the transmission of dengue and other Aedes-borne viruses. Here we report the entomological results from phased, large-scale releases of Wolbachia infected Ae. aegypti mosquitoes throughout three contiguous cities located in the Aburrá Valley, Colombia. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Local wMel Wolbachia-infected Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were generated and then released in an initial release pilot area in 2015-2016, which resulted in the establishment of Wolbachia in the local mosquito populations. Subsequent large-scale releases, mainly involving vehicle-based releases of adult mosquitoes along publicly accessible roads and streets, were undertaken across 29 comunas throughout Bello, Medellín and Itagüí Colombia between 2017-2022. In 9 comunas these were supplemented by egg releases that were undertaken by staff or community members. By the most recent monitoring, Wolbachia was found to be stable and established at consistent levels in local mosquito populations (>60% prevalence) in the majority (67%) of areas. CONCLUSION These results, from the largest contiguous releases of wMel Wolbachia mosquitoes to date, highlight the operational feasibility of implementing the method in large urban settings. Based on results from previous studies, we expect that Wolbachia establishment will be sustained long term. Ongoing monitoring will confirm Wolbachia persistence in local mosquito populations and track its establishment in the remaining areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Darío Velez
- World Mosquito Program, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Alexander Uribe
- World Mosquito Program, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jovany Barajas
- World Mosquito Program, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Sandra Uribe
- World Mosquito Program, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Sandra Ángel
- World Mosquito Program, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | | | | | | | - Lorena Duque
- World Mosquito Program, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Luis Martínez
- World Mosquito Program, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Tania Posada
- World Mosquito Program, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | | | - Ana Lucía Velez
- World Mosquito Program, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jennifer Ramírez
- World Mosquito Program, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Marlene Salazar
- World Mosquito Program, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Sandra Gómez
- World Mosquito Program, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jorge E. Osorio
- World Mosquito Program, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | | | - Yi Dong
- World Mosquito Program, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | | | - Edwige Rances
- World Mosquito Program, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | | | - Ruth Smithyman
- World Mosquito Program, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Bruno Col
- World Mosquito Program, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | | | - Tibor Frossard
- World Mosquito Program, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | | | | | - Nelson Grisales
- World Mosquito Program, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | | | - Jai A. Denton
- World Mosquito Program, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Peter A. Ryan
- World Mosquito Program, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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17
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Campos RK, Rossi SL, Tesh RB, Weaver SC. Zoonotic mosquito-borne arboviruses: Spillover, spillback, and realistic mitigation strategies. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadj2166. [PMID: 37851824 PMCID: PMC10807030 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adj2166] [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] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Emerging zoonotic mosquito-borne viruses pose increasing health threats because of growing mosquito population, geographic expansions, and control challenges. We emphasize the need for global preparedness to effectively mitigate the health, societal, and economic impacts of spillover by these viruses through proactive measures of prediction, surveillance, prevention, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael K. Campos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Shannan L. Rossi
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, USA
| | - Robert B. Tesh
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, USA
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Scott C. Weaver
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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18
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Elliott K, Caicedo PA, Haunerland NH, Lowenberger C. Profiling lipidomic changes in dengue-resistant and dengue-susceptible strains of Colombian Aedes aegypti after dengue virus challenge. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011676. [PMID: 37847671 PMCID: PMC10581493 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011676] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The mosquito Aedes aegypti is the primary vector for all four serotypes of dengue viruses (DENV1-4), which infect millions across the globe each year. Traditional insecticide programs have been transiently effective at minimizing cases; however, insecticide resistance and habitat expansion have caused cases of DENV to surge over the last decade. There is an urgent need to develop novel vector control measures, but these are contingent on a detailed understanding of host-parasite interactions. Here, we have utilized lipidomics to survey the profiles of naturally DENV-resistant (Cali-MIB) or susceptible (Cali-S) populations of Ae. aegypti, isolated from Cali, Colombia, when fed on blood meals containing DENV. Control insects were fed on a DENV-free blood meal. Midguts were dissected from Cali-MIB and Cali-S females at three time points post-infectious blood meal, 18, 24 and 36h, to identify changes in the lipidome at key times associated with the entry, replication and exit of DENV from midgut cells. We used principal component analysis to visualize broad patterns in lipidomic profiles between the treatment groups, and significance analysis of microarray to determine lipids that were altered in response to viral challenge. These data can be used to identify molecules or metabolic pathways particular to the susceptible or refractory phenotypes, and possibly lead to the generation of stable, DENV-resistant strains of Ae. aegypti.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keenan Elliott
- Simon Fraser University, Department of Biological Sciences, C2D2 Research Group, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Paola A. Caicedo
- Universidad Icesi, Natural Science Faculty, Department of Biology, Cali, Colombia
| | - Norbert H. Haunerland
- Simon Fraser University, Department of Biological Sciences, C2D2 Research Group, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Carl Lowenberger
- Simon Fraser University, Department of Biological Sciences, C2D2 Research Group, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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19
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Mondal A, C. HMS, Marshall JM. MGDrivE 3: A decoupled vector-human framework for epidemiological simulation of mosquito genetic control tools and their surveillance. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.09.556958. [PMID: 37745458 PMCID: PMC10515759 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.09.556958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Novel mosquito genetic control tools, such as CRISPR-based gene drives, hold great promise in reducing the global burden of vector-borne diseases. As these technologies advance through the research and development pipeline, there is a growing need for modeling frameworks incorporating increasing levels of entomological and epidemiological detail in order to address questions regarding logistics and biosafety. Epidemiological predictions are becoming increasingly relevant to the development of target product profiles and the design of field trials and interventions, while entomological surveillance is becoming increasingly important to regulation and biosafety. We present MGDrivE 3 (Mosquito Gene Drive Explorer 3), a new version of a previously-developed framework, MGDrivE 2, that investigates the spatial population dynamics of mosquito genetic control systems and their epidemiological implications. The new framework incorporates three major developments: i) a decoupled sampling algorithm allowing the vector portion of the MGDrivE framework to be paired with a more detailed epidemiological framework, ii) a version of the Imperial College London malaria transmission model, which incorporates age structure, various forms of immunity, and human and vector interventions, and iii) a surveillance module that tracks mosquitoes captured by traps throughout the simulation. Example MGDrivE 3 simulations are presented demonstrating the application of the framework to a CRISPR-based homing gene drive linked to dual disease-refractory genes and their potential to interrupt local malaria transmission. Simulations are also presented demonstrating surveillance of such a system by a network of mosquito traps. MGDrivE 3 is freely available as an open-source R package on CRAN (https://cran.r-project.org/package=MGDrivE2) (version 2.1.0), and extensive examples and vignettes are provided. We intend the software to aid in understanding of human health impacts and biosafety of mosquito genetic control tools, and continue to iterate per feedback from the genetic control community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agastya Mondal
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Héctor M. Sánchez C.
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - John M. Marshall
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
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20
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Qureshi A, Connolly JB. Bioinformatic and literature assessment of toxicity and allergenicity of a CRISPR-Cas9 engineered gene drive to control Anopheles gambiae the mosquito vector of human malaria. Malar J 2023; 22:234. [PMID: 37580703 PMCID: PMC10426224 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04665-5] [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: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population suppression gene drive is currently being evaluated, including via environmental risk assessment (ERA), for malaria vector control. One such gene drive involves the dsxFCRISPRh transgene encoding (i) hCas9 endonuclease, (ii) T1 guide RNA (gRNA) targeting the doublesex locus, and (iii) DsRed fluorescent marker protein, in genetically-modified mosquitoes (GMMs). Problem formulation, the first stage of ERA, for environmental releases of dsxFCRISPRh previously identified nine potential harms to the environment or health that could occur, should expressed products of the transgene cause allergenicity or toxicity. METHODS Amino acid sequences of hCas9 and DsRed were interrogated against those of toxins or allergens from NCBI, UniProt, COMPARE and AllergenOnline bioinformatic databases and the gRNA was compared with microRNAs from the miRBase database for potential impacts on gene expression associated with toxicity or allergenicity. PubMed was also searched for any evidence of toxicity or allergenicity of Cas9 or DsRed, or of the donor organisms from which these products were originally derived. RESULTS While Cas9 nuclease activity can be toxic to some cell types in vitro and hCas9 was found to share homology with the prokaryotic toxin VapC, there was no evidence from previous studies of a risk of toxicity to humans and other animals from hCas9. Although hCas9 did contain an 8-mer epitope found in the latex allergen Hev b 9, the full amino acid sequence of hCas9 was not homologous to any known allergens. Combined with a lack of evidence in the literature of Cas9 allergenicity, this indicated negligible risk to humans of allergenicity from hCas9. No matches were found between the gRNA and microRNAs from either Anopheles or humans. Moreover, potential exposure to dsxFCRISPRh transgenic proteins from environmental releases was assessed as negligible. CONCLUSIONS Bioinformatic and literature assessments found no convincing evidence to suggest that transgenic products expressed from dsxFCRISPRh were allergens or toxins, indicating that environmental releases of this population suppression gene drive for malaria vector control should not result in any increased allergenicity or toxicity in humans or animals. These results should also inform evaluations of other GMMs being developed for vector control and in vivo clinical applications of CRISPR-Cas9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alima Qureshi
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Sunninghill, Ascot, UK
| | - John B Connolly
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Sunninghill, Ascot, UK.
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21
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Luo Y, Liu D, Wang Y, Zhang F, Xu Y, Pu Q, Zhao L, Wei T, Fan T, Lou Y, Liu S. Combined analysis of the proteome and metabolome provides insight into microRNA-1174 function in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:271. [PMID: 37559132 PMCID: PMC10413549 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05859-1] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathogenic viruses can be transmitted by female Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti) mosquitoes during blood-meal acquisition from vertebrates. Silencing of mosquito- and midgut-specific microRNA (miRNA) 1174 (miR-1174) impairs blood intake and increases mortality. Determining the identity of the proteins and metabolites that respond to miR-1174 depletion will increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of this miRNA in controlling blood-feeding and nutrient metabolism of mosquitoes. METHODS Antisense oligonucleotides (antagomirs [Ant]) Ant-1174 and Ant-Ct were injected into female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes at 12-20 h posteclosion, and depletion of miR-1174 was confirmed by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Ant-1174-injected and control mosquitoes were collected before the blood meal at 72 h post-injection for tandem mass tag-based proteomic analysis and liquid chromatography-tandom mass spectrometry non-target metabolomic analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins and metabolites, respectively. RNA interference (RNAi) using double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) injection was applied to investigate the biological roles of these differentially expressed genes. The RNAi effect was verified by RT-qPCR and western blotting assays. Triglyceride content and ATP levels were measured using the appropriate assay kits, following the manufacturers' instructions. Statistical analyses were conducted with GraphPad7 software using the Student's t-test. RESULTS Upon depletion of mosquito- and midgut-specific miR-1174, a total of 383 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified, among which 258 were upregulated and 125 were downregulated. Functional analysis of these DEPs using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment suggested that miR-1174 plays important regulatory roles in amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, fatty acid metabolism and sugar metabolism pathways. A total of 292 differential metabolites were identified, of which 141 were upregulated and 151 were downregulated. Integrative analysis showed that the associated differential proteins and metabolites were mainly enriched in a variety of metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, citrate cycle, oxidative phosphorylation and amino acid metabolism. Specifically, the gene of one upregulated protein in miR-1174-depleted mosquitoes, purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP; AAEL002269), was associated with the purine, pyrimidine and niacin-nicotinamide metabolism pathways. PNP knockdown seriously inhibited blood digestion and ovary development and increased adult mortality. Mechanically, PNP depletion led to a significant downregulation of the vitellogenin gene (Vg); in addition, some important genes in the ecdysone signaling and insulin-like peptide signaling pathways related to ovary development were affected. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates differential accumulation of proteins and metabolites in miR-1174-depleted Ae. aegypti mosquitoes using proteomic and metabolomic techniques. The results provide functional evidence for the role of the upregulated gene PNP in gut physiological activities. Our findings highlight key molecular changes in miR-1174-depleted Ae. aegypti mosquitoes and thus provide a basis and novel insights for increased understanding of the molecular mechanism involved in a lineage-specific miRNA in mosquito vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangrui Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400716, People's Republic of China
| | - Dun Liu
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400716, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400716, People's Republic of China
| | - Yankun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400716, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400716, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400716, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianqi Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400716, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400716, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqi Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400716, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400716, People's Republic of China.
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22
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Lu HZ, Sui Y, Lobo NF, Fouque F, Gao C, Lu S, Lv S, Deng SQ, Wang DQ. Challenge and opportunity for vector control strategies on key mosquito-borne diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1207293. [PMID: 37554733 PMCID: PMC10405932 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1207293] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases are major global health problems that threaten nearly half of the world's population. Conflicting resources and infrastructure required by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic have resulted in the vector control process being more demanding than ever. Although novel vector control paradigms may have been more applicable and efficacious in these challenging settings, there were virtually no reports of novel strategies being developed or implemented during COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted the implementation of conventional mosquito vector measures. Varying degrees of disruptions in malaria control and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spray (IRS) distributions worldwide from 2020 to 2021 were reported. Control measures such as mosquito net distribution and community education were significantly reduced in sub-Saharan countries. The COVID-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity for innovative vector control technologies currently being developed. Releasing sterile or lethal gene-carrying male mosquitoes and novel biopesticides may have advantages that are not matched by traditional vector measures in the current context. Here, we review the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on current vector control measures from 2020 to 2021 and discuss the future direction of vector control, taking into account probable evolving conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Zheng Lu
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology, the Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuan Sui
- Brown School, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Neil F. Lobo
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - Florence Fouque
- Research for Implementation Unit, The Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chen Gao
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shenning Lu
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, China
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
- National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan Lv
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, China
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
- National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng-Qun Deng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, the Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Duo-Quan Wang
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, China
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
- National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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23
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Matsufuji T, Seirin-Lee S. The optimal strategy of incompatible insect technique (IIT) using Wolbachia and the application to malaria control. J Theor Biol 2023; 569:111519. [PMID: 37254297 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2023.111519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
For decades, techniques to control vector population with low environmental impact have been widely explored in both field and theoretical studies. The incompatible insect technique (IIT) using Wolbachia, based on cytoplasmic incompatibility, is a technique that Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes are incapable of producing viable offspring after mating with wild-type female mosquitoes. While the IIT method experimentally ensured its effectiveness in several field works, the failure of female mosquito population control by replacement owing to the accidental contamination of Wolbachia-infected female mosquitoes has been a concern and an obstacle in implementing the IIT method in nature. In this study, we develop a population-based IIT mathematical model using cytoplasmic incompatibility and evaluate the effectiveness of the IIT method in scenarios where contamination is present or absent. In addition, by extending the model to assess the disease infection status of the human population with malaria, we evaluate the optimal release strategy and cost for successful disease control. Our study proves that IIT could be a promising method to control mosquito-borne diseases without perfect suppression of vector mosquito population regardless of contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiga Matsufuji
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-hiroshima 739-8530, Japan
| | - Sungrim Seirin-Lee
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology(ASHBi), Kyoto University Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8315, Japan; Department of Mathematical Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8315, Japan; JST CREST, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan.
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24
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Smidler AL, Apte RA, Pai JJ, Chow ML, Chen S, Mondal A, Sánchez C. HM, Antoshechkin I, Marshall JM, Akbari OS. Eliminating Malaria Vectors with Precision Guided Sterile Males. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.20.549947. [PMID: 37503146 PMCID: PMC10370176 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.20.549947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Controlling the principal African malaria vector, the mosquito Anopheles gambiae, is considered essential to curtail malaria transmission. However existing vector control technologies rely on insecticides, which are becoming increasingly ineffective. Sterile insect technique (SIT) is a powerful suppression approach that has successfully eradicated a number of insect pests, yet the A. gambiae toolkit lacks the requisite technologies for its implementation. SIT relies on iterative mass-releases of non-biting, non-driving, sterile males which seek out and mate with monandrous wild females. Once mated, females are permanently sterilized due to mating-induced refractoriness, which results in population suppression of the subsequent generation. However, sterilization by traditional methods renders males unfit, making the creation of precise genetic sterilization methods imperative. Here we develop precision guided Sterile Insect Technique (pgSIT) in the mosquito A. gambiae for inducible, programmed male-sterilization and female-elimination for wide scale use in SIT campaigns. Using a binary CRISPR strategy, we cross separate engineered Cas9 and gRNA strains to disrupt male-fertility and female-essential genes, yielding >99.5% male-sterility and >99.9% female-lethality in hybrid progeny. We demonstrate that these genetically sterilized males have good longevity, are able to induce population suppression in cage trials, and are predicted to eliminate wild A. gambiae populations using mathematical models, making them ideal candidates for release. This work provides a valuable addition to the malaria genetic biocontrol toolkit, for the first time enabling scalable SIT-like confinable suppression in the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L. Smidler
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Reema A. Apte
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - James J. Pai
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Martha L. Chow
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Sanle Chen
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Agastya Mondal
- Divisions of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Héctor M. Sánchez C.
- Divisions of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Igor Antoshechkin
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering (BBE), California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA91125, USA
| | - John M. Marshall
- Divisions of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Omar S. Akbari
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
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25
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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.
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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
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26
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Smidler AL, Pai JJ, Apte RA, Sánchez C. HM, Corder RM, Jeffrey Gutiérrez E, Thakre N, Antoshechkin I, Marshall JM, Akbari OS. A confinable female-lethal population suppression system in the malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade8903. [PMID: 37406109 PMCID: PMC10321730 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade8903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is among the world's deadliest diseases, predominantly affecting Sub-Saharan Africa and killing over half a million people annually. Controlling the principal vector, the mosquito Anopheles gambiae, as well as other anophelines, is among the most effective methods to control disease spread. Here, we develop a genetic population suppression system termed Ifegenia (inherited female elimination by genetically encoded nucleases to interrupt alleles) in this deadly vector. In this bicomponent CRISPR-based approach, we disrupt a female-essential gene, femaleless (fle), demonstrating complete genetic sexing via heritable daughter gynecide. Moreover, we demonstrate that Ifegenia males remain reproductively viable and can load both fle mutations and CRISPR machinery to induce fle mutations in subsequent generations, resulting in sustained population suppression. Through modeling, we demonstrate that iterative releases of nonbiting Ifegenia males can act as an effective, confinable, controllable, and safe population suppression and elimination system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L. Smidler
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - James J. Pai
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Reema A. Apte
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Héctor M. Sánchez C.
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Rodrigo M. Corder
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Eileen Jeffrey Gutiérrez
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Oxitec Ltd., Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Neha Thakre
- 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, CA 91125, USA
| | - John M. Marshall
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Omar S. Akbari
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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27
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Facchinelli L, Alsharif B, Jones JD, Matope A, Barbosa RMR, Ayres CFJ, McCall PJ. Mapping Aedes aegypti indoor resting behavior reveals a preference vulnerable to householder-led vector control. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad226. [PMID: 37497049 PMCID: PMC10368326 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Many mosquito vectors rest inside human habitations, a behavioral trait that is exploited for vector control by indoor residual spraying (IRS) of interior walls with insecticide. Although IRS and its refined version targeted IRS are very effective against Aedes aegypti, they are expensive and logistically challenging to deliver in densely populated urban areas where outbreaks of dengue and other arboviruses are the greatest challenge. In experiments in Recife, Brazil, we set out to quantify the indoor resting behavior of Ae. aegypti at a level beyond that previously reported. We found that significantly more Ae. aegypti males, unfed and fed females visited the base of walls (height 0-20 cm, corresponding to 12.3% of the total wall surface) more frequently than upper wall areas, with the difference more pronounced at higher temperatures. When the lowest 20 cm of the walls was treated with an appropriate insecticide and colored black, we recorded up to 85% cumulative mortality after 24-h exposure in the experimental room. The findings are significant because feasibly, householders could treat this small and accessible target zone manually, without the need for visits by costly IRS teams or equipment, reducing insecticide use and enabling communities to actively protect their own indoor environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bashir Alsharif
- Departamento de Entomologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fiocruz Pernambuco, 50.740-465 Recife (PE), Brazil
| | - Jeff D Jones
- Vector Biology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, L15QA, Liverpool, UK
| | - Agnes Matope
- Vector Biology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, L15QA, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rôsangela M R Barbosa
- Departamento de Entomologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fiocruz Pernambuco, 50.740-465 Recife (PE), Brazil
| | - Constância F J Ayres
- Departamento de Entomologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fiocruz Pernambuco, 50.740-465 Recife (PE), Brazil
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28
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Sánchez C. HM, Smith DL, Marshall JM. MGSurvE: A framework to optimize trap placement for genetic surveillance of mosquito population. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.26.546301. [PMID: 37425729 PMCID: PMC10327167 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.26.546301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Genetic surveillance of mosquito populations is becoming increasingly relevant as genetics-based mosquito control strategies advance from laboratory to field testing. Especially applicable are mosquito gene drive projects, the potential scale of which leads monitoring to be a significant cost driver. For these projects, monitoring will be required to detect unintended spread of gene drive mosquitoes beyond field sites, and the emergence of alternative alleles, such as drive-resistant alleles or non-functional effector genes, within intervention sites. This entails the need to distribute mosquito traps efficiently such that an allele of interest is detected as quickly as possible - ideally when remediation is still viable. Additionally, insecticide-based tools such as bednets are compromised by insecticide-resistance alleles for which there is also a need to detect as quickly as possible. To this end, we present MGSurvE (Mosquito Gene SurveillancE): a computational framework that optimizes trap placement for genetic surveillance of mosquito populations such that the time to detection of an allele of interest is minimized. A key strength of MGSurvE is that it allows important biological features of mosquitoes and the landscapes they inhabit to be accounted for, namely: i) resources required by mosquitoes (e.g., food sources and aquatic breeding sites) can be explicitly distributed through a landscape, ii) movement of mosquitoes may depend on their sex, the current state of their gonotrophic cycle (if female) and resource attractiveness, and iii) traps may differ in their attractiveness profile. Example MGSurvE analyses are presented to demonstrate optimal trap placement for: i) an Aedes aegypti population in a suburban landscape in Queensland, Australia, and ii) an Anopheles gambiae population on the island of São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe. Further documentation and use examples are provided in project's documentation. MGSurvE is freely available as an open-source Python package on pypi (https://pypi.org/project/MGSurvE/). It is intended as a resource for both field and computational researchers interested in mosquito gene surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor M. Sánchez C.
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - David L. Smith
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - John M. Marshall
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
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29
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Lutrat C, Burckbuchler M, Olmo RP, Beugnon R, Fontaine A, Akbari OS, Argilés-Herrero R, Baldet T, Bouyer J, Marois E. Combining two genetic sexing strains allows sorting of non-transgenic males for Aedes genetic control. Commun Biol 2023; 6:646. [PMID: 37328568 PMCID: PMC10275924 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05030-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical control of disease vectoring mosquitoes Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti is costly, unsustainable, and increasingly ineffective due to the spread of insecticide resistance. The Sterile Insect Technique is a valuable alternative but is limited by slow, error-prone, and wasteful sex-separation methods. Here, we present four Genetic Sexing Strains (two for each Aedes species) based on fluorescence markers linked to the m and M sex loci, allowing for the isolation of transgenic males. Furthermore, we demonstrate how combining these sexing strains enables the production of non-transgenic males. In a mass-rearing facility, 100,000 first instar male larvae could be sorted in under 1.5 h with an estimated 0.01-0.1% female contamination on a single machine. Cost-efficiency analyses revealed that using these strains could result in important savings while setting up and running a mass-rearing facility. Altogether, these Genetic Sexing Strains should enable a major upscaling in control programmes against these important vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Lutrat
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-34398, Montpellier, France.
- ASTRE, CIRAD, INRA, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
- Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
- CNRS UPR9022, INSERM U1257, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
| | | | | | - Rémy Beugnon
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstrasse 4, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Puschstrasse 4, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Albin Fontaine
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et maladies infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), Marseille, France
| | - Omar S Akbari
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA
| | | | - Thierry Baldet
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-34398, Montpellier, France
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, Sainte-Clotilde, F-97490, Reunion, France
| | - Jérémy Bouyer
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-34398, Montpellier, France
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, Saint-Pierre, F-97410, Reunion, France
- Insect Pest Control Sub-Programme, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vienna, Austria
| | - Eric Marois
- CNRS UPR9022, INSERM U1257, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
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Webb EM, Compton A, Rai P, Chuong C, Paulson SL, Tu Z, Weger-Lucarelli J. Expression of anti-chikungunya single-domain antibodies in transgenic Aedes aegypti reduces vector competence for chikungunya virus and Mayaro virus. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1189176. [PMID: 37378291 PMCID: PMC10291133 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1189176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Mayaro virus (MAYV) are closely related alphaviruses that cause acute febrile illness accompanied by an incapacitating polyarthralgia that can persist for years following initial infection. In conjunction with sporadic outbreaks throughout the sub-tropical regions of the Americas, increased global travel to CHIKV- and MAYV-endemic areas has resulted in imported cases of MAYV, as well as imported cases and autochthonous transmission of CHIKV, within the United States and Europe. With increasing prevalence of CHIKV worldwide and MAYV throughout the Americas within the last decade, a heavy focus has been placed on control and prevention programs. To date, the most effective means of controlling the spread of these viruses is through mosquito control programs. However, current programs have limitations in their effectiveness; therefore, novel approaches are necessary to control the spread of these crippling pathogens and lessen their disease burden. We have previously identified and characterized an anti-CHIKV single-domain antibody (sdAb) that potently neutralizes several alphaviruses including Ross River virus and Mayaro virus. Given the close antigenic relationship between MAYV and CHIKV, we formulated a single defense strategy to combat both emerging arboviruses: we generated transgenic Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that express two camelid-derived anti-CHIKV sdAbs. Following an infectious bloodmeal, we observed significant reduction in CHIKV and MAYV replication and transmission potential in sdAb-expressing transgenic compared to wild-type mosquitoes; thus, this strategy provides a novel approach to controlling and preventing outbreaks of these pathogens that reduce quality of life throughout the tropical regions of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Webb
- Department of Entomology, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Austin Compton
- Department of Biochemistry, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Pallavi Rai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Christina Chuong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Sally L. Paulson
- Department of Entomology, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Zhijian Tu
- Department of Biochemistry, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - James Weger-Lucarelli
- Department of Entomology, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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de Castro Poncio L, Apolinário dos Anjos F, de Oliveira DA, de Oliveira da Rosa A, Piraccini Silva B, Rebechi D, Pedrosa JM, da Costa Franciscato DA, de Souza C, Paldi N. Prevention of a dengue outbreak via the large-scale deployment of Sterile Insect Technology in a Brazilian city: a prospective study. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2023; 21:100498. [PMID: 37187486 PMCID: PMC10176055 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2023.100498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Dengue is a global problem that seems to be worsening, as hyper-urbanization associated with climate change has led to a significant increase in the abundance and geographical spread of its principal vector, the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Currently available solutions have not been able to stop the spread of dengue which shows the urgent need to implement alternative technologies as practical solutions. In a previous pilot trial, we demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the method 'Natural Vector Control' (NVC) in suppressing the Ae. aegypti vector population and in blocking the occurrence of an outbreak of dengue in the treated areas. Here, we expand the use of the NVC program in a large-scale 20 months intervention period in an entire city in southern Brazil. Methods Sterile male mosquitoes were produced from locally sourced Ae. aegypti mosquitoes by using a treatment that includes double-stranded RNA and thiotepa. Weekly massive releases of sterile male mosquitoes were performed in predefined areas of Ortigueira city from November 2020 to July 2022. Mosquito monitoring was performed by using ovitraps during the entire intervention period. Dengue incidence data was obtained from the Brazilian National Disease Surveillance System. Findings During the two epidemiological seasons, the intervention in Ortigueira resulted in up to 98.7% suppression of live progeny of field Ae. aegypti mosquitoes recorded over time. More importantly, when comparing the 2020 and 2022 dengue outbreaks that occurred in the region, the post-intervention dengue incidence in Ortigueira was 97% lower compared to the control cities. Interpretation The NVC method was confirmed to be a safe and efficient way to suppress Ae. aegypti field populations and prevent the occurrence of a dengue outbreak. Importantly, it has been shown to be applicable in large-scale, real-world conditions. Funding This study was funded by Klabin S/A and Forrest Innovations Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Débora Rebechi
- Forrest Brasil Tecnologia Ltda, São José dos Pinhais, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Nitzan Paldi
- Forrest Innovations Ltd, Rehovot, Israel
- Corresponding author. Forrest Innovations Ltd, 13 Gad Feinstein Street, Rehovot, Israel.
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Engdahl CS, Caragata EP, Tavadia M, Dimopoulos G. Chromobacterium Biopesticide Exposure Does Not Select for Resistance in Aedes Mosquitoes. mBio 2023; 14:e0048023. [PMID: 37017525 PMCID: PMC10127667 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00480-23] [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: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing effective tools to control mosquito populations is essential for reducing the incidence of diseases like malaria and dengue. Biopesticides of microbial origin are a rich, underexplored source of mosquitocidal compounds. We previously developed a biopesticide from the bacterium Chromobacterium sp. Panama that rapidly kills vector mosquito larvae, including Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae. Here, we demonstrate that two independent Ae. aegypti colonies exposed to a sublethal dose of that biopesticide over consecutive generations persistently exhibited high mortality and developmental delays, indicating that resistance did not develop during the study period. Critically, the descendants of biopesticide-exposed mosquitoes experienced decreased longevity and did not display increased susceptibility to dengue virus or decreased susceptibility to common chemical insecticides. Through RNA sequencing, we observed no link between biopesticide exposure and the increased activity of xenobiotic metabolism and detoxification genes typically associated with insecticide resistance. These findings indicate that the Chromobacterium biopesticide is an exciting, emerging mosquito control tool. IMPORTANCE Vector control is an essential part of mitigating diseases caused by pathogens that mosquitoes spread. Modern vector control is highly reliant on using synthetic insecticides to eliminate mosquito populations before they can cause disease. However, many of these populations have become resistant to commonly used insecticides. There is a strong need to explore alternative vector control strategies that aim to mitigate disease burden. Biopesticides, insecticides of biological origin, can have unique mosquitocidal activities, meaning they can effectively kill mosquitoes that are already resistant to other insecticides. We previously developed a highly effective mosquito biopesticide from the bacterium Chromobacterium sp. Csp_P. Here, we investigate whether exposure to a sublethal dose of this Csp_P biopesticide over 9 to 10 generations causes resistance to arise in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. We find no evidence of resistance at the physiological or molecular levels, confirming that the Csp_P biopesticide is a highly promising new tool for controlling mosquito populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Springer Engdahl
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Eric P. Caragata
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Entomology & Nematology, Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, Florida, USA
| | - Mihra Tavadia
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Akbari O, Li M, Kandul N, Sun R, Yang T, Dalla Benetta E, Brogan D, Antoshechkin I, Sánchez C H, Zhan YP, DeBeaubien N, Loh Y, Su M, Montell C, Marshall J. Targeting Sex Determination to Suppress Mosquito Populations. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2834069. [PMID: 37162925 PMCID: PMC10168471 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2834069/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Each year, hundreds of millions of people are infected with arboviruses such as dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika, which are all primarily spread by the notorious mosquito Aedes aegypti. Traditional control measures have proven insuficient, necessitating innovations. In response, here we generate a next generation CRISPR-based precision-guided sterile insect technique (pgSIT) for Aedes aegypti that disrupts genes essential for sex determination and fertility, producing predominantly sterile males that can be deployed at any life stage. Using mathematical models and empirical testing, we demonstrate that released pgSIT males can effectively compete with, suppress, and eliminate caged mosquito populations. This versatile species-specific platform has the potential for field deployment to control wild populations, safely curtailing disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Akbari
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California
| | - Ming Li
- University of California, San Diego
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Héctor Sánchez C
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley
| | - Yin Peng Zhan
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
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van der Bijl W, Mank JE. Sexual selection: Changing the definition of the fittest. Curr Biol 2023; 33:R277-R279. [PMID: 37040712 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.02.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Sexual selection has long been known to produce rapid evolution of spectacular traits. A new study reveals how sexual selection can also rapidly reshape the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter van der Bijl
- Department of Zoology and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Judith E Mank
- Department of Zoology and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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James S, Santos M. The Promise and Challenge of Genetic Biocontrol Approaches for Malaria Elimination. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:201. [PMID: 37104327 PMCID: PMC10140850 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8040201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains an ongoing public health challenge, with over 600,000 deaths in 2021, of which approximately 96% occurred in Africa. Despite concerted efforts, the goal of global malaria elimination has stalled in recent years. This has resulted in widespread calls for new control methods. Genetic biocontrol approaches, including those focused on gene-drive-modified mosquitoes (GDMMs), aim to prevent malaria transmission by either reducing the population size of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes or making the mosquitoes less competent to transmit the malaria parasite. The development of both strategies has advanced considerably in recent years, with successful field trials of several biocontrol methods employing live mosquito products and demonstration of the efficacy of GDMMs in insectary-based studies. Live mosquito biocontrol products aim to achieve area-wide control with characteristics that differ substantially from current insecticide-based vector control methods, resulting in some different considerations for approval and implementation. The successful field application of current biocontrol technologies against other pests provides evidence for the promise of these approaches and insights into the development pathway for new malaria control agents. The status of technical development as well as current thinking on the implementation requirements for genetic biocontrol approaches are reviewed, and remaining challenges for public health application in malaria prevention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie James
- Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, North Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
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Allman MJ, Lin YH, Joubert DA, Addley-Cook J, Mejía-Torres MC, Simmons CP, Flores HA, Fraser JE. Enhancing the scalability of Wolbachia-based vector-borne disease management: time and temperature limits for storage and transport of Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti eggs for field releases. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:108. [PMID: 36934294 PMCID: PMC10024388 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05724-1] [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: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Introgression of the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia into Aedes aegypti populations is a biocontrol approach being used to reduce arbovirus transmission. This requires mass release of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes. While releases have been conducted using a variety of techniques, egg releases, using water-soluble capsules containing mosquito eggs and larval food, offer an attractive method due to its potential to reduce onsite resource requirements. However, optimisation of this approach is required to ensure there is no detrimental impact on mosquito fitness and to promote successful Wolbachia introgression. METHODS We determined the impact of storage time and temperature on wild-type (WT) and Wolbachia-infected (wMel or wAlbB strains) Ae. aegypti eggs. Eggs were stored inside capsules over 8 weeks at 18 °C or 22 °C and hatch rate, emergence rate and Wolbachia density were determined. We next examined egg quality and Wolbachia density after exposing eggs to 4-40 °C to determine how eggs may be impacted if exposed to extreme temperatures during shipment. RESULTS Encapsulating eggs for 8 weeks did not negatively impact egg viability or resulting adult emergence and Wolbachia density compared to controls. When eggs were exposed to temperatures within 4-36 °C for 48 h, their viability and resulting adult Wolbachia density were maintained; however, both were significantly reduced when exposed to 40 °C. CONCLUSIONS We describe the time and temperature limits for maintaining viability of Wolbachia-infected Ae. aegypti eggs when encapsulated or exposed to extreme temperatures. These findings could improve the efficiency of mass releases by providing transport and storage constraints to ensure only high-quality material is utilised during field releases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan J. Allman
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Institute of Vector-borne Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800 Australia
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Ya-Hsun Lin
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857World Mosquito Program, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - D. Albert Joubert
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857World Mosquito Program, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Jessica Addley-Cook
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857World Mosquito Program, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Maria Camila Mejía-Torres
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857World Mosquito Program, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Cameron P. Simmons
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Institute of Vector-borne Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800 Australia
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857World Mosquito Program, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Heather A. Flores
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Institute of Vector-borne Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800 Australia
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Johanna E. Fraser
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Institute of Vector-borne Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800 Australia
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800 Australia
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Regulatory and policy considerations for the implementation of gene drive-modified mosquitoes to prevent malaria transmission. Transgenic Res 2023; 32:17-32. [PMID: 36920721 PMCID: PMC10102045 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-023-00335-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Gene drive-modified mosquitoes (GDMMs) are being developed as possible new tools to prevent transmission of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. To date no GDMMs have yet undergone field testing. This early stage is an opportune time for developers, supporters, and possible users to begin to consider the potential regulatory requirements for eventual implementation of these technologies in national or regional public health programs, especially as some of the practical implications of these requirements may take considerable planning, time and coordination to address. Several currently unresolved regulatory questions pertinent to the implementation of GDMMs are examined, including: how the product will be defined; what the registration/approval process will be for placing new GDMM products on the market; how the potential for transboundary movement of GDMMs can be addressed; and what role might be played by existing multinational bodies and agreements in authorization decisions. Regulation and policies applied for registration of other genetically modified organisms or other living mosquito products are assessed for relevance to the use case of GDMMs to prevent malaria in Africa. Multiple national authorities are likely to be involved in decision-making, according to existing laws in place within each country for certain product classes. Requirements under the Cartagena Protocol on Biodiversity will be considered relevant in most countries, as may existing regulatory frameworks for conventional pesticide, medical, and biocontrol products. Experience suggests that standard regulatory processes, evidence requirements, and liability laws differ from country to country. Regional mechanisms will be useful to address some of the important challenges.
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Chen C, Aldridge RL, Gibson S, Kline J, Aryaprema V, Qualls W, Xue RD, Boardman L, Linthicum KJ, Hahn DA. Developing the radiation-based sterile insect technique (SIT) for controlling Aedes aegypti: identification of a sterilizing dose. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:1175-1183. [PMID: 36424673 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sterile insect technique (SIT) is emerging as a tool to supplement traditional pesticide-based control of Aedes aegypti, a prominent mosquito vector of microbes that has increased the global burden of human morbidity and mortality over the past 50 years. SIT relies on rearing, sterilizing and releasing large numbers of male mosquitoes that will mate with fertile wild females, thus reducing production of offspring from the target population. In this study, we investigated the effects of ionizing radiation (gamma) on male and female survival, longevity, mating behavior, and sterility of Ae. aegypti in a dose-response design. This work is a first step towards developing an operational SIT field suppression program against Ae. aegypti in St. Augustine, Florida, USA. RESULTS Exposing late-stage pupae to 50 Gy of radiation yielded 99% male sterility while maintaining similar survival of pupae to adult emergence, adult longevity and male mating competitiveness compared to unirradiated males. Females were completely sterilized at 30 Gy, and when females were dosed with 50 Gy, they had a lower incidence of blood-feeding than unirradiated females. CONCLUSION Our work suggests that an ionizing radiation dose of 50 Gy should be used for future development of operational SIT in our program area because at this dose males are 99% sterile while maintaining mating competitiveness against unirradiated males. Furthermore, females that might be accidentally released with sterile males as a result of errors in sex sorting also are sterile and less likely to blood-feed than unirradiated females at our 50 Gy dose. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Chen
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Robert L Aldridge
- US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service Center for Medical, Agricultural, & Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Seth Gibson
- US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service Center for Medical, Agricultural, & Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jedidiah Kline
- US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service Center for Medical, Agricultural, & Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Whitney Qualls
- Anastasia Mosquito Control District, St. Augustine, Florida, USA
| | - Rui-de Xue
- Anastasia Mosquito Control District, St. Augustine, Florida, USA
| | - Leigh Boardman
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences & Center for Biodiversity Research, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kenneth J Linthicum
- US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service Center for Medical, Agricultural, & Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Daniel A Hahn
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Giunti G, Becker N, Benelli G. Invasive mosquito vectors in Europe: From bioecology to surveillance and management. Acta Trop 2023; 239:106832. [PMID: 36642256 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Invasive mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) play a key role in the spread of a number of mosquito-borne diseases worldwide. Anthropogenic changes play a significant role in affecting their distribution. Invasive mosquitoes usually take advantage from biotic homogenization and biodiversity reduction, therefore expanding in their distribution range and abundance. In Europe, climate warming and increasing urbanization are boosting the spread of several mosquito species of high public health importance. The present article contains a literature review focused on the biology and ecology of Aedes albopictus, Ae. aegypti, Ae. japonicus japonicus, Ae. koreicus, Ae. atropalpus and Ae. triseriatus, outlining their distribution and public health relevance in Europe. Bioecology insights were tightly connected with vector surveillance and control programs targeting these species. In the final section, a research agenda aiming for the effective and sustainable monitoring and control of invasive mosquitoes in the framework of Integrated Vector Management and One Health is presented. The WHO Vector Control Advisory Group recommends priority should be given to vector control tools with proven epidemiological impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Giunti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, SA 84084, Italy
| | - Norbert Becker
- Faculty of Biosciences, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, Heidelberg 69120, Germany; Institute of Dipterology (IfD), Georg-Peter-Süß-Str. 3, Speyer 67346, Germany; IcyBac-Biologische Stechmückenbekämpfung GmbH (ICYBAC), Georg-Peter-Süß-Str. 1, Speyer 67346, Germany
| | - Giovanni Benelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, Pisa 56124, Italy.
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da Silva EB, de Mendonça CM, Guedes DRD, Paiva MHS, Mendonça JDA, Dias ESF, Florêncio SGL, Amaral A, Netto AM, Lopes CFJA, de Melo-Santos MAV. Effects of gamma radiation on the vector competence of Aedes aegypti (diptera: Culicidae) to transmit Zika virus. Acta Trop 2023; 239:106831. [PMID: 36640923 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
One of the limitations of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), conventionally performed by ionizing radiation, regards separating males from females, which is not 100% effective. Some irradiated females may be released together with males in the field at SIT. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of ionizing radiation on the ability of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to transmit the Zika virus after exposing female pupae to a 40 Gy of gamma radiation. The results suggest that the genetic damage induced by exposure of females to this dose level promotes their total sterility, but it does not influence their vector competence. However, our data point out that ionizing radiation may decrease the proportion of infective mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edvane Borges da Silva
- Centro Acadêmico de Vitória (CAV), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Vitoria de Santo Antão, Pernambuco, Brazil; Group of Studies in Radioprotection and Radioecology (GERAR), Department of Nuclear Energy (DEN), Postgraduate Programme in Energy and Nuclear Technologies (PROTEN), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Messias de Mendonça
- Centro Acadêmico de Vitória (CAV), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Vitoria de Santo Antão, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Henrique Santos Paiva
- Department of Entomology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute/Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IAM/Fiocruz), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Centro Acadêmico do Agreste (CAA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Caruaru, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Jaziela de Arruda Mendonça
- Department of Entomology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute/Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IAM/Fiocruz), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - Sloana Giesta Lemos Florêncio
- Group of Studies in Radioprotection and Radioecology (GERAR), Department of Nuclear Energy (DEN), Postgraduate Programme in Energy and Nuclear Technologies (PROTEN), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Ademir Amaral
- Group of Studies in Radioprotection and Radioecology (GERAR), Department of Nuclear Energy (DEN), Postgraduate Programme in Energy and Nuclear Technologies (PROTEN), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - André Maciel Netto
- Group of Studies in Radioprotection and Radioecology (GERAR), Department of Nuclear Energy (DEN), Postgraduate Programme in Energy and Nuclear Technologies (PROTEN), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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41
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Facchinelli L, Badolo A, McCall PJ. Biology and Behaviour of Aedes aegypti in the Human Environment: Opportunities for Vector Control of Arbovirus Transmission. Viruses 2023; 15:636. [PMID: 36992346 PMCID: PMC10053764 DOI: 10.3390/v15030636] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti is a ubiquitous vector of arboviruses mostly in urbanised areas throughout the tropics and subtropics and a growing threat beyond. Control of Ae. aegypti is difficult and costly, and no vaccines are available for most of the viruses it transmits. With practical control solutions our goal, ideally suitable for delivery by householders in affected communities, we reviewed the literature on adult Ae. aegypti biology and behaviour, within and close to the human home, the arena where such interventions must impact. We found that knowledge was vague or important details were missing for multiple events or activities in the mosquito life cycle, such as the duration or location of the many periods when females rest between blood feeding and oviposition. The existing body of literature, though substantial, is not wholly reliable, and evidence for commonly held "facts" range from untraceable to extensive. Source references of some basic information are poor or date back more than 60 years, while other information that today is accepted widely as "fact" is not supported by evidence in the literature. Many topics, e.g., sugar feeding, resting preferences (location and duration), and blood feeding, merit being revisited in new geographical regions and ecological contexts to identify vulnerabilities for exploitation in control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Facchinelli
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Athanase Badolo
- Laboratoire d’Entomologie Fondamentale et Appliquée, Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou 03 BP 7021, Burkina Faso
| | - Philip J. McCall
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
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42
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Patil AA, Klobasa W, Espinoza-Rivera D, Baars O, Lorenzen MD, Scott MJ. Development of transgenic corn planthopper Peregrinus maidis that express the tetracycline transactivator. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 36825366 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The corn planthopper, Peregrinus maidis, is a vector of several maize viruses and is consequently a significant agricultural pest in many tropical and subtropical regions. As P. maidis has developed resistance to insecticides, the aim of this study was to develop transgenic P. maidis strains that could be used for future genetic biocontrol programs. To facilitate the identification of transgenic P. maidis, we isolated and characterized the promoters for the P. maidis ubiquitin-like and profilin genes. Transient expression assays with P. maidis embryos showed that both promoters were active. Transgenic lines were established using piggyBac vectors and fluorescent protein marker genes. The lines carried an auto-regulated tetracycline transactivator (tTA) gene, which has been widely used to establish conditional lethal strains in other insect species. The transgenic lines showed low levels of tTA expression but were viable on diet with or without doxycycline, which inhibits the binding of tTA to DNA. We discuss possible modifications to the tTA overexpression system that could lead to the successful development of conditional lethal strains. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a transgenic Hemiptera. The approach we have taken could potentially be applied to other Hemiptera and, for P. maidis, the technology will facilitate future functional genomics studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anandrao A Patil
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - William Klobasa
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dina Espinoza-Rivera
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Oliver Baars
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Marcé D Lorenzen
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Maxwell J Scott
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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43
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Gene drive in species complexes: defining target organisms. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:154-164. [PMID: 35868886 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Engineered gene drives, which bias their own inheritance to increase in frequency in target populations, are being developed to control mosquito malaria vectors. Such mosquitoes can belong to complexes of both vector and nonvector species that can produce fertile interspecific hybrids, making vertical gene drive transfer (VGDT) to sibling species biologically plausible. While VGDT to other vectors could positively impact human health protection goals, VGDT to nonvectors might challenge biodiversity ones. Therefore, environmental risk assessment of gene drive use in species complexes invites more nuanced considerations of target organisms and nontarget organisms than for transgenes not intended to increase in frequency in target populations. Incorporating the concept of target species complexes offers more flexibility when assessing potential impacts from VGDT.
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44
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Pinch M, Bendzus-Mendoza H, Hansen IA. Transcriptomics analysis of ethanol treatment of male Aedes aegypti reveals a small set of putative radioprotective genes. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1120408. [PMID: 36793417 PMCID: PMC9922702 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1120408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is based on releasing sterilized male insects into wild insect populations to compete for mating with wild females. Wild females mated with sterile males will produce inviable eggs, leading to a decline in population of that insect species. Sterilization with ionizing radiation (x-rays) is a commonly used mechanism for sterilization of males. Since irradiation can cause damage to both, somatic and germ cells, and can severely reduce the competitiveness of sterilized males relative to wild males, means to minimize the detrimental effects of radiation are required to produce sterile, competitive males for release. In an earlier study, we identified ethanol as a functional radioprotector in mosquitoes. Methods: Here, we used Illumina RNA-seq to profile changes in gene expression of male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes fed on 5% ethanol for 48 hours prior to receiving a sterilizing x-ray dose, compared to males fed on water prior to sterilization. Results: RNA-seq revealed a robust activation of DNA repair genes in both ethanol-fed and water-fed males after irradiation, but surprisingly few differences in gene expression between ethanol-fed and water-fed males regardless of radiation treatment. Discussion: While differences in gene expression due to ethanol exposure were minimal, we identified a small group of genes that may prime ethanol-fed mosquitoes for improved survivability in response to sterilizing radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Pinch
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - Harley Bendzus-Mendoza
- Department of Computer Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - Immo A. Hansen
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
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45
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Ogunlade ST, Meehan MT, Adekunle AI, McBryde ES. A Systematic Review of Mathematical Models of Dengue Transmission and Vector Control: 2010-2020. Viruses 2023; 15:254. [PMID: 36680294 PMCID: PMC9862433 DOI: 10.3390/v15010254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Vector control methods are considered effective in averting dengue transmission. However, several factors may modify their impact. Of these controls, chemical methods, in the long run, may increase mosquitoes' resistance to chemicides, thereby decreasing control efficacy. The biological methods, which may be self-sustaining and very effective, could be hampered by seasonality or heatwaves (resulting in, e.g., loss of Wolbachia infection). The environmental methods that could be more effective than the chemical methods are under-investigated. In this study, a systematic review is conducted to explore the present understanding of the effectiveness of vector control approaches via dengue transmission models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samson T. Ogunlade
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - Michael T. Meehan
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - Adeshina I. Adekunle
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
- Defence Science and Technology Group, Department of Defence, Melbourne 3207, Australia
| | - Emma S. McBryde
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
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46
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The size of larval rearing container modulates the effects of diet amount and larval density on larval development in Aedes aegypti. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280736. [PMID: 36696416 PMCID: PMC9876358 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mass-rearing of mosquitoes under laboratory conditions is an important part of several new control techniques that rely on the release of males to control mosquito populations. While previous work has investigated the effect of larval density and diet amount on colony productivity, the role of the size of the container in which larval development takes place has been relatively ignored. We investigated the role of container size in shaping life history and how this varied with density and food availability in Aedes aegypti, an important disease vector and target of mass-rearing operations. For each treatment combination, immature development time and survival and adult body size and fecundity were measured, and then combined into a measure of productivity. We additionally investigated how larval aggregation behaviour varied with container size. Container size had important effects on life history traits and overall productivity. In particular, increasing container size intensified density and diet effects on immature development time. Productivity was also impacted by container size when larvae were reared at high densities (1.4 larva/ml). In these treatments, the productivity metric of large containers was estimated to be significantly lower than medium or small containers. Regardless of container size, larvae were more likely to be observed at the outer edges of containers, even when this led to extremely high localized densities. We discuss how container size and larval aggregation responses may alter the balance of energy input and output to shape development and productivity.
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47
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Wong ML, Zulzahrin Z, Vythilingam I, Lau YL, Sam IC, Fong MY, Lee WC. Perspectives of vector management in the control and elimination of vector-borne zoonoses. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1135977. [PMID: 37025644 PMCID: PMC10070879 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1135977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The complex transmission profiles of vector-borne zoonoses (VZB) and vector-borne infections with animal reservoirs (VBIAR) complicate efforts to break the transmission circuit of these infections. To control and eliminate VZB and VBIAR, insecticide application may not be conducted easily in all circumstances, particularly for infections with sylvatic transmission cycle. As a result, alternative approaches have been considered in the vector management against these infections. In this review, we highlighted differences among the environmental, chemical, and biological control approaches in vector management, from the perspectives of VZB and VBIAR. Concerns and knowledge gaps pertaining to the available control approaches were discussed to better understand the prospects of integrating these vector control approaches to synergistically break the transmission of VZB and VBIAR in humans, in line with the integrated vector management (IVM) developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2004.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li Wong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zulhisham Zulzahrin
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Indra Vythilingam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yee Ling Lau
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - I-Ching Sam
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mun Yik Fong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wenn-Chyau Lee
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A*STAR ID Labs), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Wenn-Chyau Lee,
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48
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Ghosh D, Kokane S, Savita BK, Kumar P, Sharma AK, Ozcan A, Kokane A, Santra S. Huanglongbing Pandemic: Current Challenges and Emerging Management Strategies. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:plants12010160. [PMID: 36616289 PMCID: PMC9824665 DOI: 10.3390/plants12010160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Huanglongbing (HLB, aka citrus greening), one of the most devastating diseases of citrus, has wreaked havoc on the global citrus industry in recent decades. The culprit behind such a gloomy scenario is the phloem-limited bacteria "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus" (CLas), which are transmitted via psyllid. To date, there are no effective long-termcommercialized control measures for HLB, making it increasingly difficult to prevent the disease spread. To combat HLB effectively, introduction of multipronged management strategies towards controlling CLas population within the phloem system is deemed necessary. This article presents a comprehensive review of up-to-date scientific information about HLB, including currently available management practices and unprecedented challenges associated with the disease control. Additionally, a triangular disease management approach has been introduced targeting pathogen, host, and vector. Pathogen-targeting approaches include (i) inhibition of important proteins of CLas, (ii) use of the most efficient antimicrobial or immunity-inducing compounds to suppress the growth of CLas, and (iii) use of tools to suppress or kill the CLas. Approaches for targeting the host include (i) improvement of the host immune system, (ii) effective use of transgenic variety to build the host's resistance against CLas, and (iii) induction of systemic acquired resistance. Strategies for targeting the vector include (i) chemical and biological control and (ii) eradication of HLB-affected trees. Finally, a hypothetical model for integrated disease management has been discussed to mitigate the HLB pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilip Ghosh
- Plant Virology Laboratory, ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur 440033, India
- Correspondence: (D.G.); (A.K.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Sunil Kokane
- Plant Virology Laboratory, ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur 440033, India
| | - Brajesh Kumar Savita
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, India
| | - Pranav Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, India
| | - Ashwani Kumar Sharma
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, India
- Correspondence: (D.G.); (A.K.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Ali Ozcan
- Vocational School of Technical Sciences, Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University, 70200 Karaman, Turkey
- Scientific and Technological Studies Application and Research Center, Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University, 70200 Karaman, Turkey
| | - Amol Kokane
- Plant Virology Laboratory, ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur 440033, India
| | - Swadeshmukul Santra
- Departments of Chemistry, Nano Science Technology Center, and Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
- Correspondence: (D.G.); (A.K.S.); (S.S.)
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49
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Wen D, Ding LS, Zhang Y, Li X, Zhang X, Yuan F, Zhao T, Zheng A. Suppression of flavivirus transmission from animal hosts to mosquitoes with a mosquito-delivered vaccine. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7780. [PMID: 36526630 PMCID: PMC9755785 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35407-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic viruses circulate in the natural reservoir and sporadically spill over into human populations, resulting in endemics or pandemics. We previously found that the Chaoyang virus (CYV), an insect-specific flavivirus (ISF), is replication-defective in vertebrate cells. Here, we develope a proof-of-concept mosquito-delivered vaccine to control the Zika virus (ZIKV) within inaccessible wildlife hosts using CYV as the vector. The vaccine is constructed by replacing the pre-membrane and envelope (prME) proteins of CYV with those of ZIKV, assigned as CYV-ZIKV. CYV-ZIKV replicates efficiently in Aedes mosquitoes and disseminates to the saliva, with no venereal or transovarial transmission observed. To reduce the risk of CYV-ZIKV leaking into the environment, mosquitoes are X-ray irradiated to ensure 100% infertility, which does not affect the titer of CYV-ZIKV in the saliva. Immunization of mice via CYV-ZIKV-carrying mosquito bites elicites robust and persistent ZIKV-specific immune responses and confers complete protection against ZIKV challenge. Correspondingly, the immunized mice could no longer transmit the challenged ZIKV to naïve mosquitoes. Therefore, immunization with an ISF-vectored vaccine via mosquito bites is feasible to induce herd immunity in wildlife hosts of ZIKV. Our study provides a future avenue for developing a mosquito-delivered vaccine to eliminate zoonotic viruses in the sylvatic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wen
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - Limin S. Ding
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoye Li
- grid.462338.80000 0004 0605 6769College of life sciences, Henan Normal University, 45300 Xinxiang, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419College of life sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Fei Yuan
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - Tongbiao Zhao
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Aihua Zheng
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
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50
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Sharma Y, Bennett JB, Rašić G, Marshall JM. Close-kin mark-recapture methods to estimate demographic parameters of mosquitoes. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010755. [PMID: 36508463 PMCID: PMC9779664 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Close-kin mark-recapture (CKMR) methods have recently been used to infer demographic parameters such as census population size and survival for fish of interest to fisheries and conservation. These methods have advantages over traditional mark-recapture methods as the mark is genetic, removing the need for physical marking and recapturing that may interfere with parameter estimation. For mosquitoes, the spatial distribution of close-kin pairs has been used to estimate mean dispersal distance, of relevance to vector-borne disease transmission and novel biocontrol strategies. Here, we extend CKMR methods to the life history of mosquitoes and comparable insects. We derive kinship probabilities for mother-offspring, father-offspring, full-sibling and half-sibling pairs, where an individual in each pair may be a larva, pupa or adult. A pseudo-likelihood approach is used to combine the marginal probabilities of all kinship pairs. To test the effectiveness of this approach at estimating mosquito demographic parameters, we develop an individual-based model of mosquito life history incorporating egg, larva, pupa and adult life stages. The simulation labels each individual with a unique identification number, enabling close-kin relationships to be inferred for sampled individuals. Using the dengue vector Aedes aegypti as a case study, we find the CKMR approach provides unbiased estimates of adult census population size, adult and larval mortality rates, and larval life stage duration for logistically feasible sampling schemes. Considering a simulated population of 3,000 adult mosquitoes, estimation of adult parameters is accurate when ca. 40 adult females are sampled biweekly over a three month period. Estimation of larval parameters is accurate when adult sampling is supplemented with ca. 120 larvae sampled biweekly over the same period. The methods are also effective at detecting intervention-induced increases in adult mortality and decreases in population size. As the cost of genome sequencing declines, CKMR holds great promise for characterizing the demography of mosquitoes and comparable insects of epidemiological and agricultural significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogita Sharma
- Divisions of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jared B. Bennett
- Biophysics Graduate Group, Division of Biological Sciences, College of Letters and Science, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Gordana Rašić
- Mosquito Genomics, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - John M. Marshall
- Divisions of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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