Preliminary work towards homing CRISPR in Solenopsis invicta - Peking University

Red imported fire ant

Intended use

Reduction of impacts on agriculture, biodiversity and infrastructure caused by this invasive species

Readiness of Technology

2a - Gene drive proposed with supporting theoretical work

Project leader

Champer J

Institution

Peking University

Publications

Authors name for system

NA – preliminary theoretical study

Class of Technology

Homing gene drive

Field(s) of application

Agriculture

Conservation

Description of system

Homing CRISPR targeting female fertility - different variants modelled in 2025 study

Description

Homing CRISPR gene drive targeting a haplo-sufficient female fertility gene.

The 2025 follow up study models this, and also other homing CRISPR suppression drive variants.

Notes on readiness of technology

Modelling study suggests feasibility of targeting haplodiploid species with a suppression drive targeting female fertility.

This species is given as an example of a possible target amongst others.

CRISPR already applied to species.

Phenotype

Female infertility in homozygotes.

Research in target organism

✖

Research in model organism

✖

Intended for release

✖

Intended direct effects

Population suppression/eradication