Split homing CRISPR targeting white gene in Aedes aegypti - UC San Diego

Aedes aegypti

Yellow fever mosquito

Intended use

Reduction of transmission of arboviruses (e.g. yellow fever, chikungunya, dengue, and Zika)

Readiness of Technology

5 - Limited proof of concept in laboratory

Project leader

Akbari O

Institution

University of California San Diego

Project leader

Alphey L

Institution

Pirbright Institute, UK

Publications

Li, Yang et al., 2020

Buchman et al., 2019

Buchman et al., 2020

Verkuijl et al., 2022

Authors name for system

CRISPR based split gene drive

Class of Technology

Split homing gene drive

Field(s) of application

Vector control

Additional notes

Verkuijl et al. (2022) conclude that in some cases the mechanism may be meiotic drive rather than homing drive

Description of system

Split homing CRISPR gene drive

For specialists

Description

Split homing CRISPR gene drives with homing gene drive element targeting the white gene, crossed with lines expressing Cas9 to give gene drive activity.

homing element contains gRNA but no cargo gene.

Several promoters tested.

Notes on readiness of technology

Limited proof of concept (not very efficient conversion, resistance alleles emerge, no cargo genes) (Li, Yang, et al., 2020)

Verkuijl et al (Alphey) further characterise system (Verkuijl et al., 2020)

Anti Zika and anti Dengue effectors demonstrated (Buchman et al., 2019 and Buchman et al., 2020)

Phenotype

Red fluorescent eye marker (and white eyes in homozygotes?)

Authors name for construct(s)

Numerous promoters tested – best performing line:

wU6b-GDe /w+; nup50-Cas9/+

Research in target organism

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Research in model organism

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Intended for release

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Intended direct effects

Population modification/replacement