An Introduction to Containment Recommendations for Gene Drive Mosquitoes and the Laboratory Rearing of Genetically Engineered Mosquitoes in Africa

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Higgs
Keyword(s):  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Gene Drive ◽  
Laboratory Rearing

Genetically Engineering Wild Mice to Combat Lyme Disease: An Ecological Perspective

BioScience ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (9) ◽  
pp. 746-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison A Snow
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Ixodes Scapularis ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
The United States ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Gene Drive ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Wild Mice ◽  
Genetically Engineered Mice

Abstract Genetic engineering of wild populations has been proposed for reducing human diseases by altering pathogens’ hosts. For example, CRISPR-based genome editing may be used to create white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) that are resistant to the Lyme disease spirochete vectored by blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis). Toward this goal, academic researchers are developing Lyme-resistant and tick-resistant white-footed mice, which are a primary pathogen reservoir for Lyme disease in the United States. If field trials on small, experimental islands are successful, the project would scale up to the larger islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, and possibly to the mainland, most likely with a local gene drive to speed the traits’ proliferation, pending approvals from relevant constituents. Despite considerable publicity, this project has yet to be evaluated by independent professional ecologists. In the present article, I discuss key ecological and evolutionary questions that should be considered before such genetically engineered mice are released into natural habitats.

scholarly journals Interdisciplinary development of a standardized introduction to gene drives for lay audiences

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia E. Schairer ◽  
Cynthia Triplett ◽  
Anna Buchman ◽  
Omar S. Akbari ◽  
Cinnamon S. Bloss
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Technical Information ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Gene Drive ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
The University

Abstract Background While there is wide consensus that the public should be consulted about emerging technology early in development, it is difficult to elicit public opinion about innovations unfamiliar to lay audiences. We sought public input on a program of research on genetic engineering to control mosquito vectors of disease that is led by scientists at the University of California and funded by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). In preparation for this effort, we developed a series of narrated slideshows to prompt responses to the development of gene drive mosquito control strategies among lay people. We describe the development and content of these slideshows and evaluate their ability to elicit discussions among focus group participants. Methods In developing these materials, we used an iterative process involving input from experts in molecular genetics and vector control. Topics were chosen for their relevance to the goals of the scientists leading the program of research. Significant time was devoted to crafting explanations that would be accessible to uninitiated members of the public but still represent the science accurately. Through qualitative analysis of focus group discussions prompted by the slideshows, we evaluated the success of these slideshows in imparting clear technical information sufficient to inform lay discussion. Results The collaboration resulted in a series of four narrated slideshows that were used to anchor discussions in online focus groups. Many participants described the slideshows as interesting and informative, while also raising concerns and possible risks that were not directly addressed in the material presented. Open-ended comments from participants suggest that the slideshows inspired critical questions, reflection, and conversation about genetically engineered and gene drive mosquitoes. After the final and most technically complex slideshow, however, some respondents made comments suggestive of overwhelm or confusion. Conclusion Our narrated slideshows prompted engaged conversations about genetically engineered mosquitoes among members of the public who were generally naïve to this technology. Narrated slideshows may serve as viable and useful tools for future public engagement on other controversial emerging medical and public health technologies.

scholarly journals Can a population targeted by a CRISPR-based homing gene drive be rescued?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas O. Rode ◽  
Virginie Courtier-Orgogozo ◽  
Florence Débarre
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Control ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Control Technique ◽  
Gene Drive ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Type Population ◽  
Variable Population ◽  
Gene Drives

AbstractCRISPR-based homing gene drive is a genetic control technique aiming to modify or eradicate natural populations. This technique is based on the release of individuals carrying an engineered piece of DNA that can be preferentially inherited by the progeny. Developing countermeasures is important to control the spread of gene drives, should they result in unanticipated damages. One proposed countermeasure is the introduction of individuals carrying a brake construct that targets and inactivates the drive allele but leaves the wild-type allele unaffected. Here we develop models to investigate the efficiency of such brakes. We consider a variable population size and use a combination of analytical and numerical methods to determine the conditions where a brake can prevent the extinction of a population targeted by an eradication drive. We find that a brake is not guaranteed to prevent eradication and that characteristics of both the brake and the drive affect the likelihood of recovering the wild-type population. In particular, brakes that restore fitness are more efficient than brakes that do not. Our model also indicates that threshold-dependent drives (drives that can spread only when introduced above a threshold) are more amenable to control with a brake than drives that can spread from an arbitrary low introduction frequency (threshold-independent drives). Based on our results, we provide practical recommendations and discuss safety issues.Article summary for Issue HighlightsHoming gene drive is a new genetic control technology that aims to spread a genetically engineered DNA construct within natural populations even when it impairs fitness. In case of unanticipated damages, it has been proposed to stop homing gene drives by releasing individuals carrying a genedrive brake; however, the efficiency of such brakes has been little studied. The authors develop a model to investigate the dynamics of a population targeted by a homing drive in absence or in presence of brake. The model provides insights for the design of more efficient brakes and safer gene drives.

scholarly journals Selection of Sites for Field Trials of Genetically Engineered Mosquitoes with Gene Drive.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory C Lanzaro ◽  
Melina Campos ◽  
Marc Crepeau ◽  
Anthony Cornel ◽  
Abram Estrada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Field Trials ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Gene Drive ◽  
Selection Of

Emerging Technologies for Invasive Insects: The Role of Engagement

2020 ◽  
Vol 113 (4) ◽  
pp. 266-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam E Kokotovich ◽  
Jason A Delborne ◽  
Johanna Elsensohn ◽  
Hannah Burrack
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Emerging Technologies ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Gene Drive ◽  
Drosophila Suzukii ◽  
Invasive Insects ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Research And Innovation

Abstract Emerging technologies have the potential to offer new applications for managing invasive insects. While scientific and technological advancements are vital to realizing this potential, the successful development and use of these applications will also largely depend on community and stakeholder engagement. To contribute to a relevant and rigorous envisioning of engagement for emerging technologies for invasive insects (ETII), we begin by reviewing key insights on engagement from three scholarly fields: invasive species management, responsible research and innovation, and ecological risk assessment. Across these fields we glean best practices for engagement for ETII: 1) pursue engagement across decision phases and sectors; 2) select context-appropriate participants and methods; and 3) recognize and navigate engagement-related tensions. We illustrate these best practices by describing an ongoing project that uses engagement to inform risk assessment and broader decision making on biotechnologies being developed to address the Spotted-wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) invasive fruit fly. We describe completed and planned engagement activities designed to identify and prioritize potential adverse effects, benefits, management actions, and research actions of the proposed genetically engineered sterile male, gene drive, and RNAi biotechnologies. In the face of broadening calls for engagement on emerging technologies, this article provides theoretical and empirical insights that can guide future engagement for ETII.

scholarly journals Selection of Sites for Field Trials of Genetically Engineered Mosquitoes with Gene Drive

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.C. Lanzaro ◽  
M. Campos ◽  
M. Crepeau ◽  
A. Cornel ◽  
A. Estrada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Field Trial ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Gene Drive ◽  
Vector Population ◽  
Base Site ◽  
A Site

AbstractNovel malaria control strategies using genetically engineered mosquitoes (GEMs) are on the horizon. Population modification is one approach wherein mosquitoes are engineered with genes rendering them refractory to the malaria parasite coupled with a low-threshold, Cas9-based gene drive. When released into a wild vector population, GEMs preferentially transmit these beneficial genes to their offspring, ultimately modifying a vector population into a non-vector one. Deploying this technology awaits evaluation including ecologically contained field trials. Here, we consider a process for site selection, the first critical step in designing a trial. Our goal is to identify a site that maximizes prospects for success, minimizes risk, and serves as a fair, valid, and convincing test of efficacy and impacts of a GEM product intended for large-scale deployment in Africa. We base site selection on geographical, geological, and biological, rather than social or legal, criteria. We recognize the latter as critically important but not preeminent. We propose physical islands as being the best candidates for a GEM field trial and present an evaluation of 22 African islands. We consider geographic and genetic isolation, biological complexity, island size, topography, and identify two island groups that satisfy key criteria for ideal GEM field trial sites.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document