Researchers Use Gene Editing to Eliminate Mosquitoes in Lab

Researchers at the Imperial College London have demonstrated the use of gene drives to completely eliminate populations of mosquitoes known to transmit malaria. Gene drives are a form of genetic engineering that involves spreading a gene or cluster of genes through a population.
The research, published in Nature Biotechnology, reported the eradication of confined populations of Anopheles gambiae by blocking female reproduction using the gene editing technique known as CRISPR.
Dr. Crisanti, the corresponding author on the study, said, “2016 marked the first time in over two decades that malaria cases did not fall year-on-year despite huge efforts and resources, suggesting we need more tools in the fight.”
The research group will now test the technique on larger populations of mosquitoes under more real-world conditions by bringing into play competition for food and other ecological factors.
“It will still be at least 5-10 years before we consider testing any mosquitoes with gene drive in the wild, but now we have some encouraging proof that we’re on the right path,” said Crisanti. “Gene drive solutions have the potential one day to expedite malaria eradication by overcoming the barriers of logistics in resource-poor countries.”

Source: Public Policy Reports - October 5, 2018 Category: Biology Authors: AIBS Source Type: news