Recent advancements in genetic and genome editing research, augmented by the discovery of new molecular tools such as CRISPR, have revolutionised the field of genetic engineering by enabling precise site-specific genome modifications with unprecedented ease. These technologies have found a vast range of applications, including the development of novel methods for the control of vector and pest insects. According to their genetic makeup and engineering, these tools can be tuned to impose different grades of impact on the targeted populations. Here, we review some of the most recent genetic control innovations under development, describing their molecular mechanisms and performance, highlighting the sustainability potentials of such interventions.
CRISPR-based gene drives have the potential to spread within a population and are considered as promising vector control tools. A doublesex-targeting gene drive was shown effective to suppress laboratory populations in both small and large cages, and it is considered for field application. Challenges related to the field-use of gene drives and the evolving regulatory framework demand for systems able to modulate or revert the action of gene drives, as part of post-release risk-mitigation plans. We developed an improved AcrIIA4-based anti-drive strain and showed inhibition of gene drive spread, in complex feeding and reproductive behavioural conditions. A stochastic model predicted the experimentally-observed genotypes dynamics in overlapping generations in medium- and large-sized cages and further demonstrated the effectiveness of anti-drive in different release and fitness scenarios. This study provides a further validation for the use of anti-drive system in controlling the spread of gene drive in Anopheles under complex behavioural conditions.
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