A common gene drive language eases regulatory process and eco-evolutionary extensions

Abstract

Background Synthetic gene drive technologies aim to spread transgenic constructs into wild populations even when they impose organismal fitness disadvantages. The extraordinary diversity of plausible drive mechanisms and the range of selective parameters they may encounter makes it very difficult to convey their relative predicted properties, particularly where multiple approaches are combined. The sheer number of published manuscripts in this field, experimental and theoretical, the numerous techniques resulting in an explosion in the gene drive vocabulary hinder the regulators’ point of view. We address this concern by defining a simplified parameter based language of synthetic drives. Results Employing the classical population dynamics approach, we show that different drive construct (replacement) mechanisms can be condensed and evaluated on an equal footing even where they incorporate multiple replacement drives approaches. Using a common language, it is then possible to compare various model properties, a task desired by regulators and policymakers. The generalization allows us to extend the study of the invasion dynamics of replacement drives analytically and, in a spatial setting, the resilience of the released drive constructs. The derived framework is available as a standalone tool. Conclusion Besides comparing available drive constructs, our tool is also useful for educational purpose. Users can also explore the evolutionary dynamics of future hypothetical combination drive scenarios. Thus, our results appraise the properties and robustness of drives and provide an intuitive and objective way for risk assessment, informing policies, and enhancing public engagement with proposed and future gene drive approaches.

Incorporating ecology into gene drive modelling

“…Broadly, there are three key life stages in which the spread of the gene drive can be affected: gamete, zygote and adult (Verma et al, 2021). The primary effect of the mating system is at the adult stage, but it can also affect both the gametic and zygotic phases through fertility selection (Verma et al, 2023).…”

Correction to: A common gene drive language eases regulatory process and eco-evolutionary extensions

“…Following the publication of the original article [ 1 ], we were notified that Figs. 1, 3, 4 were incomplete.…”

Moving beyond narrow definitions of gene drive: Diverse perspectives and frames enable substantive dialogue among science and humanities teachers in the United States and United Kingdom

“…Language shapes the understandings of emerging technologies, and there has been a flurry of interest in the language emerging to talk about gene drive ( Evans and Palmer, 2018 ; MacDonald et al, 2021 ; Nerlich and Stelmach, 2022 ; Stelmach et al, 2022 ; Verma et al, 2021 ). This interest may be a response to the legacy of previous genetic modification (GM) technologies, where language played a powerful role in shaping debates about the desirability and acceptability of these technologies ( Doxzen and Henderson, 2020 ).…”