A Y chromosome-linked genome editor for efficient population suppression in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae

Tolosana, Ignacio, Willis, Katie, Gribble, Matthew, Phillimore, Lee, Burt, Austin, Nolan, Tony ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2982-8333, Crisanti, Andrea and Bernardini, Federica (2025) 'A Y chromosome-linked genome editor for efficient population suppression in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae'. Nature Communications, Vol 16, Issue 1, p. 206.

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Abstract

Genetic control – the deliberate introduction of genetic traits to control a pest or vector population – offers a powerful tool to augment conventional mosquito control tools that have been successful in reducing malaria burden but that are compromised by a range of operational challenges. Self-sustaining genetic control strategies have shown great potential in laboratory settings, but hesitancy due to their invasive and persistent nature may delay their implementation. Here, instead, we describe a self-limiting strategy, designed to have geographically and temporally restricted effect, based on a Y chromosome-linked genome editor (YLE). The YLE comprises a CRISPR-Cas9 construct that is always inherited by males yet generates an autosomal dominant mutation that is transmitted to over 90% of the offspring and results in female-specific sterility. To our knowledge, our system represents a pioneering approach in the engineering of the Y chromosome to generate a genetic control strain for mosquitoes. Mathematical modelling shows that this YLE technology is up to seven times more efficient for population suppression than optimal versions of other self-limiting strategies, such as the widely used Sterile Insect Technique or the Release of Insects carrying a Dominant Lethal gene.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	QS Anatomy > Embryology > QS 638 Sex determination (Genetics). Sex preselection QU Biochemistry > Genetics > QU 470 Genetic structures QX Parasitology > Insects. Other Parasites > QX 510 Mosquitoes WC Communicable Diseases > Tropical and Parasitic Diseases > WC 750 Malaria
Faculty: Department:	Biological Sciences > Vector Biology Department
Digital Object Identifer (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-55391-8
SWORD Depositor:	JISC Pubrouter
Depositing User:	JISC Pubrouter
Date Deposited:	29 Jan 2025 09:55
Last Modified:	29 Jan 2025 09:55
URI:	https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/25940

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