A factor to control Medfly sex

Makki, Reem; Meller, Victoria H.

doi:10.1126/science.aaz0217

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 12 publications

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“…Our focus is on species in which expression of a single gene is needed for femaleness, and whose loss results in conversion of these individuals into fertile males. The Transformer gene in medfly Ceratitis capitata provides one example (reviewed in 45 ). Aromatase, encoded by the cyp19a1a gene, plays a similar role in a number of vertebrates.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Allele Sails: launching traits and fates into wild populations with DNA sequence modifiers

Johnson,

Hay,

Maselko

2024

Preprint

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Population-scale genome editing can be used to alter the composition or fate of wild populations. One approach to achieving these aims utilizes a synthetic gene drive element a multi-gene cassette-to bring about an increase in the frequency of an existing allele. However, the use of gene drives is complicated by the multiple scientific, regulatory, and social issues associated with transgene persistence and gene flow. Alternatives in which transgenes are not driven could potentially avoid some of these issues. Here we propose an approach to population scale gene editing using a system we refer to as an Allele Sail. An Allele Sail consists of a genome editor (the Wind) that introduces DNA sequence edits (the Sail) at one or more sites, resulting in progeny that are viable and fertile. The editor, such as a sequence-specific nuclease, or a prime- or base-editor, is inherited in a Mendelian fashion. Meanwhile, the edits it creates experience a Super-Mendelian increase in frequency. We explore this system using agent-based modeling, and identify contexts in which a single, low frequency release of an editor brings edits to a very high frequency. We also identify conditions in which manipulation of sex determination can be used to bring about population suppression. Current regulatory frameworks often distinguish between transgenics as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and their edited non-transgenic progeny as non-GMO. In this context an Allele Sail provides a path to alter traits and fates of wild populations in ways that may be considered more acceptable.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Allele Sails: launching traits and fates into wild populations with DNA sequence modifiers

Johnson,

Hay,

Maselko

2024

Preprint

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Intervention of Modern Genetic Tools for Managing Insect Pests of Fruit Crops

Miglani

Singh

et al. 2022

Genetic Methods and Tools for Managing Crop Pests

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Altering traits and fates of wild populations with Mendelian DNA sequence modifying Allele Sails

Johnson,

Hay,

Maselko

2024

Nat Commun

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Population-scale genome modification can alter the composition or fate of wild populations. Synthetic gene drives provide one set of tools, but their use is complicated by scientific, regulatory, and social issues associated with transgene persistence and flow. Here we propose an alternative approach. An Allele Sail consists of a genome editor (the Wind) that introduces DNA sequence edits, and is inherited in a Mendelian fashion. Meanwhile, the edits (the Sail) experience an arithmetic, Super-Mendelian increase in frequency. We model this system and identify contexts in which a single, low frequency release of an editor brings edits to a very high frequency. We also identify conditions in which manipulation of sex determination can bring about population suppression. In regulatory frameworks that distinguish between transgenics (GMO) and their edited non-transgenic progeny (non-GMO) Allele Sails may prove useful since the spread and persistence of the GM component can be limited.

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A factor to control Medfly sex

Abstract: Identification of the male-determining factor in invasive fruit flies expands biocontrol options

Cited by 3 publications

References 12 publications

Allele Sails: launching traits and fates into wild populations with DNA sequence modifiers

Allele Sails: launching traits and fates into wild populations with DNA sequence modifiers

Intervention of Modern Genetic Tools for Managing Insect Pests of Fruit Crops

Altering traits and fates of wild populations with Mendelian DNA sequence modifying Allele Sails

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