Safeguarding gene drive experiments in the laboratory

Abstract

Multiple stringent confinement strategies should be used whenever possible

Agricultural production: assessment of the potential use of Cas9-mediated gene drive systems for agricultural pest control

“…This could provide a means for containment while evaluating gene drive systems, in addition to physical barriers and other strategies (e.g. split drive with Cas9 and gRNA components separated) (Akbari et al 2015). In addition to the proposed containment strategies for evaluation of gene drives, we also support the parallel development of reversal drives with recoded target genes (Esvelt et al 2014).…”

“…These contained environments might make gene drivebased population suppression and control strategies particularly feasible because the environment is highly controlled and the establishment of the species outdoors is precluded by cold winter temperatures, providing ideal biological containment. Indeed, this setting could be an ideal situation for developing and testing gene drive systems in general, making B. tabaci a potential model system for exploring these technologies in meaningful ways, as containment is likely to be a concern during the early phases of development of these technologies (Akbari et al 2015).…”

“…It should be noted that conditional expression systems, like tTA/tetO, would not prevent accidental release of modified insects (Akbari et al 2015), a particular concern for gene drives, since the drive would be active when the insects feed on a diet that lacks tetracycline (i.e. most food options found in the wild).…”

A roadmap for gene drives: using institutional analysis and development to frame research needs and governance in a systems context

“…stated verbally by several participants with no vocal opposition). Absent the use of laboratory safeguards as recommended by numerous scientists (Akbari et al 2015), a simple laboratory accident involving a self-sustaining gene drive system -let alone a deliberate break-in and release as has occurred for other animal research -could have wide impact on people and ecosystems outside the laboratory.…”

Anomaly handling and the politics of gene drives

“…Many scientists working on gene drives are also developing technical modifications to address some of the ways these drives might be perceived as regulatory anomalies. These efforts include work on molecular strategies for biocontainment Akbari et al 2015), reversal and immunization drives (DiCarlo et al 2015;Champer, Buchman, and Akbari 2016), and drives that can be limited to a certain number of generations (Min et al 2017a(Min et al , 2017b. This research agenda has received a notable boost with the development of the DARPA Safe Genes Program.…”