The promise and peril of CRISPR gene drives

Zentner, Gabriel E.; Wade, Michael J.

doi:10.1002/bies.201700109

Cited by 17 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 92 publications

(122 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Macias et al 2017;Godfray et al 2017;Scott et al 2018;McFarlane et al 2018) or on the challenges of their development in terms of identifying current knowledge gaps (Moro et al 2018), biosafety (Benedict et al 2018), regulation (Oye et al 2014;Caplan et al 2015;Meghani and Kuzma 2018) and ethics (Courtier-Orgogozo et al 2017;Thompson 2018). Although a number of reviews presented some gene drive applications in conservation (Gould 2008;Esvelt et al 2014;Thresher et al 2014;Webber et al 2015;Piaggio et al 2017;Zentner and Wade 2017;Esvelt and Gemmell 2017;Moro et al 2018;Min et al 2018;Dearden et al 2018;Phelps et al 2019;Brossard et al 2019), the fundamental differences between the risks associated with rescue drives and those associated with suppression and eradication drives have not been considered previously. In this paper, we fill this gap and review the use of gene drives for population management with a special emphasis on conservation biology.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Population management using gene drive: molecular design, models of spread dynamics and assessment of ecological risks

et al. 2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

CRISPR gene drive has recently been proposed as a promising technology for population management, including in conservation genetics. The technique would consist in releasing genetically engineered individuals that are designed to rapidly propagate a desired mutation or transgene into wild populations. Potential applications in conservation biology include the control of invasive pest populations that threaten biodiversity (eradication and suppression drives), or the introduction of beneficial mutations in endangered populations (rescue drives). The propagation of a gene drive is affected by different factors that depend on the drive construct (e.g. its fitness effect and timing of expression) or on the target species (e.g. its mating system and population structure). We review potential applications of the different types of gene drives for conservation. We examine the challenges posed by the evolution of resistance to gene drives and review the various molecular and environmental risks associated with gene drives (e.g. propagation to non target populations or species and unintended detrimental ecosystem impacts). We provide some guidelines for future gene drive research and discuss ethical, biosafety and regulation issues.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Population management using gene drive: molecular design, models of spread dynamics and assessment of ecological risks

et al. 2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The progress in such techniques notwithstanding, there is still no proving how dangerous or promising they may turn out. While the introduction of small numbers of edited mosquitos or other pests is unlikely to cause major effects, gene drive is capable of copying mutations made on one chromosome by CRISPR to its partner chromosome, thus passing the edited genome on to future generations [ 177 ]. Although those dynamics could be instrumental in greatly limiting transmission rates of various infectious diseases, gene drives do entail considerable risks to the environment and ecosystems: they have in fact the potential to decimate entire species [ 178 , 179 ], disrupting food chains, or lead to the uncontrolled proliferation and spread of invasive species, without sufficient containment mechanisms [ 180 , 181 , 182 ].…”

Section: When the Line Between “Therapy” And “Enhancement” Is Blurredmentioning

confidence: 99%

CRISPR-Cas and Its Wide-Ranging Applications: From Human Genome Editing to Environmental Implications, Technical Limitations, Hazards and Bioethical Issues

Piergentili

Rio

Signore

et al. 2021

Cells

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The CRISPR-Cas system is a powerful tool for in vivo editing the genome of most organisms, including man. During the years this technique has been applied in several fields, such as agriculture for crop upgrade and breeding including the creation of allergy-free foods, for eradicating pests, for the improvement of animal breeds, in the industry of bio-fuels and it can even be used as a basis for a cell-based recording apparatus. Possible applications in human health include the making of new medicines through the creation of genetically modified organisms, the treatment of viral infections, the control of pathogens, applications in clinical diagnostics and the cure of human genetic diseases, either caused by somatic (e.g., cancer) or inherited (mendelian disorders) mutations. One of the most divisive, possible uses of this system is the modification of human embryos, for the purpose of preventing or curing a human being before birth. However, the technology in this field is evolving faster than regulations and several concerns are raised by its enormous yet controversial potential. In this scenario, appropriate laws need to be issued and ethical guidelines must be developed, in order to properly assess advantages as well as risks of this approach. In this review, we summarize the potential of these genome editing techniques and their applications in human embryo treatment. We will analyze CRISPR-Cas limitations and the possible genome damage caused in the treated embryo. Finally, we will discuss how all this impacts the law, ethics and common sense.

show abstract

“…However, they are barred from using it as a form of gene drive (Begley 2016). Additionally, other issues have been shown to arise when using CRISPR as a form of gene drive, such as resistance allele formation (Champer et al 2017), a decrease in efficacy in inbred populations, and natural variation in wild populations could counteract CRISPR efforts (Zentner and Wade 2017).…”

Section: Gene Drivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Invasive Insects: Management Methods Explored

McLaughlin

Dearden

2019

Journal of Insect Science

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Invasive insect species can act as a plague across the globe, capable of vast expansion and rapid, proliferate reproduction. The spread of pathogens of serious diseases such as malaria and Zika virus and damages to agricultural crops number some of the afflictions invasive insects provide to humans alone. Additionally, an escape from predators can fail to keep invasive insects in check, providing potential threats such as extra resource competition to native species when insects invade. A variety of methods are employed to combat these invasive species, each with their own varying levels of success. Here, we explore the more traditional methods of invasive insect pest control, such as pesticides and biological control. In lieu of several unintended consequences resulting from such practices, we suggest some should be abandoned. We evaluate the potential of new techniques, in particular, those with a genetic component, regarding the costs, benefits and possible consequences of implementing them. And finally, we consider which techniques should be the focus of future research, if we truly wish to manage or even eradicate invasive insects in their introduced lands.

show abstract

The promise and peril of CRISPR gene drives

Cited by 17 publications

References 92 publications

Population management using gene drive: molecular design, models of spread dynamics and assessment of ecological risks

Population management using gene drive: molecular design, models of spread dynamics and assessment of ecological risks

CRISPR-Cas and Its Wide-Ranging Applications: From Human Genome Editing to Environmental Implications, Technical Limitations, Hazards and Bioethical Issues

Invasive Insects: Management Methods Explored

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About