Method to Control the Spread of Mosquitos Carrying the Zika Virus by a Split Trans-Complementing Gene-Drive System for Suppressing Aedes aegypti Mosquitos
Offers a lower cost than Sterile Insect Technology and may be more effective method for elimination of Aedes aegypti mosquitos
The technology provides a mechanism for reducing or eliminating populations of Aedes aegypti mosquitos.
Researchers from the laboratory of Ethan Bier at UC San Diego have developed an alternative technology for mosquito control by specifically targeting the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Genetically modified strains of Aedes aegypti will be introduced into the general mosquito population to suppress as well as eliminate the target populations. Specifically, Aedes aegypti will have a Cas9-mediated split gene-drive system for masculinizing the mosquito and ensuring that any female carries a sterile mutation. In addition, gRNAs direct Cas9 cleavage of insecticide-resistance loci, renders female mosquitos that escape the male converting gene drive, are sensitive to insecticides. This novel approach works by combining split gene drives and a female sterile fail-safe mechanism that acts as a secondary built-in population suppression strategy.
State Of Development Research stage Intellectual Property Info A provisional patent application has been filed; and this technology is available for licensing Related Materials Tech ID/UC Case 27048/2017-024-0 Related Cases 2017-024-0
USA
