CRISPR/Cas9-based split homing gene drive targeting doublesex for population suppression of the global fruit pest Drosophila suzukii.

ABSTRACT: Genetic-based methods offer environmentally friendly species-specific approaches for control of insect pests. One method, CRISPR homing gene drive that target genes essential for development, could provide very efficient and cost-effective control. While significant progress has been made in developing homing gene drives for mosquito disease vectors, little progress has been made with agricultural insect pests. Here, we report the development and evaluation of split homing drives that target the doublesex (dsx) gene in Drosophila suzukii, an invasive pest of soft-skinned fruits. The drive component, consisting of dsx single guide RNA and DsRed genes, was introduced into the female-specific exon of dsx, which is essential for function in females but not ma

SUBMITTER: Yadav AK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10288583 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature