A synthetic homing endonuclease-based gene drive system in the human malaria mosquito.

ABSTRACT: Genetic methods of manipulating or eradicating disease vector populations have long been discussed as an attractive alternative to existing control measures because of their potential advantages in terms of effectiveness and species specificity. The development of genetically engineered malaria-resistant mosquitoes has shown, as a proof of principle, the possibility of targeting the mosquito's ability to serve as a disease vector. The translation of these achievements into control measures requires an effective technology to spread a genetic modification from laboratory mosquitoes to field populations. We have suggested previously that homing endonuclease genes (HEGs), a class of simple selfish genetic elements, could be exploited for this purpose. Here we demonstrate that a synthetic gene

SUBMITTER: Windbichler N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3093433 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature