Targeting Conserved Sequences Circumvents the Evolution of Resistance in a Viral Gene Drive against Human Cytomegalovirus.

ABSTRACT: Gene drives are genetic systems designed to efficiently spread a modification through a population. They have been designed almost exclusively in eukaryotic species, especially in insects. We recently developed a CRISPR-based gene drive system in herpesviruses that relies on similar mechanisms and could efficiently spread into a population of wild-type viruses. A common consequence of gene drives in insects is the appearance and selection of drive-resistant sequences that are no longer recognized by CRISPR-Cas9. In this study, we analyzed in cell culture experiments the evolution of resistance in a viral gene drive against human cytomegalovirus. We report that after an initial invasion of the wild-type population, a drive-resistant population is positively selected over time and outcompete

SUBMITTER: Walter M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8274616 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature