C. Taxiarchi, G. Immobile
Gene drive limiter
The rapidly developing gene drive technology is a promising and potentially powerful method for controlling insect pests, including mosquito vectors of disease. Methods to modulate or limit the activity and spread of gene drives in these insects can constitute important genetic tools, yet they are currently of limited availability. As next-generation CRISPR-based mosquito control methods develop, modulators or limiters could be of use to improve and define these systems as well as aid their future field application.
Polo GGB has been awarded the grant “Genetic methods to limit gene drives” by the Gates Foundation, with the goal of refining and assessing a strategy for modulating the impact of gene drives in the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae. The system relies on anti-CRISPR proteins and is designed to effectively limit the spread of suppressive gene drives. Mathematical modelling and large-cage mosquito population studies in the cutting-edge entomological facilities of Polo GGB, Terni, are envisioned within the timeframe of the project. We aim to provide a fine-tuning tool for future gene drive field releases, complementing the development process of efficient gene drives for the control of the human malaria mosquitoes.
