Gene drive designs for efficient and localisable population suppression using Y-linked editors

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010550
• Publication Date: 2022-12-27T18:44:16Z
• Authors: René Geci; Katie Willis; Austin Burt
• Keywords: Gene drive; Meiotic drive; Effective population size; Anopheles gambiae

The sterile insect technique (SIT) has been successful in controlling some pest species but is not practicable for many others due to the large number of individuals that need be reared and released. Previous computer modelling demonstrated release males carrying a Y-linked editor kills or sterilises female descendants could orders magnitude more efficient than SIT while still remaining spatially restricted, particularly if combined with an autosomal sex distorter. In principle, further gains efficiency achieved by using self-propagating double drive design, which each two components (the ratio distorter) boosted transmission other. To better understand expected dynamics impact releasing constructs this new design we have analysed deterministic population genetic dynamic model. Our demonstrates can suppress from very low rates, no invasion threshold. Importantly, work even homing rates are chromosomes silenced at meiosis, potentially expanding range amenable such control. Moreover, predicted impacts exquisitely sensitive relatively small (e.g., 25%) changes allele frequencies target population, exploited sequence-based targeting. Analysis published Anopheles gambiae genome sequences indicates weakly differentiated populations F ST 0.02 there may thousands suitably genomic sites used restrict spread release. proposed extends already promising development pathway based on editors, therefore useful addition menu options biocontrol.