Population management using gene drive: molecular design, models of spread dynamics and assessment of ecological risks

• DOI: 10.1007/s10592-019-01165-5
• Publication Date: 2019-04-01T17:02:43Z
• Authors: Nicolas O. Rode; Arnaud Estoup; Denis Bourguet; Virginie Courtier...; Florence Débarre
• Keywords: Gene drive; Biosafety

CRISPR gene drive has recently been proposed as a promising technology for population management, including in conservation genetics. The technique would consist releasing genetically engineered individuals that are designed to rapidly propagate desired mutation or transgene into wild populations. Potential applications biology include the control of invasive pest populations threaten biodiversity (eradication and suppression drives), introduction beneficial mutations endangered (rescue drives). propagation is affected by different factors depend on construct (e.g. its fitness effect timing expression) target species mating system structure). We review potential types drives conservation. examine challenges posed evolution resistance various molecular environmental risks associated with non unintended detrimental ecosystem impacts). provide some guidelines future research discuss ethical, biosafety regulation issues.