Germline Cas9 expression yields highly efficient genome engineering in a major worldwide disease vector, Aedes aegypti
Abstract
Aedes aegypti is the principal vector of multiple arboviruses that significantly affect human health, including dengue, chikungunya, and zika. Development of tools for efficient genome engineering in this mosquito will not only lay the foundation for the application of genetic control strategies, but will also accelerate basic research on key biological processes involved in disease transmission. Here, we report the development of a transgenic CRISPR approach for rapid gene disruption in this organism. Given their high editing efficiencies, the Cas9 strains we developed can be used to quickly generate genome modifications, allowing for high-throughput gene targeting, and can possibly facilitate the development of gene drives, thereby accelerating comprehensive functional annotation and development of innovative population control strategies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Nov 14, 2017
- Source ID
- 10.1073/pnas.1711538114
Entities
People
- Bradley J. White
- Christian S. Bowman
- Michelle Bui
- Ming Li
- Omar S. Akbari
- Ting Yang
Organizations
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
- University of California