Genetic engineering of sex chromosomes for batch cultivation of non-transgenic, sex-sorted males
Abstract
The field performance of Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is improved by sex-sorting and releasing only sterile males. This can be accomplished by resource-intensive separation of males from females by morphology. Alternatively, sex-ratio biasing genetic constructs can be used to selectively remove one sex without the need for manual or automated sorting, but the resulting genetically engineered (GE) control agents would be subject to additional governmental regulation. Here we describe and demonstrate a genetic method for the batch production of non-GE males. This method could be applied to generate the heterogametic sex (XY, or WZ) in any organism with chromosomal sex determination. We observed up to 100% sex-selection with batch cultures of more than 103individuals. Using a stringent transgene detection assay, we demonstrate the potential of mass production of transgene free males.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Nov 02, 2020
- Source ID
- 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009180
Entities
People
- Ambuj Upadhyay
- Maciej Maselko
- Michael J Smanski
- Siba R Das
Organizations
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency