Genomics and Applied Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 107-119 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/gab 107 Feature Review Open Access Advancements in Gene Editing Technologies for Mosquito Research Xiaojie Liu, Kai Chen, Zhongqi Wu Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang Colloge of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Co-corresponding authors: zhongqi.wu@jicat.org Genomics and Applied Biology, 2024, Vol.15, No.2 doi: 10.5376/gab.2024.15.0013 Received: 27 Feb., 2024 Accepted: 04 Apr., 2024 Published: 18 Apr., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Liu et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Liu X.J., Chen K., and Wu Z.Q., 2024, Advancements in gene editing technologies for mosquito research, Genomics and Applied Biology, 15(2): 107-119 (doi: 10.5376/gab.2024.15.0013) Abstract The rapid advancements in gene editing technologies, particularly CRISPR/Cas9, have significantly impacted mosquito research, offering novel strategies for vector control and disease prevention. This study explores the latest developments in gene editing techniques applied to various mosquito species, including Anopheles, Aedes, and Culex. Key innovations such as the ReMOT Control method for efficient gene editing without embryo injections, the design and validation of guide RNAs, and the assessment of off-target effects in gene drives are discussed. Additionally, this study highlights the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in manipulating mosquito symbionts and developing gene drive systems to combat insecticide resistance. These advancements not only enhance our understanding of mosquito biology but also pave the way for sustainable and effective vector control strategies. Keywords CRISPR/Cas9; Gene editing; Mosquito control; ReMOT control; Gene drive 1 Introduction Corneal Mosquito-borne diseases represent a significant global health challenge, affecting millions of people annually. The rapid spread of viruses such as Zika, dengue, and chikungunya has underscored the urgent need for innovative strategies to control mosquito populations and mitigate the transmission of these pathogens. Recent advancements in gene editing technologies offer promising avenues for mosquito research, potentially revolutionizing the way we approach vector control and disease prevention. Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) like Zika, dengue, and chikungunya have emerged as major public health concerns due to their rapid spread and severe health impacts. These viruses are primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which are prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions (Weaver et al., 2018; Jones et al., 2019). The global spread of these diseases has been facilitated by factors such as increased air travel, urbanization, and climate change, which have expanded the habitats of these mosquito vectors (Weaver et al., 2018; Liu et al., 2020). The burden of these diseases is exacerbated by the lack of effective vaccines and treatments, making vector control a critical component of disease management (Cunha et al., 2020; Bettis et al., 2022). Genetic research has become increasingly important in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases. Traditional vector control methods, such as insecticide spraying and habitat reduction, have had limited success and face challenges such as insecticide resistance and environmental concerns (Whiteman et al., 2020). Gene editing technologies, including CRISPR-Cas9, offer novel approaches to mosquito control by enabling precise modifications to the mosquito genome. These technologies can be used to reduce mosquito populations, alter their ability to transmit pathogens, or even drive beneficial genes through mosquito populations (Bohers et al., 2020; Jones et al., 2020). For instance, gene drives have the potential to spread genes that confer resistance to pathogens throughout mosquito populations, thereby reducing disease transmission (Edgerton et al., 2020). This study provides a comprehensive overview of advancements in gene editing technologies in mosquito research, summarizing current gene editing techniques and their applications in mosquito studies. It evaluates the effectiveness and potential risks of these technologies, identifies future research directions and potential challenges in using gene editing for mosquito control, and aims to offer guidance and reference for the development and application of gene editing technologies in combating mosquito-borne diseases.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzMg==