Journal of Mosquito Research 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 26-33 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/jmr 26 Research Article Open Access Optimization of Gene-driven Release Strategies for Culex quinquefasciatus Based on Ecological Models Yulin Zhou Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, China Corresponding author email: 177242186@qq.com Journal of Mosquito Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.1 doi: 10.5376/jmr.2024.14.0004 Received: 21 Feb., 2024 Accepted: 02 Apr., 2024 Published: 13 Apr., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhou, 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: Zhou Y.L., 2024, Optimization of gene-driven release strategies for Culex quinquefasciatus based on ecological models, Journal of Mosquito Research, 14(1): 26-33 (doi: 10.5376/jmr.2024.14.0004) Abstract The aim of this study was to provide insight into the optimization of gene-driven release strategies for Culex quinquefasciatus. The important role of bearded mosquitoes in disease transmission was introduced and gene-driven release was explored as a potential mosquito control tool. This study clarifies the scope and objectives of the study and introduces ecological modeling as the theoretical basis for the optimization strategy, and discusses in depth the common applications of ecological modeling in biological studies and mosquito population dynamics studies. This study introduced the basic principles of gene-driven release in detail and reviewed the existing gene-driven release strategies, which provided the basic knowledge for the subsequent optimization studies. With regard to the possible challenges of gene-driven release strategies, special attention was paid to the uncertainty of population dynamics and the potential impact on genetic diversity, and the in-depth analysis of these challenges provided theoretical support for the development of optimization strategies and guidance for the practical application of the technique. The application of ecological models in gene-driven release is highlighted. Through these approaches, this study aims to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of gene-driven release strategies and provide a more scientific and feasible approach to mosquito control, emphasizing the key role of ecological models in optimizing gene-driven release strategies. Keywords Culex quinquefasciatus; Gene-driven release; Ecological modeling; Population dynamics; Optimization strategies With the development of human society, mosquito-borne diseases pose a continuous threat to human health and social stability (Jiang et al., 2023). Among them, Culex quinquefasciatus, as a species of the genus Aedes, is widely recognized as an important transmitter among the many mosquito vectors. Culex quinquefasciatus, also known as Aedes southerneri, is a mosquito that is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Its characteristic white stripes and spots make it easily recognizable. As one of the major vectors of disease transmission, Culex quinquefasciatus is capable of transmitting a wide range of pathogens that cause falciparum malaria, yellow fever, and filariasis when seeking a host. Its unique life cycle and habitat selection make its control complex, requiring the integration of knowledge from multiple disciplines such as ecology and molecular biology. Gene-driven release technology is a technique that involves altering the genetic structure of a target species so that it carries a specific gene during its spread in the natural environment. This technique was originally proposed for pest control to influence the population structure of a target species by releasing genetically edited individuals. Recent studies have shown that gene-driven release technology can also be applied to mosquito vector control, providing a new strategy for the prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquito-borne diseases pose a significant threat to global health. For example, falciparum malaria causes hundreds of thousands of deaths each year, and yellow fever and filariasis, among others, also pose a serious social burden (Sun et al., 2023). The transmission behavior and distribution range of Culex quinquefasciatus make it a vector for a variety of diseases, and therefore its effective control is essential to reduce the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases. Gene-driven release technology, as an innovative biocontrol method, has great potential for application. By altering the genetic structure of the target species, it can realize the precise regulation of the population in the
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