PNAS: Revolutionary mammalian gene drive technology

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have published their first findings
on the potential effectiveness of revolutionary gene drive technology in controlling invading mice.

The team developed the world's first proof-of-concept technology, t-CRISPR
, using lab mice.

Using sophisticated computer modeling by co-first author Dr.
Aysegul Birand, the researchers also found that about 250 genetically modified mice could wipe out 200,000 mice
on an island in about 20 years.

The results of the study were published today in
PNAS.

Lead researcher Professor Paul Thomas, from the University of Adelaide and the South Australian Institute of Health and Medical Research (SAHMRI), said: "This is the first time a new genetic tool has been discovered to suppress invasive mouse populations
by inducing female sterility.

"The t-CRISPR method uses cutting-edge DNA editing techniques to alter
female fertility genes.
Once this population is saturated with genetic modification, all females produced will not be fertile
.

"We are also developing a new version of t-CRISPR technology that aims to target specific pest populations and prevent the unwanted spread of
gene drives.
"

Luke Gierus, a graduate student and co-first author of the research paper, said t-CRISPR is the first genetic biological control tool
to target invasive mammals.

Mr Gierus said: "So far, this technology has been targeting insects in an attempt to limit the spread of malaria, which kills 500,000 people worldwide each year
.
The use of t-CRISPR technology provides a humane way to control invasive mice without releasing toxins
into the environment.
We are also investigating strategies
to prevent eradication failures due to the emergence of gene drive resistance in the target population.
”

Professor Thomas said the research team had worked closely with Australia's national science agency CSIRO, the Invasive Species Solutions Centre, the Invasive Rodent Genetic Biological Control (GBIRd) Alliance and the US Department of Agriculture to consider next steps
in safely implementing the new technology.

Professor Thomas said: "Our wider programme includes consideration of social perspectives and attitudes as part of
our ongoing research related to gene drives.
"

Dr Owain Edwards, leader of CSIRO's Environmental Mitigation and Recovery Group, added: "This particular prototype is designed to be highly specific for rodents, but it also demonstrates that gene drives can be developed to combat other invasive harmful animals
.
As part of this research, we conducted a safety assessment
of the highest standards for this technology.
Because this is the first prototype of a vertebrate gene drive, interested stakeholders will include many
from the international community.
”

"The South Australian Government is proud to support this proof of concept and has awarded US$1 million
to the University of Adelaide through the Research and Innovation Fund.
"

Luke Gierus, Aysegul Birand, Mark D.
Bunting, Gelshan I.
Godahewa, Sandra G.
Piltz, Kevin P.
Oh, Antoinette J.
Piaggio, David W.
Threadgill, John Godwin, Owain Edwards, Phillip Cassey, Joshua V.
Ross, Thomas A.
A.
Prowse, Paul Q.
Thomas.
Leveraging a natural murine meiotic drive to suppress invasive populations.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2022; 119 (46)