Site-specific genetic engineering of the Anopheles gambiae Y chromosome
Abstract
Interfering with sex determination and male fertility are potentially powerful approaches for the genetic control of the human malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. Despite this fact, the male-specific Y chromosome of this mosquito has remained largely unexplored, because of its repetitive, heterochromatic structure. Little is known about its ability to support gene transcription in different tissues and during gametogenesis, yet this information is crucial for understanding the function of this chromosome. We show, using a combination of knock-in and site-specific genetic engineering steps, how transgenes can be specifically introduced onto the Y chromosome. The Y-linked strains we have created provide the means to generate large single-sex populations and to establish male-exclusive genetic traits for the control of this important vector species.
- Publication:
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- May 2014
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1404996111
- Bibcode:
- 2014PNAS..111.7600B