Daisy-chain gene drives for the alteration of local populations
Abstract
CRISPR-based gene drive systems—genetic elements which could be engineered to rapidly spread traits through wild populations—could help solve some of humanity's greatest ecological and public health problems. However, if released, current versions might spread through a nontarget population—possibly across political borders—greatly complicating decision-making. To address this issue, we describe a self-exhausting form of CRISPR-based gene drive called a "daisy-chain drive." We develop mathematical models which suggest that daisy-chain-drive systems will not spread indefinitely through successive populations, and we report numerous CRISPR targeting sequences which could offer enhanced stability. Particularly if combined with threshold dependence, daisy-drive approaches may become a foundational technique for local ecological engineering.
- Publication:
-
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- April 2019
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1716358116
- Bibcode:
- 2019PNAS..116.8275N