Gene Drive Technology

Context:

Recently genetic manipulation of mosquitoes is discussed which will lead to control of their populations by interfering with their reproduction.

More About News:

• Mosquitoes serve as vectors for various other diseases. Together with climate change and its cascading consequences, mosquito-borne diseases such as Malaria, dengue, Zika, lymphatic filariasis, and yellow fever are on rise.
• Conventional approaches such as spraying of synthetic pyrethroids include permethrin, sumithrin to is less effective, it has become imperative that newer approaches to mosquito control gain prominence.

About  Gene Drive Technology:

• Gene drive is a method that enhances the inheritance  of a modified or preferred trait in a specific species.
• The fundamental idea behind genetic manipulation of mosquitoes is to systematically control their populations by interfering with their reproduction.
• The objective of Gene Drive Technology is for mosquitoes to selectively inherit some genes, rather than the inheritance to follow the rules of Mendelian genetics.

How Does It Work?

• A protein (CSIRP) cuts the mosquito’s DNA at a part that doesn’t encode a particular sequence in the genome. 
• This triggers a natural mechanism in the cell containing the DNA to repair it and forces the cell to incorporate a sequence, called the drive sequence, into the damaged portion.
• It genetically enhanced a gene expressed in the midgut of mosquitoes to secrete two antimicrobial substances called magainin 2 and melittin. 
• They are detrimental to the Plasmodium parasite’s development in the midgut and also reduce the lifespan of female mosquitoes.

Source: The Hindu

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