Here, the authors describe a highly efficient gene drive targeting the non-coding miR-184 gene. Disruption of the miR-184 gene by the gene drive reduces mosquito lifespan and interferes with survival ...

The modification of mosquito populations at scale through CRISPR-Cas9-mediated homing gene drives is a promising route for malaria vector control. Integral gene drives (IGDs) are designed to utilize the regulatory sequences of endogenous genes to express only the minimal set of components required for gene drive. In this study, we describe the creation and characterization of the nanosd IGD targeting and inserted into the nanos gene of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae and show that it achieves high rates of gene drive (97.7% in females, 99.0% in males). We find that homozygous nanosd females but not males show impaired fecundity, and a variable loss of ovary phenotype. Transcriptomic analysis of ovaries points to decreased transcript levels of the nanos gene when harbouring Cas9. As a minimal genetic modification, nanosd does not induce widespread transcriptomic perturbations, and its susceptibility to Plasmodium spp. and O'nyong nyong virus infection remains similar to wild-type mosquitoes. Importantly, we find that nanosd propagates efficiently in caged mosquito populations and is maintained as a source of Cas9 after the emergence of drive resistant alleles whilst also mobilising a non-autonomous antiparasitic effector modification. The nanosd gene drive shows promise as a genetic tool for malaria vector control via population modification, and we outline steps towards its further optimization.

Nanobodies targeting the ookinete and sporozoite surface protein PIMMS43 block mosquito infection by African Plasmodium falciparum field isolates. Gene drive mosquitoes expressing these nanobodies cou...

Here, the authors describe a highly efficient gene drive targeting the non-coding miR-184 gene. Disruption of the miR-184 gene by the gene drive reduces mosquito lifespan and interferes with survival ...

Here, the authors describe a highly efficient gene drive targeting the non-coding miR-184 gene. Disruption of the miR-184 gene by the gene drive reduces mosquito lifespan and interferes with survival ...

Scientific Reports - Optimization of SgRNA expression with RNA pol III regulatory elements in Anopheles stephensi

Blog post by Prisca Kweyamba and Lison LarocheThe 25th April, 2025 marks World Malaria Day – a moment to reflect on the successes of malaria interventions in the past, and an opportunity to recommit t...

Friends don't let friends make certain types of data visualization - What are they and why are they bad. - GitHub - cxli233/FriendsDontLetFriends: Friends don't let friends make certain ty...