Gene Drive: An Innovative Gene-Editing Technique For Malaria Control

Dr PMP Singh; Dr MS Mustafa; Dr Nitin Kumar Sharma

Volume : IX, Issue : IV, April - 2020

Gene Drive: An Innovative Gene-Editing Technique For Malaria Control

Dr Pmp Singh, Dr Ms Mustafa, Dr Nitin Kumar Sharma

Abstract :

Introduction Development of insecticide resistance by the mosquito coupled with drug resistance by the parasite has made the prevention of malaria even more challenging and resource intensive. What is Gene Drive Technique? Gene drive is a technique whereby the DNA is engineered in such a manner that the gene is passed from a parent to its offsprings almost cent percent. When two organisms of the same species mate, the offsprings inherit two copies of a particular gene - one from the male and the other from the female parent. Hence, each gene gets passed on to about 50% of the offsprings. CRIPSR/Cas9 Technology CRIPSR/Cas9 is a �search and replace� technology wherein mutations are created in the vector genome that get transmitted to the next generation almost completely; in contradiction to Mendelian laws.Gene drive technology using a specific autonomous CRISPR/Cas 9 has been applied in Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes, adapted from the mutagenic chain reaction. Safety Issues and Challenges Gene drive systems depend on a guide RNA to ensure that the DNA sequence is cut at the precise location. Any guidance error may damage the non - target genes with catastrophic effects on the organism. Another plausible effect is that intereeding amongst sibling species may lead to transmission of CRISPR genes from vector species to harmless species with deleterious effects. Conclusion CRISPR/Cas9 is a simple, cheap and efficient system of gene editing. In the long run, the main aim would be the release of an engineered vector as an adjunct to the already existing tools for malaria control.