A platform for the transgenic modification of Sandflies (Lutzomyia longipalpis) and Triatomine bugs (Rhodnius prolixus) towards deriving insect vectors refractory to disease agents mediated by CRISPR-Cas9 gene drive (360G-Wellcome-208913_Z_17_Z)
Vector borne pathogens Leishmania, and Trypanosoma cruzi cause devastating human disease (Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease respectively). We contribute to a new strategy by genetically modifying insect vectors, sandflies (Lutzomyia longipalpis) and triatomine bugs (Rhodnius prolixus), leading eventually to transgenic insects resistant to disease agents. We will use two different transgenic approaches, piggyBac and CRISPR-Cas9. PiggyBac is a method for semi random insertion of exogenous DNA into the genome. CRISPR-Cas9 is a new and highly targeted method to manipulate genes in a manner not previously possible. Microinjection of insect embryos with piggyBac plasmids to obtain insects expressing fluorescent markers for subsequent CRISPR-Cas9 knockout experiments facilitating easy monitoring of outcomes. Knockout of fluorescent markers (above), using CRISPR-Cas9 constructs, demonstrating that system components are functional and that we can precisely target genes of interest. Knockout of endogenous genes by CRISPR-Cas 9 that are non-essential or important in sustaining infection in insect vectors. Insertion and expression of exogenous DNA (fluoresence markers) using CRISPR-Cas9 harnessing homology directed repair facilitating inheritance to offspring at levels above mendelian inheritance (gene drive). Pilot outputs offer real prospects for developing powerful approaches of interrupting disease transmission.
Where is this data from?
This data was originally published by The Wellcome Trust. If you see something about your organisation or the funding it has received on this page that doesn't look right you can submit a grantee amendment request. You can hover over codes from standard codelists to see the user-friendly name provided by 360Giving.
Grant Details
Amount Awarded | 75106 |
Applicant Surname | Yeo |
Approval Committee | Science Seeds Advisory Panel |
Award Date | 2017-09-05T00:00:00+00:00 |
Financial Year | 2016/17 |
Grant Programme: Title | Seed Award in Science |
Internal ID | 208913/Z/17/Z |
Lead Applicant | Dr Matthew Yeo |
Partnership Value | 75106 |
Planned Dates: End Date | 2022-03-14T00:00:00+00:00 |
Planned Dates: Start Date | 2018-03-15T00:00:00+00:00 |
Recipient Org: Country | United Kingdom |
Region | Greater London |