Journal
PATHOGENS AND GLOBAL HEALTH
Volume 106, Issue 1, Pages 20-31Publisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
DOI: 10.1179/2047773212Y.0000000003
Keywords
GMO animals; Reproductive infertility; Biological pest control; Insect vectors; Malaria
Funding
- Foundation for the National Institutes of Health through Global Health initiative
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Objectives: Anopheles gambiae is the primary vector of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa and is a potential target of genetic control programs. We determined the capacity of male A. gambiae created by germline transformation to introduce infertility into stable age-distribution populations. We also determined effects of the transgenes on life history. Methods: Stable age-distribution populations of A. gambiae mosquitoes were established in large indoor cages. Male mosquitoes carrying an I-PpoI homing endonuclease gene were introduced at 65 and 610 release rates where they competed with target male mosquitoes for matings. Similar trials were conducted in small cages with an additional x 1 release level. Results: Infertility was successfully introduced into all target populations. In supporting experiments, complete female infertility was observed in all strains and species of the A. gambiae complex to which transgenic males were mated. Life history experiments demonstrated that reductions in I-PpoI male vigor exist in the form of reduced adult male emergence, longevity and competitiveness. Discussion: A. gambiae I-PpoI males are capable of introducing high levels of infertility in target populations in indoor cage trials. This was accomplished despite losses of vigor resulting from the HEG transgene. These results motivate further trials of sexually I-PpoI A. gambiae in outdoor cage and field trials.
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