13TSB_SynBio. Novel genetic tools for application in insect pest control
Lead Research Organisation:
Cardiff University
Department Name: School of Biosciences
Abstract
See case for support submitted by project partner (Oxitec Ltd)
Technical Summary
Oxitec is the world leader in genetics-based insect control. Oxitec's RIDL technology relies on release of mass-reared genetically sterile male insects, which mate with their wild pest counterparts, thereby causing a drop in population. This project aims to develop orthogonal conditional expression systems that can manipulate fertility, time of death, or gender of insects for RIDL, to permit advances in RIDL technology, thereby cementing Oxitec's leadership in the field. The only current system suitable for RIDL is the 'Tet-off' system, which enables gene expression to be suppressed by a dietary tetracycline. Other systems are not sufficiently tightly regulated, or are not suitable due to high cost or toxicity. We will investigate the systematic construction of switchable genetic expression modules from standardised parts usable across a range of insect species. Availability of multiple expression systems will permit development of strains with multiple repressible phenotypes of value for pest control.
Planned Impact
See case for support submitted by project partner (Oxitec Ltd)
People |
ORCID iD |
| Helen White-Cooper (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Sutton ER
(2016)
Identification of genes for engineering the male germline of Aedes aegypti and Ceratitis capitata.
in BMC genomics
| Description | This project was to use a synthetic biology approach to develop new methods for regulating gene expression in insects. The ultimate aim is generating strains for pest control. We evaluated the performance of one system, and identified components that worked as predicted and others that did not work as predicted. Continued optimisation is required to achieve a working system. |
| Exploitation Route | This project was in collaboration with a biotech company. A working system can be used by them in insect pest control products. It would also be of great use to others working in basic biological research requiring novel methods to regulate gene expression. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | Oxitec |
| Organisation | Oxitec Ltd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Collaborative grant. We supply specialist knowledge and technical expertise relating to gene expression in insect testes. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Oxitec are developing insect strains for pest control purposes. They have supplied insects, and technical expertise to the project. |
| Impact | Ongoing funding - eg iCASE studentships, to develop the work further. Publications. |
| Description | plants for the future |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Good interaction with many members of the public. Particularly families - ie parents and school age children none |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |