Gouyon, P.-H. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2019

Evaluating the Probability of CRISPR-based Gene Drive Contaminating Another Species

The probability D that a given CRISPR-based gene drive element contaminates another, non-target species can be estimated by the following Drive Risk Assessment Quantitative Estimate (DRAQUE) Equation: D = (hyb+transf).express.cut.flank.immune.nonextinct with\nhyb = probability of hybridization between the target species and a non-target species\ntransf = probability of horizontal transfer of a piece of DNA containing the gene drive cassette from the target species to a non-target species (with no hybridization)\nexpress = probability that the Cas9 and guide RNA genes are expressed\ncut = probability that the CRISPR-guide RNA recognizes and cuts at a DNA site in the new host\nflank = probability that the gene drive cassette inserts at the cut site\nimmune = probability that the immune system does not reject Cas9-expressing cells\nnonextinct = probability of invasion of the drive within the population\n\n\nWe discuss and estimate each of the seven parameters of the equation, with particular emphasis on possible transfers within insects, and between rodents and humans. We conclude from current data that the probability of a gene drive cassette to contaminate another species is not insignificant. We propose strategies to reduce this risk and call for more work on estimating all the parameters of the formula.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2018

Why would parthenogenetic females systematically produce males who never transmit their genes to females?

SummaryIn pseudogamous species, females use the sperm of males from another species to activate their oocytes and produce females, without using the sperm DNA. Here we report a novel reproductive strategy found in the pseudogamous nematode Mesorhabditis belari, which produces its own males at low frequency. We find that the 8% of M. belari males are necessary to fertilize all oocytes but pass on their genes only to males, and never to females. Thus, the production of males has no impact on the genetic diversity of females. Using game theory, we show that the production of males at low frequency constitutes an efficient strategy only if sons are more likely to mate with their sisters. We validate this prediction experimentally by revealing a mating preference between siblings. We uncover the remarkable reproductive strategy of parthenogenetic females that pay the cost of producing males while males do not spread their genes.

evolutionary biology↗