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Concerning RNA-guided gene drives for the alteration of wild populations

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Esvelt, Kevin M, Smidler, Andrea L, Catteruccia, Flaminia, Church, George M·2014·eLife
DOI 10.7554/elife.03401

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Abstract

Gene drives may be capable of addressing ecological problems by altering entire populations of wild organisms, but their use has remained largely theoretical due to technical constraints. Here we consider the potential for RNA-guided gene drives based on the CRISPR nuclease Cas9 to serve as a general method for spreading altered traits through wild populations over many generations. We detail likely capabilities, discuss limitations, and provide novel precautionary strategies to control the spread of gene drives and reverse genomic changes. The ability to edit populations of sexual species would offer substantial benefits to humanity and the environment. For example, RNA-guided gene drives could potentially prevent the spread of disease, support agriculture by reversing pesticide and herbicide resistance in insects and weeds, and control damaging invasive species. However, the possibility of unwanted ecological effects and near-certainty of spread across political borders demand careful assessment of each potential application. We call for thoughtful, inclusive, and well-informed public discussions to explore the responsible use of this currently theoretical technology.

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Metadata

Authors
Esvelt, K. M., Smidler, A. L., Catteruccia, F., & Church, G. M.
Venue
eLife
Publisher
eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd
Published
2014-07-17
Volume
3
ISSN
2050-084X (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.7554/elife.03401
OpenAlex
W2144134062
Cited by
856
References
22
FWCI
23.73
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
gold
Licence
Funders
Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering (Technology Development Fellowship, Synthetic Biology Platform funds)

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