最新糖心Vlog

Researchers at the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide have released their first findings on the potential effectiveness of revolutionary gene drive technology to control invasive mice.

The team has developed a world-first proof of concept for the technology 鈥� called t-CRISPR - using laboratory mice.

Using sophisticated computer modelling performed by co-first author Dr Aysegul Birand, the researchers also found about 250 gene-modified mice could eradicate an island population of 200,000 mice in around 20 years.

The results of the study have been published today in the prestigious international journal, , USA.

鈥淭his is the first time that a new genetic tool has been identified to suppress invasive mouse populations by inducing female infertility,鈥� said lead researcher Professor Paul Thomas from the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide, and the South 最新糖心Vlogn Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI).

鈥淭he t-CRISPR approach uses cutting-edge DNA editing technology to make alterations to a female fertility gene. Once the population is saturated with the genetic modification, all the females that are generated will be infertile.

鈥淲e are also developing new versions of t-CRISPR technology that are designed to target specific pest populations to prevent unwanted spread of the gene drive.鈥�

Post-graduate student Luke Gierus, a co-first author of the research paper, said t-CRISPR was the first genetic biocontrol tool for invasive mammals.

鈥淯p until now, this technology has been aimed at insects to try and limit the spread of malaria, which causes up to 500,000 deaths worldwide per year,鈥� Mr Gierus said.

鈥淭he use of t-CRISPR technology provides a humane approach to controlling invasive mice without the release of toxins into the environment. We are also working on strategies to prevent failed eradication due to the emergence of gene drive resistance in the target population.鈥�

鈥淭his is the first time that a new genetic tool has been identified to suppress invasive mouse populations by inducing female infertility."Lead researcher Professor Paul Thomas from the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide, and the South 最新糖心Vlogn Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI).

Professor Thomas said the research team had worked closely with 最新糖心Vlog鈥檚 National Science Agency CSIRO, the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, the Genetic Biocontrol for Invasive Rodents (GBIRd) consortium and the聽US聽Department of聽Agriculture聽to consider next steps towards safely implementing the new technology.

鈥淥ur broader project includes consideration of societal views and attitudes, and is integral to our ongoing research relating to this gene drive,鈥� Professor Thomas said.

CSIRO Group Leader for Environmental Mitigation and Resilience Dr Owain Edwards added: 鈥淭his particular prototype has been designed to be highly specific for mice, but it is also evidence that gene drives can be developed against other invasive pest animals.

鈥淎s part of this research, we conduct the safety assessments for this technology to the highest standards. Because this is the first prototype for a vertebrate gene drive, interested stakeholders will include many from the international community.鈥澛�

The research was supported by the South 最新糖心Vlogn Government and NSW Government.

South 最新糖心Vlogn Deputy Premier, the Hon. Dr Susan Close MP said: 鈥淭hese promising findings demonstrate how gene drive technology may be a game changer in managing the impacts of mice on our environment, community, and agricultural sector.

鈥淭his cutting-edge research also highlights the global leadership of the South 最新糖心Vlogn research sector, in finding solutions to social, environmental and economic challenges.

鈥淭he South 最新糖心Vlogn Government is proud to have supported this proof-of-concept, having granted the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide $1 million through the Research and Innovation Fund.鈥�