Application of Genome Editing In Entomology

Genome editing mediated by programmable CRISPR/Cas system is a new, emerging technology that holds greater potential in developing genetic pest management strategies via precision guided sterile insect technique; genetic improvement of pollinators, natural enemies etc. The seemingly innocuous prokaryotic immunity has now been translated into a mammoth site specific editing technology for its use in medical, agricultural, diagnostic fields etc. Until recently most of the genome editing work was dependent on RNA directed site specific cleavage by Cas9 enzyme followed by error prone, non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) resulting in random mutations. Later development of improved editing systems like base editor and prime editor have enabled obtaining site-specific, pre determined mutations without a double stranded break. Similarly many engineered Cas9 variants and other Cas proteins belonging to different class and types such as Cas3, Cas12a, Cas13a have improved the existing editing tool box. Currently efforts are being made to design and implement suitable gene drive methods for various pests such as spotted wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, Diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) , many species mosquito, Med fly, Ceratitis capitata Wiedem etc..