Summary

Figures & data

Figure 1. An idealized illustration of mendelian inheritance versus gene drive inheritance. Gene drives are often described as an exception to the conventional rules of inheritance first described in 1866 by a monk named Gregor Mendel. Under Mendelian inheritance (left), offspring have a 50% chance of inheriting a gene (d or D). With a gene drive (right), the offspring will almost always receive the targeted genetic element (shown in dark purple), the end results of which is the preferential increase of a specific genotype. The different shades of purple correspond to the different mouse genotypes (dd, Dd, DD, or gene drive). In this idealized illustration, the targeted genetic element is eventually present in 100% of the population, although this may not always occur. The number of generations and amount of time for a selfish genetic element (DNA sequences where inheritance is biased in their favor) to spread throughout a population will vary depending on the drive mechanism, the species, and a variety of environmental conditions.

Table 1. Potential applications for gene drive research.

Public health
Aedes aegypti Image Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention	Control or alter organisms that carry infectious diseases that affect humans, such as dengue, malaria, Chagas, and Lyme disease Control or alter organisms that directly cause infection or disease, such as Schistosomiasis Control or alter organisms that serve as reservoirs of disease, such as bats and rodents
Ecosystem conservation
Hemignathus munroi (‘Akiapōlā’au honeycreeper) Image Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service	Control or alter organisms that carry infectious diseases that threaten the survival of other species Eliminate invasive species that threaten native ecosystems and biodiversity Alter organisms that are threatened or endangered
Agriculture
Fruit damage from spotted wing drosophila infestation Image Source: US Department of Agriculture	Control or alter organisms that damage crops or carry crop diseases Eliminate weedy plants that compete with cultivated crops
Basic research
DNA Double Helix Image Source: National Institutes of Health	Alter model organisms to carry out research on gene drive function and effects, species biology, and mechanisms of disease