Gene drives are a novel way of genetically editing the mosquitoes that transmit malaria. They have the potential to dramatically reduce cases and deaths. But the technology they’re based on is new and requires new thinking on regulation.

In this first episode of our two-part focus on gene drives, we ask how drives work – examining the CRISPR technology behind them – and explore the hurdles for their release, including the risks, regulations and questions of consent.

With Professor Anthony James (University of California, Irvine) and Dr John Connolly (Target Malaria)

About The Podcast

The Johns Hopkins Malaria Minute is produced by the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute to highlight impactful malaria research and to share it with the global community.

Gene drives are a promising tool for malaria control - how can we tell they actually work?

Transcript

Gene drives are a promising new tool for malaria control. They involve releasing genetically modified mosquitoes into the wild – mosquitoes engineered to halt the parasites from developing inside the insects, or that cause the mosquitoes to die. These GM mosquitoes are then released into new habitats. Over time and across multiple generations, the gene drive spreads, reducing malaria transmission. That’s the theory. But one fundamental question remains: how can we tell they actually work? Experts say there are three distinct measures of gene drive efficacy. First, smaller-scale trials of releases should emphasize genetic efficacy, measuring the spread and frequency of the gene drive across time and space. Then, examine entomological efficacy by measuring the density of mosquitoes or the number of parasites they carry. Finally, consider the epidemiological data, by measuring the number of malaria cases in the areas where the gene drive has been released. This approach aims to ensure that the ‘causal pathway’ of gene drives effectively reduces cases and deaths.

Source

Considerations for first field trials of low-threshold gene drive for malaria vector control

About The Podcast

The Johns Hopkins Malaria Minute podcast is produced by the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute to highlight impactful malaria research and to share it with the global community.

Temperature, rainfall, and humidity determine malaria transmission - but climate change is altering each one of those variables. What might this mean for cases of the disease?

With Alex Eapen, from the ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) in Chennai, India.

The Johns Hopkins Malaria Minute is produced by the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute to highlight impactful malaria research and to share it with the global community.