A Y chromosome shredding gene drive for controlling pest vertebrate populations
Self replicating gene drives that modify sex ratios or infer a fitness cost could be used to control populations of invasive alien species. The targeted deletion of Y sex chromosomes using CRISPR technology offers a new approach for sex bias that could be incorporated within gene drive designs. We introduce a novel gene drive strategy termed Y CHromosome deletion using Orthogonal Programmable Endonucleases (Y CHOPE) incorporating a programmable endonuclease that 'shreds' the Y chromosome, thereby converting XY males into fertile XO females. Firstly, we demonstrate that the CRISPR/Cas12a system can eliminate the Y chromosome in embryonic stem cells with high efficiency (c. 90% Next, using stochastic, individual based models of a pest mouse population, we show that a Y shredding drive that progressively depletes the pool of XY males could effect population eradication through mate limitation. Our molecular and modeling data suggest that a Y CHOPE gene drive could be a viable tool for vertebrate pest control.
eLife