BAPC-assisted-CRISPR-Cas9 delivery into nymphs and adults for heritable gene editing (Hemiptera)

Authors: Hunter, Wayne; Gonzalez, Maria; TOMICH, JOHN - KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: American Society of Biochemistry and Microbiology
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/7/2019
Publication Date: 3/6/2019
Citation: Hunter, W.B., Gonzalez, M.T., Tomich, J. 2019. BAPC-assisted-CRISPR-Cas9 delivery into nymphs and adults for heritable gene editing (Hemiptera). American Society of Biochemistry and Microbiology. 626.2.

Interpretive Summary: A new method enable the disabling of specific insect genes in Diaphorina citri, Asian citrus psyllid which will reduce fitness of subsequent offspring. Reduced fitness, lower egg production, can reduce psyllid populations. The method could also be used to turn the psyllid vector, into a non-vector by blocking gene critical for pathogen transmission. These efforts may reduce citrus greening disease, Huanglongbing, and are key development to have a sustainable citrus industry.

Technical Abstract: A new method for heritable gene editing in Insects, specifically Hemiptera, used Branched Amphiphilic Peptide Capsules, BAPC, to delivery guide Ribonucleic acids and other components into insect ovarian cells resulting in heritable gene editing. The method permits injection of the nymph and adult stages of insects, bypassing the need for embryonic injections. First heritable gene knockouts in Asian citrus psyllid- Diaphorina citri. Second generation psyllids had slower development, shorter adult lifespan, and reduced fecundity. The method permits altering psyllid vectors into non-vectors, stopping Liberibacter transmission. The BAPC-assisted delivery system advances gene editing efforts across all hemipterans and other insects by permitting the use of nymphs and adults. [citrusgreening.org]. USDA-NIFA 2014-70016-23028. Developing an Infrastructure and Product Test Pipeline to Deliver Novel Therapies for Citrus Greening Disease.