CRISPR-Cas9 Methods and Key Considerations in the Production of Aedes aegypti Mutant Strains.

ABSTRACT

Since the characterization of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in prokaryotes, it has become the prime choice in gene editing because of its exceptional flexibility, ease of use, high efficiency, and superior specificity. As a result, CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene-editing technologies have enabled researchers not only to engineer transgenic animal strains with site-directed insertions more efficiently but also to generate desired mutants for previously intractable species. One such species is the invasive yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, which is notorious for its ability to transmit many blood-borne human pathogens. Methods for developing new transgenic strains of the yellow fever mosquito may aid in the effort to control its populations and provide significant benefits for the public. Here, we provide an overview of injection and noninjection methods for generating transgenic mosquitoes and also highlight important experimental design features.