Abstract
A system for population control of insects is proposed. It is based on transgenic insects expressing an enzyme which converts an inactive pro-drug into an active, toxic form. A model system is presented which relies on transposon-mediated integration of a bacterial cytosine deaminase (CD) gene into the genome of Drosophila melanogaster. We demonstrate female-specific sterility and transgene-dependent lethality when flies carrying the CD gene under a Drosophila female-specific promoter/enhancer are treated with 5-Fluorocytosine, a low-toxicity nucleoside analogue which is converted to toxic 5-Fluorouracil by the enzyme. The approach can be used with existing pro-insecticides and appropriate converting enzymes in combination with established mass rearing technology, for targeted, environmentally acceptable control of insects of economic and public health importance.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
