In this section
@article{Grilli:2026:10.1038/s41467-026-71627-1,
author = {Grilli, S and Vertsimakha, O and Marston, L and Gonzalez, IA and Burt, A and Crisanti, A and Bernardini, F},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-71627-1},
journal = {Nature Communications},
title = {Sex distorter male drive for resistance-resilient population control of the human malaria vector Anopheles gambiae},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-71627-1},
year = {2026}
}
TY - JOUR
AB - Progress in malaria control has plateaued, prompting the exploration of additional tools. Here, we characterise two germline-specific promoters, spo11 and vasa1, in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. These promoters display distinct temporal and spatial expression patterns, making them well-suited for potential applications in CRISPR-based gene drives and sex ratio distortion systems. Leveraging these unique promoter features, we developed a Sex Distorter Male Drive (SDMD) technology that generates a highly male-biased progeny while spreading through super-Mendelian inheritance. This approach greatly simplifies previous genetic construct designs, potentially improving genetic stability and resilience against the development of target site resistance, a major challenge for the efficacy of genetic strategies. Our findings position SDMD as a promising and potentially resistance-resilient tool for the population suppression of Anopheles mosquitoes in malaria-endemic regions.
AU - Grilli,S
AU - Vertsimakha,O
AU - Marston,L
AU - Gonzalez,IA
AU - Burt,A
AU - Crisanti,A
AU - Bernardini,F
DO - 10.1038/s41467-026-71627-1
PY - 2026///
SN - 2041-1723
TI - Sex distorter male drive for resistance-resilient population control of the human malaria vector Anopheles gambiae
T2 - Nature Communications
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-71627-1
UR - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-71627-1
ER -
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