Advances and perspectives in the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in insects

• Published in: Dōngwùxué yánjiū Vol. 37; no. 4; pp. 220 - 228
• Main Authors: Chen, Lei, Wang, Gui, Zhu, Ya-Nan, Xiang, Hui, Wang, Wen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: China Kunming Institute of Zoology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences 18.07.2016
• Subjects: Animals; CRISPR-Cas Systems - genetics; DNA - genetics; Ecosystems; Entomology; Gene Editing - methods; Genetics; Insect control; Insecta - genetics; Insects; RNA - genetics; 全球生态系统; 应用; 操作技术; 昆虫生物学; 昆虫种类; 生物学意义; 病虫害防治; 遗传修饰; CRISPR/Cas9; Insect transgenesis; Gene editing
• ISSN: 0254-5853
• DOI: 10.13918/j.issn.2095-8137.2016.4.220

Insects compose more than half of all living organisms on earth, playing essential roles in global ecosystems and forming complex relationships with humans. Insect research has significant biological and practical importance. However, the application of genetic manipulation technology has long been restricted to several model insects only, such as gene knockout in Drosophila, which has severely restrained the development of insect biology research. Recently, with the increase in the release of insect genome data and the introduction of the CRISPR/Cas9 system for efficient genetic modification, it has been possible to conduct meaningful functional studies in a broad array of insect species. Here, we summarize the advances in CRISPR/Cas9 in different insect species, discuss methods for its promotion, and consider its application in future insect studies. This review provides detailed information about the application of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in insect research and presents possible ways to improve its use in functional studies and insect pest control.