Grantee Research Project Results
Development of a Data-Driven Model for Assessing Benefits and Risks of the pgSIT Approach for Ae. aegypti Eradication in Hawaii
EPA Grant Number: R840204Title: Development of a Data-Driven Model for Assessing Benefits and Risks of the pgSIT Approach for Ae. aegypti Eradication in Hawaii
Investigators: Akbari, Omar , Lee, Yoosook , Marshall, John
Institution: University of California San Diego , University of California - Berkeley , University of Florida
EPA Project Officer: Callan, Richard
Project Period: July 1, 2021 through May 10, 2025
Project Amount: $749,887
RFA: Assessment Tools for Biotechnology Products (2020) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Chemical Safety for Sustainability , Safer Chemicals
Objective:
The successful application of a synthetic sterile insect technique (SIT) technology, precision guided SIT (pgSIT), in the Hawaii region could eliminate the Aedes aegypti mosquito vector responsible for dengue outbreaks in the region. This novel technology may also have positive environmental impacts by reducing insecticide or insect growth hormone-based usage that also impact other native insect taxa in the region. However, before this work makes it to the field, we need a robust, data-driven modeling framework that will accurately predict the outcome of pgSIT release scenarios so we can inform stakeholders involved in approving this product for field use. The objective of this work is to generate data driven tools and surveillance technologies to predict the behavior of a synthetic pgSIT technology to support technological risk assessments and future field release.
Approach:
Objective 1 will create surveillance tools to determine the stability, persistence, and reliability of synthetic genetic constructs in the environment. This tool can be used in the laboratory or field to both identify synthetic genetic elements in populations and to assess whether these synthetic elements are consistently and predictably expressed. In objectives 2,3, 4 we will collect the data necessary to develop accurate models to identify and quantify probable outcomes of this technology as well as sources of uncertainty. We will collect data on Ae. aegypti life history and population genetics and use this information to estimate dispersal, population size, and the potential for population resistance at the genomic target sites of the pgSIT technology in the Hawaiian region. This data will allow the accurate generation of population models in objective 5 and apply a robust, data-driven modeling framework to accurately predict the outcome of pgSIT release scenarios and allow us to identify potential risks and uncertainties of the technology and inform risk assessments in objective 6.
Expected Results:
We will develop robust surveillance tools for field trials of pgSIT and other genetic technologies. Using life history and population genetics studies specific to Hawaiian Ae. aegypti, we will model release scenarios and predict the outcome and public health benefits of potential pgSIT releases in this region. In the future, these tools can be expanded to other Pacific island regions where disease outbreaks occur and serves as a first step towards development of wider scale models. Risk assessments will address stakeholder concerns and the public health and environmental impact of pgSIT in the Pacific Islands.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 7 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 5 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
mosquito control, CRISPR-Cas9 technologies, synthetic biology, risk assessment, modeling, monitoring, Hawaii (HI), entomology, ecology, environmental, genetics, population geneticsProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.