Disease-fighters Disrupt Mosquito's Genes with Molecular Scissors

               

Used TALENs to change the eye color in mosquito's and removing part of the genetic code.
 Offspring had light colored eyes and confirms that the genetic code has been wiped out. 

 Scientists at Virginia Tech have successfully disrupted the genes that control eye color in mosquitoes. This procedure has been accomplished by using a genetic-engineering technique. This method relies on two specially designed proteins that belong to a class identified as transcription activator-like effector nucleases, TALENs  this can target DNA at a precise site in an organism’s genetic code. Zach Adelman, a Virginia Tech entomologist, refers to these TALENs as “a very, very fine-tuned pair of scissors”.

               

                  The Virginia Tech researchers had used a different approach with the TALENs. They did not modify the function of a gene; they intended to restrict a gene by cutting away at it. In this procedure, genetically engineered TALEN proteins were injected into the germ cells of mosquito embryos early in their development. The intention of this process was to interrupt the coding for the eye pigmentation that would be handed down to the next generation. When the mosquitoes gave birth to their offspring, a great percentage of the offspring had light-colored eyes rather than the typical black eyes. This lack of pigment has confirmed that the genetic code had been wiped out.

                Scientists want to identify the genetic mechanisms in mosquitoes that have a role in virus transmission. If they can find these mechanisms, they can design an altered set of molecular scissors to disrupt that genetic code. This can help the fight against mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever. They would be able to remove that part of the mosquito’s genetic code and wipe out that disease.

                I found this story to be very interesting. It amazes me how fast our technology has enhanced and expanded. Scientists can now alter the genetic codes of different animal and human cells. Instead of just editing the genomes, they can now remove the gene. After the gene is removed, the offspring will not have that gene and we can generally wipe out the things that can harm us. However, I feel that this could also become a problem. There are things that would benefit us if they are improved yet, I feel that this could make people want to improve and remove too much. Scientist should continue to strive for new and improved results and technologies. 

http://www.nbcnews.com/science/disease-fighters-disrupt-mosquitos-genes-molecular-scissors-1C9007366

http://www.planet-science.com/categories/over-11s/natural-world/2012/08/molecular-scissors.aspx