CRISPR/Cas9系统在昆虫中的应用

CRISPR/Cas9(clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/CRISPR-associated nuclease 9)技术是一种RNA引导的基因组靶向编辑技术,能对基因组序列进行精确编辑,在探究基因功能、修复受损基因、沉默有害基因、改良品质性状等方面具有广阔的应用前景。近年来,随着对CRISPR/Cas9系统研究的不断深入和改造,该系统以其操作简易、省时、高效等优点在生物学研究的众多领域中得以推广和应用,特别是在果蝇(Bombyx mori)、家蚕(silkworm)、埃及伊蚊(Aedes aegypti)和蝴蝶(butterfly)等多种昆虫中。本文概述了CRISPR/Cas9的结构、作用原理及发展优化,总结了CRISPR/Cas9导入昆虫的策略和在昆虫中的应用,以及对CRISPR/Cas9系统产生脱靶问题的应对策略,以期对经济昆虫和有益昆虫的分子育种、害虫的生物技术防控等研究提供参考。

Applications of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in insects

The CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/CRISPR-associated) system guides Cas9 to specific genomic locations by a short RNA search string. This technology enables the systematic interrogation of mammalian genome editing, repairing damaged genes, silencing harmful genes and improving quality traits. In recent years, with the introduction of the CRISPR/Cas9 system for easy, fast and efficient genetic modification, it has been possible to conduct meaningful functional studies in a broad array of insect species, such as Drosophila, Bombyx mori, Aedes aegypti and butterflies et al. In this review, we summarize the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in different insect species, discuss methods for its promotion, and consider its application for future insect studies.