BULLETIN 1
GM Mosquitoes with Toxic Semen Offer Faster Solution to Control Mosquito Populations
A new biological pest control method, called Toxic Male Technique (TMT), could be a faster and more effective solution for reducing the threat of insect pests, such as disease-carrying mosquitoes, compared to current methods. TMT was developed by experts from Applied BioSciences and the ARC Center of Excellence in Synthetic Biology at Macquarie University.
Insect pests, particularly mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae, are a major threat to global health and agriculture, causing widespread diseases and economic losses each year. In mosquitoes, only the females bite and transmit diseases, such as malaria, dengue, and Zika. As pesticide resistance grows and environmental harm increases, genetic biocontrol is gaining attention as a promising alternative for pest management.
TMT works by genetically engineering male insects to produce venom proteins in their semen, which will be transferred to females during mating. These proteins significantly shorten the females' lifespan and reduce their ability to transmit diseases. Laboratory tests showed that modified males shorten females' lifespan by 37-64%, and computer simulations suggest this method could reduce blood-feeding rates by 40-60% compared to traditional methods.
For more information, read the study from Nature Communications.
See https://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=21149
BULLETIN 2
ISAAA GM Approval Database Feedback Survey
ISAAA January 8, 2025
ISAAA GM Approval Database Feedback Survey
ISAAA January 8, 2025
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SCIENTIFIC NEWS
GWAS analysis revealed genomic loci and candidate genes associated with the 100-seed weight in high-latitude-adapted soybean germplasm
Javaid Akhter Bhat, Hui Yu, Lin Weng, Yilin Yuan, Peipei Zhang, Jiantian Leng, Jingjing He, Beifang Zhao, Moran Bu, Songquan Wu, Deyue Yu & Xianzhong Feng
Theoretical and Applied Genetics; January 12 2025; vol.138; article 29
Javaid Akhter Bhat, Hui Yu, Lin Weng, Yilin Yuan, Peipei Zhang, Jiantian Leng, Jingjing He, Beifang Zhao, Moran Bu, Songquan Wu, Deyue Yu & Xianzhong Feng
Theoretical and Applied Genetics; January 12 2025; vol.138; article 29
Key message
In the present study, we identified 22 significant SNPs, eight stable QTLs and 17 potential candidate genes associated with 100-seed weight in soybean.
Abstract
Soybean is an economically important crop that is rich in seed oil and protein. The 100-seed weight (HSW) is a crucial yield contributing trait. This trait exhibits complex inheritance regulated by many genes and is highly sensitive to environmental factors. In this study, an integrated strategy of association mapping, QTL analysis, candidate gene and haplotype analysis was utilized to elucidate the complex genetic architecture of HSW in a panel of diverse soybean cultivars. Our study revealed 22 SNPs significantly associated with HSW through association mapping using five GWAS models across multiple environments plus a combined environment. By considering the detection of SNPs in multiple environments and GWAS models, the genomic regions of eight consistent SNPs within the ± 213.5 kb were depicted as stable QTLs. Among the eight QTLs, four, viz. qGW1.1, qGW1.2, qGW9 and qGW16, are reported here for the first time, and the other four, viz. qGW4, qGW8, qGW17 and qGW19, have been reported in previous studies. Thirty-two genes were detected as putative candidates within physical intervals of eight QTLs by in silico analysis. Twelve genes (out of total 32) showed significant differential expression patterns among the soybean accessions with contrasting HSW. Moreover, different haplotype alleles of 10 candidate genes are associated with different phenotypes of HSW. The outcome of the current investigation can be used in soybean breeding programs for producing cultivars with higher yields.
See https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00122-024-04815-6