New paper on transgenic maggots that express PDGF-BB

BMC Biotechnology recently published our paper that is the first report of transgenic L. sericata that express and secrete a human growth factor. Sterile L. sericata maggots are approved for debridement of wounds. The maggots clean the wound and inhibit Driver +effector copybacterial growth but randomised trials have not shown that this therapy shortens wound healing times. The long term goal of our research is to make GM strains that express a variety of antimicrobial peptides and growth factors that enhance wound healing. The image is of GM maggots that express PDGF-BB

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Local abc news

Sophia’s work on gene drive in Aedes aegypti was covered by the local abc news station web:

The clip also shows Esther injecting Lucilia embryos and some transgenic Lucilia larvae.

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Spotted Wing Drosophila CRISPR/Cas9 paper published

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Our work describing the use of CRISPR/Cas9 to obtain loss of function mutations in the Drosophila suzukii white and Sex lethal (Sxl) genes was recently published in BBRC (web). Males homozygous for white mutations developed white eyes. G0 females carrying mutations in the Sxl gene showed abnormal genitalia and ovaries, as expected since Sxl is essential for female development. We suggest that the Sxl gene could be a good target for Cas9-mediated gene drive to suppress populations of this invasive pest. Our paper was recently highlighted on the IGTRCN site.

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Welcome Megan!

Megan is a first year student in the Genetics PhD program and Megan croprecently joined the lab. She will be working on developing male-only strains of L. cuprina with future application to C. hominivorax. Welcome Megan!
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Welcome Mary and Laci!

Mary Hester recently joined tMary crophe lab as a part-time technician to assist with blowfly and mosquito rearing. Mary previously worked in the lab as an undergrad lab assistant.

Laci Bowes also recently joined the lab as a part-time uLaci crop 1ndergrad lab assistant on the blowfly projects. In addition, Laci is undertaking a research project on Drosophila melanogaster working with Katherine.

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Sophia’s team wins ESA debate!

Sophia’s team won their debate and the overall first place in the student debates at the recent annual ESA meeting. Johanna Elsensohn and Jen Baltzegar were also part of the team from the NCSU entomology dept. Their debate topic was: “With the development of tools like RNAi, in the future we may be capable of eradicating species. If we can eradicate a species, should we?” They were randomly assigned the Con Position. Congratulations!

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Lucilia transgenic female embryo lethal system published

Male-only releases have several advantages for an SIT program. In 2014 we published a transgenic sexing system for Lucilia cuprina. Although the strains produced only males on diet that lacked tetracycline, females died at the pupal stage. This is not optimal for an SIT program as the female larvae consume diet, which can be expensive. In a recent paper in Scientific Reports, we describe a conditional embryo female lethal system that is very efficient. The system should be transferrable to the New World screwworm. Ying was first author on this study.

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Lucilia X chromosome dosage compensation paper published.

Lucilia cuprina has a large, heterochromatic X chromosome with few genes. In a study recently published in PLoS ONE, we found that endogenous genes on the X chromosome are dosage compensated, that is expressed equally in males and females. However, transgenes that land on the X chromosome are more highly expressed in females, showing little if any dosage compensation. It appears that endogenous genes can respond to the dosage compensation mechanism but recently arrived transgenes cannot. Rebecca was first author and Esther coauthor on this study.

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Spotted Wing Drosophila Male-Only Project Funded by USDA

The USDA has announced a $6.7 million grant for research and education on spotted wing Drosophila. This multi-institutional, multi-investigator grant is being led by Hannah Burrack at NCSU. Our role in the grant is to further develop transgenic male-only strains for a genetic control program

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Katherine awarded GAANN fellowship!

Katherine was selected by the NC State GAANN Biotechnology Fellowship Committee to receive a GAANN Fellowship for one year, renewable up to one additional year. This fellowship provides a need-based stipend as well as funds to cover tuition, fees, and health insurance. This prestigious fellowship was awarded on the basis of Katherine’s fine academic record, demonstrated interest in molecular biotechnology and recommendation from the NC State Genetics Program. Congratulations Katherine!

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