Fig. 2: Creating a CRISPR-based gene drive.
From: Gene drives: an alternative approach to malaria control?
The sgRNA binds Cas9 when expressed in the chromosome containing the gene drive cassette. Cas9 is then directed to bind and cleave DNA at complementary sites, usually 20 nucleotides in length, on the unmodified chromosome. The cassette encoding the sgRNA and Cas9 sequences is flanked by homologous sequences which allows for homology-directed DNA repair and duplication of the gene drive cassette. The gene drive may then be passed to almost all the progeny and can modify the population within a few generations. HR homologous region, PAM protospacer adjacent motif, sgRNA single guide RNA. Image created with BioRender.com.
