The disclosure relates to improved methods of cyto-plasmic incompatibility-based transgenics for pest or vector control. Further disclosed are improved gene drivers for use in genetically modified arthropods and use in methods for controlling and/or reducing arthropod populations.

An insect gene drive system for biocontrol of a population of an insect is provided. The gene drive system includes: a) a first DNA sequence encoding a toxin under the control of a maternal germline-specific promoter active in the insect, with the first DNA sequence being linked to b) a second DNA sequence encoding an antidote under the control of an early embryo-specific promoter active in the insect. The toxin is expressed in maternal germline cells of the insect and results in maternal-effect lethality in the insect, and the antidote is expressed in embryos of the insect and counters the maternal-effect lethality. In some embodiments, the insect is Drosophila suzrukii.

A nucleic acid for the controlled expression of a nucleic acid encoding a pro-apoptotic protein in an individual, including: a regulatory polynucleotide including a minimal promoter and at least one AARE (amino acid response element) nucleic acid, the regulatory polynucleotide being activated in an individual upon consumption of a diet deficient in at least one essential amino acid; and a nucleic acid encoding a pro-apoptotic protein, which is placed under the control of the regulatory polynucleotide.

The present invention provides a kidney production method including a step of tissue-specifically removing a metanephric mesenchyme of a metanephros of a non-human animal; a step of transplanting, into the metanephros, a kidney precursor cell derived from a non-human animal which is allogeneic or xenogeneic to the non-human animal; and a step of advancing development of the metanephros, which is a step in which the transplanted kidney precursor cell is differentiated and matured to form a part of the kidney.

Two or more conditional, dominant, lethal gene expression systems provide high levels of penetrance in insects. Lethality is induced at an earlier stage of development and the risk of biochemical resistance is reduced, as compared to a single insect conditional, dominant, lethal gene expression system. The invention is useful for the control of insect populations.

Described herein are methods and compositions for generating single sex offspring using split-intein approach. In particular, methods and compositions are provided to generate single sex and genetically modified offspring. These techniques can be applied to compassionate animal breeding.

Described herein are methods and compositions for generating single sex offspring using trans-splicing approach. In particular, methods and compositions are provided to generate single sex and genetically modified offspring. These techniques can be applied to compassionate animal breeding.

The present invention provides a kidney production method including a step of tissue-specifically removing a metanephric mesenchyme of a metanephros of a non-human animal; a step of transplanting a human kidney precursor cell into the metanephros; and a step of advancing development of the metanephros, which is a step in which the transplanted human kidney precursor cell is differentiated and matured to form a part of the kidney.

The present invention provides an organ production method including a step of tissue-specifically removing a first portion of an organ of a non-human animal partway through development thereof; a step of transplanting, into a region from which the first portion has been removed, an organ precursor cell which is allogeneic or xenogeneic to the non-human animal; and a step of advancing development of the organ, which is a step in which the transplanted organ precursor cell is differentiated and matured to form a part of the organ.

A nucleic acid for the controlled expression of a nucleic acid encoding a pro-apoptotic protein in an individual, including: a regulatory polynucleotide including a minimal promoter and at least one AARE (amino acid response element) nucleic acid, the regulatory polynucleotide being activated in an individual upon consumption of a diet deficient in at least one essential amino acid; and a nucleic acid encoding a pro-apoptotic protein, which is placed under the control of the regulatory polynucleotide.