The sea lamprey is a highly destructive invasive species in the Laurentian Great Lakes that is under intensive control using lampricide applications and a network of barriers that block upstream migration. The Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) has initiated a research theme and long term research program to fully assess feasibility, efficacy, and risk of genetic control methods for sea lamprey. In support of this research theme, we focus on evaluating the technical feasibility of applying genome editing and genetic technologies to sea lamprey control. Our immediate objectives are 1) to identify candidate genes or other DNA elements as possible targets for sea lamprey genetic control, and 2) to identify and develop feasible approaches to generate genetically modified sea lamprey.
Characteristics of sea lamprey life history and genome impose unique challenges for genome editing. This animal develops through a complex life cycle (3~10+ years), only breeds in the spring before senescence, and has not been cultured to the adult stage in captivity. These features render it difficult to evaluate gene function throughout sea lamprey life cycle. To circumvent these obstacles, zebrafish (Danio rerio), with a generation time of three months and ability to spawn daily, will be used concurrently with sea lamprey in our genetic modification research. This research is being done strictly in contained laboratory conditions, not in the wild.
As an extant member of the jawless vertebrate lineage, sea lamprey and its genome contain information essential for understanding vertebrate origin and evolution. The ultimate goal of our genome editing research is to develop genetic tools potentially useful for sea lamprey control and to provide further insights in vertebrate evolution.
Relevant Links:
Great Lakes Fishery Commission
Characteristics of sea lamprey life history and genome impose unique challenges for genome editing. This animal develops through a complex life cycle (3~10+ years), only breeds in the spring before senescence, and has not been cultured to the adult stage in captivity. These features render it difficult to evaluate gene function throughout sea lamprey life cycle. To circumvent these obstacles, zebrafish (Danio rerio), with a generation time of three months and ability to spawn daily, will be used concurrently with sea lamprey in our genetic modification research. This research is being done strictly in contained laboratory conditions, not in the wild.
As an extant member of the jawless vertebrate lineage, sea lamprey and its genome contain information essential for understanding vertebrate origin and evolution. The ultimate goal of our genome editing research is to develop genetic tools potentially useful for sea lamprey control and to provide further insights in vertebrate evolution.
Relevant Links:
Great Lakes Fishery Commission