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Y-linked editors for invasive rodent control
Prateek Verma1, Omar S Akbari2, John M Marshall1,3
1Divisions of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
Molecular Biology and Evolution
|July 23, 2026
Summary
Y-linked genome editors (YLEs) show promise for controlling invasive rodents. These genetic biocontrol tools can effectively suppress or eliminate mouse populations on islands, aiding native species conservation.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Genetics
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- Invasive rodents pose a significant threat to island biodiversity.
- Genetic biocontrol offers species-specific solutions for rodent management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Y-linked genome editors (YLEs) for invasive mouse population suppression and elimination on islands.
- To model YLE inheritance patterns and assess elimination probabilities using the MouseGD simulation framework.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the MouseGD simulation framework to model YLEs and other genetic biocontrol tools.
- Simulated YLE inheritance patterns considering rodent life history and various release parameters.
- Calculated elimination probabilities, time to elimination, and potential off-target effects.
Main Results:
- YLEs demonstrated higher efficiency compared to other self-limiting genetic biocontrol tools.
- Simulations indicated YLEs could achieve elimination in a 10,000-individual mouse population within 5-10 years with modest monthly male releases.
- YLEs showed minimal risk of spreading to non-target populations, unlike gene drives.
Conclusions:
- Y-linked genome editors are a promising and ecologically manageable tool for invasive rodent elimination.
- YLEs can contribute to biodiversity conservation by protecting native species from invasive rodents.
