Nature：中国学者开发基因编辑蚊子，有望终结疟疾传播

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant impact of mosquitoes on global health, particularly in relation to malaria transmission and the innovative genetic research aimed at combating this issue through gene editing technology [2][3][4]. Group 1: Malaria and Mosquito Impact - In 2023, approximately 263 million people were infected with malaria, resulting in nearly 600,000 deaths, with 80% of these fatalities being children [2]. - Efforts to control malaria transmission have stagnated due to mosquitoes developing resistance to insecticides and the malaria-causing parasites becoming resistant to treatments like artemisinin [3]. Group 2: Genetic Research and Innovations - A study published in Nature by researchers from UC San Diego and Johns Hopkins University utilized CRISPR-Cas9 technology to edit the FREP1 gene in the major malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi, to block the transmission of malaria parasites [4][6]. - The specific genetic modification involved changing one amino acid from L224 to Q224 in the FREP1 gene, which effectively prevents malaria parasites from entering the mosquito's salivary glands without affecting the mosquito's normal growth and reproduction [6][8]. Group 3: Gene Drive System - The research team developed a linked allele drive system to ensure the rapid spread of the FREP1 Q224 allele within mosquito populations, achieving an increase from 25% to 93% frequency in just 10 generations [9]. - This innovative approach leverages a naturally occurring mosquito allele, providing a powerful barrier against multiple malaria parasites and potentially applicable to various mosquito species and populations [10].