New VGL Publication: Evaluating Ecological Interactions of Gene Drive Mosquitoes

A new study from our lab and collaborators, published in Parasites & Vectors, evaluates potential ecological effects of genetically engineered Anopheles coluzzii mosquitoes on predator species. As gene drive mosquitoes are being developed for malaria control, understanding their interactions with non-target organisms is critical for environmental risk assessment.

The study examined growth in two predators—the mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) and the bold jumping spider (Phidippus audax)—fed either genetically engineered or wild-type mosquitoes. No adverse effects were observed in either species. While fish showed no differences between diet groups, spiders fed engineered mosquitoes consumed more prey, grew larger, and matured more quickly, suggesting increased susceptibility of these mosquitoes to predation.

These findings support the environmental safety of gene drive mosquitoes while highlighting the importance of further research on ecological interactions in natural systems.

Congratulations to Claire on her first published paper and to all co-authors.

Read the full article: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13071-025-06987-6