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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2023.08.11.553026

A fluorescent sex-sorting technique for insects with the demonstration in Drosophila melanogaster

Liu, J.·Rayes, D.·Akbari, O.
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Abstract

Recent advances in insect genetic engineering offer alternative genetic biocontrol solutions to control populations of pests and disease vectors. While success has been achieved, sex-sorting remains problematic for scaling many genetic biocontrol interventions. Here we describe the development of a sex-sorting technique for female and male selection with a proof-of-concept in D. melanogaster termed SEPARATOR (Sexing Element Produced by Alternative RNA-splicing of A Transgenic Observable Reporter). This approach utilizes dominant fluorescent proteins and differentially spliced introns to ensure sex-specific expression. The system has the potential for adaptability to various insect species and application for high-throughput insect sex-sorting.

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Liu, J., Rayes, D., Akbari, O.. 2023-08-14. A fluorescent sex-sorting technique for insects with the demonstration in Drosophila melanogaster. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.08.11.553026

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