Synthetic Speciation: Programmable Transcriptional Activators to Prevent Gene Flow in Sexually-Reproducing Populations

Controlling gene flow between populations of sexually-reproducing organisms has applications in public health, agriculture, and control of invasive species. We have developed a new genetic approach to prevent sexual crossing between a genetic modified organism (GMO) and otherwise sexually compatible organisms. Here we will describe the new technology, demonstrate its effectiveness using a Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system, and highlight applications in insect-pest control, crop production, and invasive-species control.