Gene Editing in Hermetia illucens

Hermetia illucens is a saprophytic insect of the Diptera, Stratiomyidae. As a new animal protein raw material with sustainable supply, it can provide the protein and energy aquatic and livestock animals need. Its larvae have a high nutritional value and a somewhat plastic nutritional composition. Moreover, no data reported so far indicate that Hermetia illucens is a vector of diseases and is safe. In addition, Hermetia illucens can survive in dirty environments to feed on organic wastes such as feces and convert them into its stores of high protein, which is widely used in high-value animal feeds.

Our Services for Gene Editing in Hermetia illucens

Lifeasible provides CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing methods for the lineage improvement of Hermetia illucens, an insect with great potential for resource utilization of organic waste. We can help you achieve targeted modification of Hermetia illucens larval size, eye color, adult wing development, and other shapes. In addition, we can use the platform we have built to help develop species with faster development and higher transformation efficiency.

Editable genes	Relevant traits exhibited after editing
Knockout of the stunting-related gene Ptth (Prothoracicotropic hormone)	The Ptth-mutant Hermetia illucens developmental arrest at the larval stage for more than 90 days enabling continuous feeding at the larval stage. Hermetia illucens undergoes four stages in its life, including egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The stage that can feed and participate in organic waste treatment is mainly the larval stage. The main products produced by the larvae after transforming organic waste are worm droppings and larval worm bodies. The dung can be used directly as organic fertilizer, and the harvested larvae can be processed into animal protein feed additives. The utilization efficiency of Hermetia illucens can be significantly enhanced by increasing the body size, a mutant phenotype.
Knockout of the wing development regulator gene Vg (Vestigial)	Vg-mutant Hermetia illucens larvae develop normally, but adults lose flight ability. With the help of rational genetic means, it is expected to significantly reduce the difficulty of rearing and recovery of Hermetia illucens adults.

The research and application of resource insects is an important research field in insect science. Lifeasible is committed to helping you achieve germplasm improvement and industrial utilization of the resource insect Hermetia illucens through gene editing and synthetic biology. Please feel free to contact us for program information.