Sexpert Vlaanderen Sneltests

In a genetic chain reaction, a property of an organism changes forever. This is also called “gene drive”. All descendants of the organism inherit the change. As a result, the trait can spread among almost all descendants within a few generations. This does not happen with other forms of genetic modification.

With gene drive, for example, the (infectious) disease malaria could be reduced. This can be done by making mosquitoes insensitive to the malaria parasite forever. Research into this is currently only carried out in the laboratory.

In gene drive, a new trait is passed on to the entire new generation of the organism. As a result, the spread of the new property is not easy to reverse. The consequences of gene drive for nature are also not yet known. Due to these uncertainties, research into gene drives is currently taking place in laboratories. It is expected that it will take several years before the gene drives can be put into practice.

Scientists who want to work with gene drive must apply for a permit. Strict conditions apply to the permit. For example, the requirement to prevent the organism they change from ending up in nature. The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) supervises this.