The powers and perils of bug editing

Abstract

Triatomine insects of the Hemiptera order are vectors of the neglected Chagas disease, that inflicts a great health burden in the Americas. Vector control has been recognized as a fundamental aspect to fight disease spread. However, besides the use of insecticides, no transgenic or gene editing tools have been developed for these insects, limiting the widespread use of biological control strategies. Here I present a personal account in trying to develop gene editing tools for triatomines. I highlight the major challenges we have faced, the efforts we have made to overcome these obstacles, and the hurdles that still lie ahead. I deliver no magic path to guide you through the perilous land of kissing bug gene editing but rather lay down a few rules we have learned that may help ease your journey.