Crisanti:Andrew M Hammond: Difference between revisions
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I am a | I am a research associate in [[Crisanti:Crisanti Lab | Crisanti Lab]] at [http://www.imperial.ac.uk/ Imperial College], working on novel strategies to control the mosquito vector of malaria using gene drive. I joined the team as a PhD student in 2012 and developed a highly effective method to build gene drives using the CRISPR system. By 2016, we had successfully engineered the first gene drive system for population suppression in the mosquito vector of malaria ''Anopheles gambiae'', and demonstrated its spread through naïve populations of caged insects [http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v34/n1/full/nbt.3439.html]. As part of this work, we have demonstrated the first system for gene targeting in the malaria mosquito as well as other genome engineering techniques that have opened up avenues for genetic control that previously did not exist for the malaria mosquito. | ||
In an aim to develop systems that can be applied more widely to vector control strategies, Roberto Galizi and myself have developed a method to distort the sex ratio of insects towards males through the selective destruction of X-bearing spermatozoa using the CRISPR-system [http://www.nature.com/articles/srep31139]. Whilst earlier work by our lab had demonstrated sex ratio distortion using I-PpoI endonuclease, the initial strategy was highly constrained in its potential uses and uniquely limited to ''Anopheles gambiae''. The CRISPR based method we have now presented offers a strategy that can be easily manipulated to optimise performance or limit resistance, and may be extended for use in other insect vectors of disease. | |||
==Other interests== | ==Other interests== | ||
Revision as of 05:53, 15 December 2016
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Andrew M Hammond (Drew)
Contact Info
Andrew M Hammond
Crisanti lab
Department of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences
South Kensington Campus, SAF
London, SW7 2AZ
UK
andrew.hammond08[ät]imperial.ac.uk
Education
- 2012 - Present, PhD, Imperial College London
- 2011, BSc, Imperial College London
Research interests
I am a research associate in Crisanti Lab at Imperial College, working on novel strategies to control the mosquito vector of malaria using gene drive. I joined the team as a PhD student in 2012 and developed a highly effective method to build gene drives using the CRISPR system. By 2016, we had successfully engineered the first gene drive system for population suppression in the mosquito vector of malaria Anopheles gambiae, and demonstrated its spread through naïve populations of caged insects [1]. As part of this work, we have demonstrated the first system for gene targeting in the malaria mosquito as well as other genome engineering techniques that have opened up avenues for genetic control that previously did not exist for the malaria mosquito.
In an aim to develop systems that can be applied more widely to vector control strategies, Roberto Galizi and myself have developed a method to distort the sex ratio of insects towards males through the selective destruction of X-bearing spermatozoa using the CRISPR-system [2]. Whilst earlier work by our lab had demonstrated sex ratio distortion using I-PpoI endonuclease, the initial strategy was highly constrained in its potential uses and uniquely limited to Anopheles gambiae. The CRISPR based method we have now presented offers a strategy that can be easily manipulated to optimise performance or limit resistance, and may be extended for use in other insect vectors of disease.
Other interests
Aside from my time spent in the lab, I am an avid traveller and power lifter. I have taken it upon myself to train our lab in the skill that really matters in life, superhuman strength! Every morning at 8am, I take the not-so-willing volunteers to the University gym for some serious exercise - everything from weightlifting to cardio and pilates-style mobility and core strengthening. Personally, my best achievement in power lifting has been to place 2nd in the Greater London bench press competition and I'm hoping to enter other lifting competitions soon.
Publications
- Hammond, A. M. & Nolan, T. (2014). Sex-, tissue- and stage-specific transgene expression. In: Benedict, M. (Ed.), Transgenic insects: techniques and applications (pp. 29-50). Oxfordshire, UK: CABI. isbn=978-1-78064-451-6 [3]
Awards
- 2014 1st Prize for "Best PhD Presentation" at Imperial College London
- 2014 2nd Silver medal for the Greater London bench press competition
