Abstract: Provided herein are methods and transgenic systems termed Ifegenia (Inherited Female Elimination by Genetically Encoded Nucleases to Interrupt Alleles) comprising transgenic animal strains encoding Cas9 and/or gRNA that targets a female essential gene which are capable of passing down these genes as well as mutant female essential genes in wild populations in order to suppress the population of the animals, as well as methods and systems for making such animals. In some instances, the methods and systems provided herein result in both somatic and heritable germline mutations of the female essential gene resulting in daughter killing, and female essential gene mutant males reproductively viable to pass along the female essential gene mutation and related transgenes into subsequent generations. The methods and systems are adaptable to population control of insects, in particular mosquitoes such as Anopheles gambiae.

Abstract: The present invention provides human ras converting endoprotease (RCE), the encoding nucleic acids, recombinant vectors, transformed host cells and methods of making human RCE. More particularly, the invention provides methods of using human RCE in screening systems to identify inhibitors of human RCE useful for the treatment of various medical conditions. This invention further relates to inhibitors of human RCE.