Indigenous Gene Editing Technology to Make GE Crops Cheaper in India

Gene Editing Tech Latest News

• Indian scientists have created a homegrown, “miniature” alternative to the globally patented CRISPR-Cas system for precise genome editing in plants. 
  • CRISPR-Cas is a natural bacterial defense system adapted for genome editing. 
  • It uses a guide RNA to lead a Cas enzyme, such as Cas9, to a specific DNA sequence. 
  • The Cas enzyme cuts the DNA at that exact spot, and the cell’s repair machinery is then used to insert, delete, or modify genes with precision.
• The new technology, recently patented by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), uses TnpB — transposon-associated proteins — to cut and modify plant DNA. 
• This development strengthens India’s ability to produce genome-edited (GE) crops at lower cost while reducing dependence on foreign proprietary tools.

Gene Modification Vs Gene Editing

• Gene Modification – GM introduces foreign DNA from a different species into an organism.
  • Process: A new gene from another organism is inserted into the target organism’s genome.
  • Outcome: Produces a genetically modified organism (GMO) containing genetic material from multiple species.
  • Analogy: Like inserting a new chapter from another author into a book.
  • Example: Adding a gene from another plant species to make a crop disease-resistant. 
• Gene Editing – Gene editing makes precise, targeted changes to an organism’s existing DNA without adding foreign genes.
  • Process: Small changes—such as deletions, corrections, or replacements—are made at specific DNA sites. It uses Molecular scissors (Cas/TnpB) and Guides RNA to direct cuts at precise DNA locations.
  • Outcome: Produces a genetically edited organism (GEO) with modified original DNA.
  • Analogy: Like correcting or deleting a word in a document.
  • Example: Removing a gene to stop an unwanted protein or correcting a mutation causing a genetic disorder.

India’s First GE Rice Varieties

• ICAR announced two CRISPR-edited rice varieties:
  • Samba Mahsuri (IIRR) – Edited cytokinin oxidase 2 gene using CRISPR-Cas12a → higher yield.
  • MTU-1010 (IARI) – Edited DST gene using CRISPR-Cas9 → drought & salinity tolerance.
• These varieties face commercialisation hurdles due to CRISPR patent restrictions.

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Indigenous Breakthrough in Genome Editing

• Indian scientists have developed a “miniature alternative” to CRISPR-Cas technologies using TnpB proteins, offering a fully indigenous genome-editing (GE) tool for plants. 
• The technology, recently patented by ICAR, enables precise DNA cutting and modification to improve crop traits.

What Makes TnpB Technology Different

• The new tool uses Transposon-associated TnpB proteins that function like Cas9/Cas12a as molecular scissors.
• Key advantages:
  • Much smaller size (400–500 amino acids) compared to Cas9 (1,000–1,400) and Cas12a (1,300).
  • Compact size allows easy delivery via viral vectors, avoiding tissue-culture-based delivery.
  • Uses Deinococcus radiodurans-derived TnpB, enabling efficient gene editing.
    • Deinococcus radiodurans is a bacterium that can survive in extremely harsh conditions.
    • The bacterium is harmless to humans. It is useful in bioremediation and can help clean up radioactive waste.

Why TnpB-Based Editing Is a Game Changer

• The indigenous tool allows:
  • Freedom from foreign IP control
  • Lower costs for GE crop development
  • Easier DNA delivery due to the protein’s small size
  • Potential to address NGO concerns about foreign companies dominance

Why India Needed an Alternative to CRISPR

• CRISPR-Cas technologies are controlled globally by:
  • Broad Institute – patents for CRISPR-Cas12a
  • Corteva Agriscience – joint licensing for CRISPR-Cas9 in agriculture
• Indian scientists can use CRISPR for research but commercial release of GE varieties requires licensing fees. 
• Indigenous TnpB systems eliminate such IP restrictions, making GE crop development affordable and scalable.
• ICAR has been negotiating with Broad Institute and Corteva since July 2025. They permit research use but may charge licensing fees for commercial GE crop cultivation.
  • India has requested fee waivers for small and marginal farmers.

Source: IE | AFS