Recent advancements in gene editing have seen Indian scientists develop a homegrown alternative to the globally recognized CRISPR-Cas system. This innovation, patented by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), introduces a "miniature" system utilizing TnpB—transposon-associated proteins—for precise genome editing in plants. This breakthrough aims to reduce reliance on foreign technologies and lower the cost of developing genome-edited (GE) crops.
Gene modification involves introducing foreign DNA from a different species into an organism, often resulting in genetically modified organisms (GMOs) with genetic material from multiple species. In contrast, gene editing makes precise changes to an organism’s existing DNA without adding foreign genes, producing genetically edited organisms (GEOs) with modified original DNA.
For example, while gene modification might add a disease-resistant gene from another species, gene editing might correct a mutation causing a genetic disorder.
ICAR has announced two CRISPR-edited rice varieties: Samba Mahsuri and MTU-1010. The former uses CRISPR-Cas12a to edit the cytokinin oxidase 2 gene for higher yield, while the latter employs CRISPR-Cas9 to enhance drought and salinity tolerance. However, these varieties face commercialization challenges due to existing CRISPR patent restrictions.
The TnpB-based technology offers a completely indigenous genome-editing tool for plants, employing transposon-associated proteins that act as molecular scissors. Notably, these proteins are significantly smaller than the traditional Cas9 or Cas12a enzymes, facilitating easier delivery and reducing reliance on tissue-culture-based methods.
This new technology holds several advantages, including freedom from foreign intellectual property constraints and reduced costs for GE crop development. Its compact size allows for easier DNA delivery, potentially addressing concerns about foreign company dominance in the agricultural sector.
Globally, CRISPR-Cas technologies are controlled by organizations like the Broad Institute and Corteva Agriscience, which hold patents and licensing rights. While Indian scientists can use CRISPR for research, commercial deployment of GE crops incurs licensing fees. The indigenous TnpB systems remove such barriers, making GE crop development more accessible and affordable.
ICAR has been in discussions with the Broad Institute and Corteva since July 2025, seeking to waive fees for small and marginal farmers. This initiative underscores the need for cost-effective and scalable GE solutions in India’s agricultural landscape.
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