Revolutionary TnpB-Based Genome-Editing Tool Developed in India

India Develops Indigenous Genome-Editing Tool Using TnpB Proteins

Recently, Indian scientists have patented an innovative genome-editing tool based on TnpB (transposon-associated) proteins. This advancement provides India with a homegrown alternative to the globally dominant foreign-controlled genome-editing technologies.

1. What is Genome Editing (GE)?

Genome editing (GE) is a precise scientific method that allows the addition, removal, or alteration of DNA at specific sites within an organism's genome. The most recognized technique, CRISPR-Cas9, stands out for its speed, cost-effectiveness, and precision compared to older genetic methods. GE utilizes molecular scissors (Cas proteins) guided by RNA to target specific DNA sequences, enabling researchers to modify or deactivate genes. Unlike genetic modification (GM), genome editing focuses solely on modifying existing genes without introducing foreign DNA.

2. Background: Genome-Edited Crops in India

In May 2025, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) released two genome-edited rice varieties developed through CRISPR technology. The Samba Mahsuri variety was edited using Cas12a to enhance the cytokinin oxidase 2 gene, leading to improved yields. Meanwhile, the MTU-1010 (Cottondora Sannalu) variety was modified using Cas9 to target the DST gene, which increased its tolerance to drought and salinity. However, the large-scale cultivation of these genome-edited crops faces several challenges, particularly surrounding intellectual property rights.

3. Why was an Indigenous Alternative Needed?

The global CRISPR-Cas technologies are primarily governed by the Broad Institute and Corteva Agriscience, a U.S.-based agri-biotech company. This reliance on foreign patents and costly licensing agreements necessitated the development of an indigenous genome-editing tool. Indian researchers aimed to create a solution free from multinational control.

4. What is TnpB Protein-Based Genome-Editing Technology?

TnpB-based genome editing offers a compact and local alternative to the patented CRISPR-Cas9 and Cas12a systems. The TnpB proteins are notably smaller, comprising about 400–500 amino acids, compared to Cas9 (1,000–1,400 amino acids) and Cas12a (approximately 1,300 amino acids). This reduced size facilitates easier delivery into plant cells. Its hypercompact structure enables packaging into viral vectors for direct injection into cells. Similar to Cas proteins, TnpB serves as molecular scissors, allowing for precise DNA editing.

5. Significance of This Development

The TnpB-based system decreases India's reliance on foreign intellectual property and eradicates the need for expensive licensing agreements. This innovation supports India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reinforcing strategic autonomy in advanced biotechnology. Additionally, it addresses concerns from civil society regarding excessive multinational control over agricultural advancements.

6. Other Applications of Genome Editing

• Agriculture: Genome editing is utilized to create climate-resilient crops, enhance yields, and minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Plans are in place to release 15 genome-edited pulse varieties such as tur, urad, and masoor under the Mission for Atmanirbharta in Pulses.
• Healthcare: Indian scientists are working on enhanced CRISPR enzymes, like FnCas9, for more precise therapeutic uses. Genome editing is being explored in cell and gene therapy, presenting new avenues for the treatment of genetic disorders and the advancement of personalized medicine.
• Research and Capacity Building: The National Genome Editing and Training Centre (NGETC) has been established in Mohali to train researchers and expedite genome-editing applications for food and nutritional security. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is promoting genome engineering technologies across bioenergy, environmental research, agriculture, and human health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is genome editing used for in agriculture?
Answer: Genome editing in agriculture is primarily used to develop crops that are resistant to climate change, improve yield, and reduce dependency on chemical inputs, enhancing sustainability in farming practices.

Q2. How does TnpB protein compare to CRISPR technologies?
Answer: TnpB proteins are smaller than CRISPR proteins, making them easier to deliver into plant cells and providing a more compact alternative for genome editing, which can enhance efficiency in agricultural applications.

Q3. Why is an indigenous genome-editing tool important for India?
Answer: An indigenous genome-editing tool reduces dependence on foreign technologies, supports local innovation, and strengthens India's strategic autonomy in biotechnology, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Q4. What are some challenges faced by genome-edited crops in India?
Answer: Genome-edited crops in India face challenges such as intellectual property rights issues, regulatory hurdles, and public acceptance, which can hinder their large-scale commercialization and adoption in agriculture.

Q5. How is genome editing impacting healthcare?
Answer: Genome editing is revolutionizing healthcare by enabling precise therapies for genetic disorders, advancing personalized medicine, and opening new avenues for innovative treatments through engineered CRISPR enzymes.