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Picture Courtesy: INDIAN EXPRESS
Indian scientists have successfully developed a cost-effective, homegrown gene-editing technology as a self-reliant alternative to the patented CRISPR-Cas9 system.
Gene editing is a specialized genetic engineering technique that makes precise changes to an organism's DNA, allowing scientists to add, remove, or alter genetic material.
Core Mechanism: Gene editing technologies utilize "molecular scissors" (like Cas or TnpB proteins) and a guide RNA (acting as a "navigator") to precisely cut DNA at a predetermined target site.
They are controlled by: the Broad Institute (MIT and Harvard partnership) holds patents for CRISPR-Cas12a, and Corteva Agriscience holds a joint licensing agreement for CRISPR-Cas9 in agriculture.
Its commercialization faces hurdles due to IP rights and licensing fees, hindering GE crop cultivation, especially in developing nations like India.
Indigenous Development: Indian scientists at ICAR’s Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI) in Cuttack, Odisha, have developed a new indigenous gene-editing system.
"Miniature Alternative": This system is promoted as a "miniature alternative" to the proprietary CRISPR-Cas proteins-based technology.
Core Technology - TnpB Proteins: The new technology deploys Transposon-associated proteins (TnpB).
Patent Granted: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was granted a 20-year Indian patent for this technology, titled “Systems and Methods for Targeted Genome-Editing in Plants”
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Agricultural Potential of Gene Editing Technology Higher Yields: Genetic modification for increased grain number or productivity. Stress Resilience: Developing resistance to drought, salinity, and other climate stresses. Pest & Disease Immunity: Introducing inherent resistance to pathogens and pests. Enhanced Nutrition: Increasing essential vitamins, minerals, or beneficial compounds. Lower Input Costs: Reduced need for pesticides and fertilizers due to inherent plant traits. |
Key Advantages of the TnpB System
Compact Size: TnpB proteins (400-500 amino acids) are smaller than Cas9 (1,000-1,400 amino acids). Their compact size simplifies delivery into plant cells, easing the editing process.
Cost-Effective & IP Freedom: As an ICAR-patented indigenous technology, it frees Indian researchers from expensive licensing fees and foreign-owned CRISPR intellectual property restrictions.
High Efficiency: Enabling faster development of improved crop varieties compared to conventional breeding methods.
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Gene Editing (e.g., TnpB, CRISPR) |
Genetic Modification (GM) |
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Process |
Makes precise changes (deletions, corrections) to an organism's existing DNA without adding foreign genes. |
Introduces foreign DNA from a different species into an organism's genome. |
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Outcome |
The organism has modified native DNA, often indistinguishable from natural mutations or conventional hybrids. |
Produces a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) containing genetic material from another species (transgenic). |
Self-Reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat): Reduces dependency on multinational corporations for critical agricultural technologies, boosting domestic innovation.
Food and Nutritional Security: Develops crops with enhanced traits such as drought tolerance, pest resistance, and improved nutritional profiles.
Boosting Farmer Income: Climate-resilient, disease-resistant crops cut input costs (pesticides, water) and failure risk, boosting farmer economic stability.
Strengthening the Bio-Economy: This innovation reinforces India's position in the global bio-economy, which is projected to reach $300 billion by 2030. (Source: PIB).
India regulates genetically engineered organisms and hazardous microorganisms through the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the 1989 Rules for their handling. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the top approval authority.
In March 2022, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) exempted gene-edited crops under SDN-1 and SDN-2 categories from the regulations applied to GMOs.
Regulatory and Judicial Scrutiny: The ongoing Supreme Court case regarding GM Mustard (DMH-11) highlights the policy and governance challenges in the approval process for genetically engineered crops.
Public Perception: Building public trust is essential, given the controversial history of GM crops in India, such as the moratorium on Bt Brinjal.
Environmental Concerns: Concerns persist regarding potential off-target effects, long-term impacts on biodiversity, and the risk of creating herbicide-tolerant "superweeds."
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Bt Cotton, India's only commercially grown GM crop, initially boosted yields and cut pink bollworm pesticide use. However, it now faces secondary pest issues and emerging pest resistance. |
Strengthen Regulatory Frameworks: Develop a transparent, science-based, and efficient regulatory system that ensures rigorous biosafety assessment without hindering innovation.
Indigenous R&D: Increase public investment in developing domestic biotechnologies to ensure the benefits reach smallholder farmers.
Focus on Farmer-Centric Traits: Prioritize research on traits that directly address farmer challenges, such as climate resilience and nutritional enhancement.
Promote Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encourage collaboration between public institutions like ICAR and the private sector to translate research into commercially viable products.
Encourage Informed Discourse: Promote a balanced public debate that weighs scientific potential against environmental and ethical concerns.
Indian scientists have developed a cost-effective, IP-free indigenous gene-editing technology using TnpB proteins, distinct from GM, to precisely edit existing plant DNA for creating climate-resilient, nutrient-rich crops to boost food security and self-reliance, though its widespread adoption faces hurdles like public perception, regulatory gaps, and ethical concerns.
Source: INDIAN EXPRESS
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Critically analyze the potential benefits and risks associated with the commercial cultivation of Genetically Edited (GE) crops in India. 250 words |
TnpB (Transposon-associated proteins) is an indigenous gene-editing technology developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). It acts as "molecular scissors" to precisely cut and modify a plant's DNA. Its key advantages are its compact size, making it easy to use, and its domestic patent, which makes it a cost-effective alternative to foreign technologies like CRISPR-Cas9.
Gene editing makes precise changes (like deletions or corrections) to an organism's existing DNA without adding any foreign genes. The outcome is often indistinguishable from a natural mutation. In contrast, Genetic Modification (GM) involves introducing foreign DNA from a different species into an organism's genome, creating a transgenic organism.
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), functioning under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is the apex regulatory body in India. It is responsible for appraising activities involving the large-scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants, and for approving the release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment.
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