Brief Context
In News Indian scientists at ICAR’s Central Rice Research Institute have developed a patented indigenous Genome-Editing(GE) technology using TnpB proteins as a compact alternative to the globally patented CRISPR-Cas systems. TnpB or Transposon-associated proteins It acts as “molecular scissors,” and precisely cuts and modifies plant DNA, enabling desirable traits without introducing foreign genes. Unlike bulky Cas9 and Cas12a proteins, the hypercompact TnpB (408 amino acids) can be easily delive
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Syllabus: GS3/Science and Technology
In News
- Indian scientists at ICAR’s Central Rice Research Institute have developed a patented indigenous Genome-Editing(GE) technology using TnpB proteins as a compact alternative to the globally patented CRISPR-Cas systems.
| Do you know? – In May 2025, ICAR released two genome-edited rice varieties developed by Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR) and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) – IIRR enhanced yields in Samba Mahsuri rice by editing the cytokinin oxidase 2 gene using CRISPR-Cas12a, while IARI improved drought and salinity tolerance in MTU-1010 (Cottondora Sannalu) by editing the DST gene with CRISPR-Cas9. – Despite these advances, commercial cultivation faces hurdles due to intellectual property restrictions on CRISPR-Cas technologies. |
TnpB or Transposon-associated proteins
- It acts as “molecular scissors,” and precisely cuts and modifies plant DNA, enabling desirable traits without introducing foreign genes.
- Unlike bulky Cas9 and Cas12a proteins, the hypercompact TnpB (408 amino acids) can be easily delivered into cells via viral vectors, bypassing tissue culture methods.
- ICAR secured a 20-year Indian patent in September 2025 and has filed for international protection, with adoption by plant breeders seen as the next critical step.
Features
- It has smaller proteins compared to CRISPR-Cas, reducing complexity and cost.
- It enables targeted DNA cuts and modifications for crop improvement.
- It reduces dependence on foreign proprietary technologies.
- It is designed for commercial application in crop breeding programs.
Benefits
- It cuts down licensing and royalty costs associated with foreign technologies.
- It is seen as a potential game-changer because CRISPR-Cas tools are heavily patented by the Broad Institute and Corteva, which may impose license fees on commercial cultivation of genome-edited (GE) crops.
- Indigenous tools could eliminate these IP barriers.
- It is seen as a potential game-changer because CRISPR-Cas tools are heavily patented by the Broad Institute and Corteva, which may impose license fees on commercial cultivation of genome-edited (GE) crops.
- It has the potential to deliver high-yield, climate-resilient, and pest-resistant varieties at lower costs.
- It strengthens India’s position in the $165.7 billion bioeconomy, projected to reach $300 billion by 2030.
- It enhances India’s ability to meet rising food demand sustainably.
- It positions India as a leader in affordable GE crop technologies.
Challenges
- India’s GE crops face strict biosafety and approval hurdles under the Plant Variety and Farmers’ Rights Protection Authority Act.
- Concerns around GM/GE crops persist among consumers and activists.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Need for advanced labs, trained personnel, and seed distribution networks.
Way Ahead
- India’s indigenous gene-editing technology offers a cost-effective alternative to global platforms, with the potential to democratize access to GE crops, enhance food security, and empower farmers.
- To fully realize its promise, there is a need for streamlining regulatory approvals while safeguarding biosafety and farmer rights.
- There is a need for building public trust through awareness, integrating efforts with national bioeconomy and innovation missions, fostering international collaboration.
Sources:IE