NEW DELHI: India has made a development in the gene editing area with the design of GlowCas9, a novel protein derived from the CRISPR system which is developed by researchers at the prestigious Bose Institute in Kolkata. For many years the CRISPR-Cas9 system has been recognized worldwide as a revolutionary technique with potential for the treatment of genetic disorders by site cutting of the DNA molecules. A single challenge is of visualizing the Cas9 protein inside a living cell. It has been remained unsolved with the use of the existing technique, which used to result in the destruction of cells. This major scientific challenge has been overcome with the development of GlowCas9, putting India on the top of the genome engineering development list.
GlowCas9 is a result of the fusion of the Cas9 enzyme with a split nano luciferase enzyme from deep sea shrimp. The two inactive luciferase components come together only when the Cas9 protein takes on a proper shape inside the cell, resulting in a bioluminescent glow which is similar to that of fireflies. This glow helps scientists to track the process of genome editing, which is a breakthrough in the rising area of theratracking. The application of gene editing in real time is known as theratracking.
The GlowCas9 system is not only detectable but also stable. The protein remains stable at high temperatures compared to the normal Cas9, which is a critical component in gene therapy. In a tropical country such as India where temperature stability is a significant factor in handling, transportation and storage of biological products, the thermostability of GlowCas9 is a significant advantage. The researchers also demonstrated GlowCas9 improves the specificity of homology directed repair (HDR), which is a mechanism of correcting DNA necessary for repairing mutations that cause genetic hereditary dystrophy as well as sickle cell anemia.
GlowCas9 was used to introduce the DNA sequence ACHARYA into a genome, a tribute to Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose the founder of the Bose Institute. The application of GlowCas9 has been shown in plant models, where it has been used to track the editing of the genome in plant leaves, which is a sign that there is potential for non-transgenic crop improvement necessary for the India’s agricultural future.
How GlowCas9 Can Benefit India
GlowCas9 is set to impact both scientific and social sectors in India. Being a country that is heavily investing in biotechnology, precision medicine as well as climate resilient agriculture. GlowCas9 provides a platform that is bound to enhance India’s potential in research, translation as well as development.
In Healthcare and Gene Therapy the genetic disorders are quite common in India and many are observed with high prevalence in certain communities. The real-time observation of the activity of the CRISPR system within living cells enhances the accuracy of safety with potential uses in treatment.
GlowCas9 enables researchers to:
• Real-time observation of genome correction to confirm whether the changes are made within the intended sites
• Increase the efficiency of gene therapy research trials by making it possible to confirm visually that editing has been accomplished
• Less likelihood of off target effects, a significant problem that has been a hindrance in various clinical applications in the past
• Evaluate therapeutic editing within a biological system without harming a sample, which is significant for research purposes
It is because GlowCas9 is more precise at the gene level, with properties that are stable even when temperatures are high, that such a tool would be useful for the creation of gene therapy programs that are within the reach of developing countries like India. In India, a lack of affordability is a major impediment to accessing gene therapy available in Western countries.
Transforming Agriculture in India: Agriculture is still one of the biggest sectors of the Indian economy and the effects of climate change have led to a demand for resilient crops. The traceability of GlowCas9 in plant systems has introduced a number of possibilities for advancements in Rapid development of climate resilient crop varieties. Non transgenic gene editing, which enhances public acceptance and regulatory support and rapid assessment of changes to plant leaves without harming them, which helps reduce research completion times
India’s agricultural research institutes can rely on GlowCas9 to develop strains that are more drought-resistant, pesticide resistant and highly productive with high precision. The technique is also expected to bypass the many objections from the public that are common with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This is because GlowCas9 is not a GMO and it doesn’t introduce genes from other organisms.
Improving India’s Research & Education Network: The visual signaling mechanism of GlowCas9 is an outstanding learning tool that helps comprehend molecular biology. It would greatly enhance the teaching of genetics, genome engineering and biotechnology because it offers a means for students and scientists to see ‘what is happening’ biologically as opposed to ‘what would happen’ when theoretical models are used.
This opens opportunities for REM Sleep Therapy, which may add to the list of treatments for neurological disorders. Broader interdisciplinary collaboration involving chemistry, physics, biology and bioengineering and Rise in research, facilitated by a tool that supports mechanistic research as well as application research
The universities and research institutes in the country can use GlowCas9 in advanced courses, lab sessions and collaborative research initiatives, which will further enhance the knowledge base of India in state of the art genetics.
Enhancing the Biotechnology Sector: The biotechnology industry in India is worth several billion dollars. GlowCas9 helps to grow the biotechnology industry in India by supporting local production of genome editing kits, thereby minimizing reliance on importing components of CRISPR. Uplifting startups that are developing diagnostics, agricultural solutions, therapeutics and gene editors raising India’s competitive position in the international CRISPR market, which is projected to go beyond $10 billion.
The reason why GlowCas9 is an indigenous innovation is that it fits perfectly with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. It can thus assist India in becoming a prominent supplier of safe genome editing solutions worldwide.
The development of GlowCas9 is a significant breakthrough for India. It is a solution that came from labs for meeting a very urgent need in the field of genome engineering, that is, making gene editing visible in real living cells. This is a big because transparency is a significant adoption driver, apart from improved efficiency. The tool has a wide applicability range from human cells to plants.
GlowCas9 development exhibits a degree of scientific sophistication, which brings India on par with international leaders in molecular biology. This fact of GlowCas9 has been published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition, which is considered one of the most prestigious chemistry journals worldwide, is a diagonal acknowledgment of this success.
The increased development capabilities that are taking place in India with respect to biotechnology and genetic science mean that technologies such as GlowCas9 remain imperative in the development of scientific advancements within the country. These developments are not only essential with respect to improving healthcare for the population, but they are also a great way for the country to develop indigenous research that meets international standards.
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