Modified CRISPR Tool to help plants combat heat stress
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: PIB
Context: Scientists at Bose Institute, Kolkata, have developed a modified CRISPR tool to help plants combat heat stress and bacterial infections, offering a breakthrough in sustainable and smart agriculture.
About Modified CRISPR Tool to help plants combat heat stress:
• What It Is? A modified CRISPR tool using dCas9 (dead Cas9) that acts as a gene switch, turning defense genes on or off without cutting DNA. The tool is designed to activate only under plant stress—such as heat waves or pathogen attack.
• A modified CRISPR tool using dCas9 (dead Cas9) that acts as a gene switch, turning defense genes on or off without cutting DNA.
• The tool is designed to activate only under plant stress—such as heat waves or pathogen attack.
• Developed By: Bose Institute, an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
• How It Works? Scientists used a part of a natural tomato protein (called NACMTF3) to hold back the CRISPR switch (dCas9) outside the plant’s control center (nucleus). When the plant faces stress like heat or disease, the hold is released, and the CRISPR switch moves inside the nucleus. Inside, it turns on helpful genes that help the plant fight heat and infections. This system saves energy, as it only works when the plant is in danger.
• Scientists used a part of a natural tomato protein (called NACMTF3) to hold back the CRISPR switch (dCas9) outside the plant’s control center (nucleus).
• When the plant faces stress like heat or disease, the hold is released, and the CRISPR switch moves inside the nucleus.
• Inside, it turns on helpful genes that help the plant fight heat and infections.
• This system saves energy, as it only works when the plant is in danger.
• Key Features: Works only when needed: Genes are turned on only during heat or disease stress. Safe and natural: Uses a tomato protein, making it safe and eco-friendly. Activates helpful genes: Turns on CBP60g and SARD1 (to fight bacteria) and NAC2 and HSFA6b (to handle heat). Protects in two ways: Helps plants survive both heat and disease. No cutting of DNA: Unlike normal CRISPR, this version doesn’t change the DNA, so it’s safer for future use in farming.
• Works only when needed: Genes are turned on only during heat or disease stress.
• Safe and natural: Uses a tomato protein, making it safe and eco-friendly.
• Activates helpful genes: Turns on CBP60g and SARD1 (to fight bacteria) and NAC2 and HSFA6b (to handle heat).
• Protects in two ways: Helps plants survive both heat and disease.
• No cutting of DNA: Unlike normal CRISPR, this version doesn’t change the DNA, so it’s safer for future use in farming.
• Significance: Climate-resilient agriculture: Enhances plant survival during unpredictable weather, heatwaves, and microbial outbreaks. Smart input management: Plants utilize the tool only when needed, saving energy and improving productivity. Food security: Supports yield sustainability in key crops like tomato, potato, brinjal, and chilli. Global applicability: Has potential use across solanaceous crops worldwide, helping farmers adapt to climate stress. Research impact: Published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, validating global scientific relevance.
• Climate-resilient agriculture: Enhances plant survival during unpredictable weather, heatwaves, and microbial outbreaks.
• Smart input management: Plants utilize the tool only when needed, saving energy and improving productivity.
• Food security: Supports yield sustainability in key crops like tomato, potato, brinjal, and chilli.
• Global applicability: Has potential use across solanaceous crops worldwide, helping farmers adapt to climate stress.
• Research impact: Published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, validating global scientific relevance.