Scientists from Kolkata have developed a modified CRISPR-Cas9 system protein which emits luminescence during operation. The development has been named GlowCas9. This was reported by IANS, a partner of TV BRICS, citing India’s Ministry of Science and Technology.

The protein was created by fusing the Cas9 enzyme with fragments of nanoluciferase – an enzyme from deep-sea shrimp. Upon proper activation of Cas9, the luciferase fragments combine, resulting in luminescence. This allows for the visualisation of the gene-editing system’s localisation and activity within living cells, tissues, and plants without destroying them.

Doctoral student Arkadeep Karmakar, who designed GlowCas9, explained the working principle: “These inactive enzyme pieces reconnect when Cas9 folds correctly, producing light. This is because when the pieces are brought to close proximity, they can reassemble to restore enzymatic activity and produce a visible signal akin to the gentle light of fireflies.”

According to the research, GlowCas9 also demonstrates increased stability at high temperatures and can enhance the accuracy of DNA repair – a key process for correcting genetic errors.

CRISPR-Cas9 technology is used for targeted genome editing in the treatment of genetic diseases, including cancer, and for correcting hereditary mutations such as sickle cell anaemia and muscular dystrophy. The ability to track GlowCas9 in plant systems allows the technology to be applied for improving agricultural crops without the use of transgenic organisms.

Previously, real-time observation of the Cas9 system’s operation in living cells was challenging, as traditional detection methods often required cell fixation or destruction for analysis, making it impossible to track the process as it unfolded.

African Times published this article in partnership with International Media Network TV BRICS