In New Delhi on 10 December, the Ministry of Science and Technology announced that researchers at the Bose Institute in Kolkata have engineered a new version of the CRISPR system called “GlowCas9.” This bioluminescent protein lights up while it edits DNA, offering a way to see gene‑editing in action without disrupting living cells. Traditionally, scientists relied on methods that killed or broke open cells to study Cas9, making it hard to track the enzyme as it worked. With GlowCas9, observers can watch the Cas9 enzyme in real time, which could be especially useful for treating hereditary disorders and cancers.
The ministry noted that gene therapy holds the promise of curing many serious inherited conditions, but developing methods that are both affordable and safe has been a long‑standing challenge. By enabling real‑time monitoring of the molecular machinery—its cutting, repairing, and rewriting of DNA—GlowCas9 provides a non‑destructive window into CRISPR activity inside living tissues.
Led by Dr. Basudeb Maji, the Bose Institute team presented their findings in Angewandte Chemie International Edition. Ph.D. researcher Arkadeep Karmakar explained that GlowCas9 was created by fusing the Cas9 enzyme to a split nano‑luciferase protein taken from deep‑sea shrimp. When Cas9 folds correctly, the two halves of the luciferase reassemble, generating a faint glow similar to firefly light. This luminescence lets scientists keep an eye on CRISPR processes in cells, tissues, and even whole plant leaves, all without harming the specimens.
The investigators also found that GlowCas9 remains stable and active at higher temperatures than the standard Cas9 protein—a desirable trait for gene‑therapy delivery, where consistent activity can improve treatment outcomes. Moreover, the system enhances the accuracy of homology‑directed repair (HDR), a key DNA‐repair pathway used to correct mutations seen in diseases such as sickle‑cell anemia and muscular dystrophy. Finally, because GlowCas9 can be monitored in plant systems, it opens possibilities for safer, non‑transgenic approaches to crop improvement.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
