Indian Scientists Develop “GlowCas9,” a Light-Emitting CRISPR Protein

Scientists at Kolkata-based Bose Institute have engineered GlowCas9, a new CRISPR protein that lights up during gene editing, enabling researchers to observe genome modification in real time.

• This development addresses a long-standing challenge: Cas9 activity could not previously be tracked inside living cells without destroying them.

How CRISPR-Cas9 Works

• CRISPR is a gene-editing tool that uses a guide RNA to direct the Cas9 enzyme to a specific DNA sequence.
• Once positioned, Cas9 acts as a molecular scissor, cutting DNA with precision to allow correction of mutations.
• It has wide potential in treating genetic disorders, including cancers.

Limitations of Traditional Cas9

• Although CRISPR-Cas9 is highly accurate, scientists have been unable to directly watch Cas9 perform edits inside living cells.
• Studying gene editing required destroying cells, preventing real-time monitoring of:
  • DNA cutting
  • Repair processes
  • Genome rewriting

GlowCas9: A Real-Time Tracking Solution

• GlowCas9 is a bioluminescent version of Cas9 that emits light during gene-editing operations.
• Created by fusing the Cas9 enzyme with a split nano-luciferase protein, derived from deep-sea shrimp.
• Enables scientists to:
  • Track gene editing as it happens,
  • Monitor CRISPR activity in living cells and tissues,
  • Improve precision and safety of therapeutic gene-editing approaches.

Symbolic Proof of Precision

• As a demonstration of its accuracy, researchers programmed GlowCas9 to insert the DNA sequence corresponding to “ACHARYA” into the genome.
• This honours Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose, the iconic founder of the Bose Institute.

Source: PIB