Current Affair: India's Breakthrough in Genome-Edited Rice

Speaking of "genome-edited crops," India recently made headlines in May 2025 by becoming the first
country in the world to develop genome-edited rice varieties. The Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR) announced the development of two new varieties: DRR Rice 100 (Kamala) and Pusa
DST Rice 1. These varieties, developed using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, are designed for higher yield,
climate adaptability (drought and salinity tolerance), and water conservation, without introducing foreign
DNA. This is seen as a significant step towards a "second green revolution" in India's agriculture.

Genome-Edited Crops: An Overview

Genome-edited crops are developed using advanced biotechnology tools, such as CRISPR-Cas9, to make
highly precise and targeted changes to an organism's existing DNA (genome). Unlike traditional genetic
modification (GMOs), genome editing often involves making small tweaks, deletions, or insertions within the
plant's own genetic material, rather than introducing foreign DNA from other species.
How they differ from traditional GMOs:
Feature Traditional GMOs Genome-Edited Crops
DNA Alteration Usually involves introducing Primarily involves precise
DNA from a different species modifications (adding, deleting,
(foreign DNA) into the host or altering) within the plant's
genome. existing DNA.
Precision Less precise, insertion often Highly precise, targeting
occurs at random locations. specific locations in the DNA.
Resulting DNA Contains novel combinations of Can result in changes
genetic material, often from indistinguishable from those
unrelated organisms. occurring naturally through
conventional breeding or
spontaneous mutations.
Regulatory Status (Varies Typically subject to stringent Regulation is evolving; many
Globally) and lengthy regulatory countries are treating certain
processes. genome-edited crops
(especially those without
foreign DNA) similarly to
conventionally bred crops.
Development Time Can take decades. Can significantly shorten
development time to a few
years.
Benefits of Genome-Edited Crops:
● Enhanced Traits: Improves crop resilience to pests, diseases (e.g., blight-resistant potatoes,
disease-resistant cacao), and environmental stresses like drought, salinity, and extreme
temperatures.
● Improved Nutritional Value: Can increase the content of essential nutrients (e.g., high-GABA
tomatoes, Golden Rice with increased Vitamin A precursors).
● Increased Yields: By optimizing genes related to plant growth and resource utilization (e.g., the new
Indian rice varieties for higher production).
● Reduced Inputs: Development of crops that require less water, fewer pesticides, and minimal
fertilizers, leading to more sustainable farming practices.
● Reduced Food Waste: Can extend the shelf life of produce.
● Allergen Reduction: Potential to reduce allergens in common crops (e.g., gluten-free wheat).
● Faster Development: Accelerates breeding compared to conventional methods, allowing for quicker
adaptation to changing environmental conditions and food demands.
Concerns with Genome-Edited Crops:
● Off-target edits: While highly precise, there's a possibility of unintended changes to the DNA at
locations other than the intended target, which could have unforeseen effects. Continuous
improvement of tools aims to mitigate this.
● Long-term ecological impacts: Concerns about potential effects on soil health, biodiversity (e.g.,
outcompeting natural species, creating monocultures), and potential for herbicide resistance transfer
to weeds (though this is more a concern with herbicide-resistant GMOs).
 ● Biosafety: Despite claims of precision and safety, some experts call for rigorous safety testing,
especially for staple foods, before widespread consumption and environmental release.
● Regulatory Blind Spots/Lack of Transparency: The evolving regulatory landscape can create
ambiguity. Critics argue that classifying them differently from GMOs might bypass necessary
scrutiny.
● Corporate Control & Equity: Concerns that proprietary technology and patents might increase
corporate control over seeds, potentially disadvantaging smallholder farmers and affecting seed
diversity.
● Public Acceptance: Despite scientific distinctions, public skepticism towards "genetically altered"
food remains, leading to debates over labeling and consumer choice.
Current Regulations in India:
India's regulatory framework for genome-edited crops is distinct from that for traditional GMOs:
● Exemption from Strict GMO Rules: India has established a simplified regulatory framework.
Genome-edited crops developed using Site-Directed Nuclease 1 (SDN1) and SDN2 techniques are
generally exempt from the stringent biosafety regulations (Rules 7-11 under the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986) that govern traditional GMOs. This is because SDN1 and SDN2 edits are
considered to be similar to natural mutations, as they do not involve the introduction of foreign DNA.
● Approvals: The Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBC) and the Review Committee on Genetic
Manipulation (RCGM) are involved in clearing these varieties. For instance, the recently launched
genome-edited rice varieties received approval from these bodies.
● Government Push: The Indian government has allocated significant funds (₹500 crore in the 2023-
24 budget) to promote genome-editing research in agriculture, aiming to boost yield and climate
resilience in various crops beyond rice, including oilseeds and pulses.
The development and regulation of genome-edited crops represent a rapidly evolving field, with continuous
scientific advancements and ongoing debates about their societal and environmental implications.

Yes, there have been several important and very recent current affairs related to genome-edited crops
around the world, reflecting a period of significant advancements and evolving regulatory landscapes,
especially in late 2024 and so far in 2025.
Here are some key developments:
1. India's Pioneering Genome-Edited Rice (May 2025):
o As mentioned in our previous discussion, India made global headlines by becoming the first
country to unveil and approve two genome-edited rice varieties (DRR Rice 100 'Kamala'
and Pusa DST Rice 1) using CRISPR-Cas SDN-1 technology. These varieties promise higher
yields, drought tolerance, and salinity resistance without introducing foreign DNA, aiming to
boost food security and climate resilience. This is a major policy shift and scientific
achievement for India.
2. China's Approval of Gene-Edited Wheat and Soybeans (Early 2025):
o China, a global agricultural powerhouse, has significantly expanded its embrace of gene-edited
crops. In early 2025 (building on late 2024 approvals), China granted safety certificates for
its first gene-edited wheat variety (for disease resistance) and also for two gene-edited
soybean varieties. This move by China is seen as a strategic step to increase domestic
production, reduce reliance on imports, and enhance food security.
3. Japan's Ongoing Commercialization of Genome-Edited Foods (2024-2025):
o Japan has been a leader in the commercialization of certain genome-edited foods. For
example, the high-GABA tomato (Sicilian Rouge High GABA) developed by Sanantech Seed,
designed to help lower blood pressure, has been on the market since 2021. More recently, in
2024, CRISPR-edited waxy corn (for high starch content) from Corteva Agriscience received
approval in Japan, and CRISPR-edited red seabream (for increased muscle growth)
developed by Regional Fish Institute also received approval. These indicate a clear path to
market for genome-edited products in Japan.
4. Evolving Regulatory Landscape in Europe and UK (2024-2025):
o The European Union is still in the process of finalizing its regulatory framework for New
Genomic Techniques (NGTs), including genome editing. While there's a strong push to
differentiate certain NGT products from traditional GMOs for lighter regulation, the process has
been slow and complex due to diverse member state opinions.
o The United Kingdom, post-Brexit, has moved more quickly. The Genetic Technology
(Precision Breeding) Act, which came into force in 2024, aims to streamline the regulation of
precision-bred organisms (including gene-edited crops where no foreign DNA is introduced),
 treating them more like conventionally bred crops. This has facilitated field trials of crops like
gene-edited wheat in the UK.
5. Global Research and Development Advancements:
o Beyond specific crop approvals, 2024 and 2025 have seen continuous breakthroughs in the
CRISPR technology itself. Researchers are developing new, more precise, and efficient
gene-editing tools (e.g., base editing, prime editing, miniature CRISPR systems) and
expanding the range of targetable genes in various crops (e.g., tomatoes for compact
architecture, poplar for improved fiber quality).
o Companies like Cibus Inc. and Corteva are actively developing and gaining non-regulated
status for gene-edited traits in crops like canola (disease resistance), corn (herbicide tolerance,
waxy corn), and soybeans (high oleic acid).
These developments collectively indicate a growing global acceptance and acceleration in the development
and deployment of genome-edited crops, driven by the urgent need for food security, climate resilience,
and sustainable agriculture.

CRISPR technology continues to be a hotbed of innovation and application across various fields, especially
in medicine and agriculture. Here are some major current affairs related to CRISPR technology in late 2024
and so far in 2025:

1. First Personalized CRISPR Gene Editing Therapy for a Child (May 2025)
 In a groundbreaking medical first, a team at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Penn
Medicine successfully treated a baby (KJ) with a customized CRISPR gene editing therapy for a
rare, severe genetic disorder.
 This "on-demand" therapy was designed and manufactured within six months, targeting a faulty
enzyme in the liver. This landmark case opens a new pathway for treating ultra-rare diseases with
tailor-made gene-editing solutions, offering hope for conditions previously considered untreatable.

2. Expansion of Approved CRISPR Therapies for Blood Disorders (Ongoing

2025)
 Casgevy, the first FDA-approved (late 2023) and globally approved (UK, EU, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia,
Canada in 2024-2025) CRISPR-based medicine for sickle cell disease (SCD) and transfusion-
dependent beta-thalassemia (TDT), continues its rollout.
 As of May 2025, more than 65 authorized treatment centers are activated globally, and around 90
patients have initiated cell collection for this transformative therapy. Discussions are also ongoing to
address the high cost of this treatment to ensure broader patient access.

3. New CRISPR Tools for More Seamless Gene Editing and Disease Modeling
(March 2025)
 Yale scientists have developed a new CRISPR tool, CRISPR-Cas12a, that allows researchers to
simultaneously assess the impact of multiple genetic changes involved in various immune
system responses, including cancer. This advancement enables more seamless gene editing and
accelerates the generation of new disease and treatment models, like for genetic liver diseases and
lung/skin cancers.
 Other ongoing research focuses on miniature CRISPR proteins that can fit inside the commonly
used AAV (adeno-associated virus) gene therapy vectors, improving delivery efficiency for in vivo
(inside the body) gene editing.

4. Advancements in Next-Generation Gene Editing Techniques (Ongoing 2024-

2025)
 Beyond the foundational CRISPR-Cas9, significant progress is being made in base editing and
prime editing. These newer techniques allow for more precise changes to single DNA "letters" or
small insertions/deletions without creating double-stranded breaks in the DNA, theoretically
reducing off-target effects and increasing safety. Companies like Beam Therapeutics are reporting
promising clinical data for their base-editing drugs (e.g., Beam-101 for sickle cell disease).
  Researchers are also exploring CRISPR-Cas3 for its potential to remove large sections of DNA, and
CRISPR-based mRNA editing systems (like Stanford's MEGA system) which offer temporary, non-
permanent gene modifications, suitable for certain therapeutic applications.

5. CRISPR in Cancer Research and Autoimmune Diseases (2024-2025)

 CRISPR technology is revolutionizing cancer research by identifying new genetic drivers of cancer
metastasis (e.g., genes like CITED2, KMT2C, and PRMT7 for prostate cancer).
 Clinical trials are increasingly using CRISPR to engineer immune cells (like CAR T-cells) to better
fight various blood and solid cancers.
 Beyond oncology, CRISPR is making strides in autoimmune diseases, with trials ongoing for
conditions like lupus and other refractory autoimmune disorders, exploring ways to re-engineer
immune cells to restore balance.

6. Expanding Applications Beyond Human Health (Ongoing)

 While human therapeutics dominate headlines, CRISPR continues to advance in agriculture (as
discussed with genome-edited crops like rice, wheat, and soybeans in India and China), animal
health (e.g., disease-resistant livestock), diagnostics (for rapid detection of pathogens), and
industrial biotechnology (e.g., optimizing microbial strains for biofuel production).
These developments underscore that CRISPR is not just a scientific tool but a rapidly maturing technology
moving from research labs to real-world applications, offering transformative potential in health, food, and
sustainability.

CRISPR, pronounced "crisper," stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. It's
a revolutionary technology that allows scientists to make precise, targeted changes to the DNA of living
organisms, essentially acting as "genetic scissors."

Origins: Nature's Defense System

CRISPR was not invented from scratch; it was adapted from a natural defense mechanism found in
bacteria and archaea. These single-celled organisms use CRISPR systems as an "immune system" to
protect themselves from invading viruses.
Here's how it works in bacteria:
1. Memory: When a virus attacks, the bacterium captures small snippets of the viral DNA and stores
them within its own genome, in segments called CRISPR arrays (the "clustered regularly interspaced
short palindromic repeats"). These viral snippets become "spacers."
2. Recognition: If the same virus attacks again, the bacterium transcribes these spacers into small
RNA molecules (CRISPR RNA or crRNA).
3. Targeting and Cutting: These crRNAs then guide a "CRISPR-associated" (Cas) protein, typically
Cas9, to precisely match and cut the invading viral DNA, thereby neutralizing the threat.

How CRISPR-Cas9 Works as a Gene-Editing Tool:

Scientists have repurposed this bacterial defense system for gene editing in the lab. The two main
components are:
1. Guide RNA (gRNA): This is a specially designed RNA molecule. One part of it is engineered to be
complementary to the specific DNA sequence that scientists want to target and edit (the "guide" part).
The other part acts as a "scaffold" that binds to the Cas9 protein.
2. Cas9 Enzyme: This is the "molecular scissor" protein. It's an endonuclease, meaning it can cut DNA.
The Process:
1. Guiding: The guide RNA (gRNA) is introduced into a cell along with the Cas9 enzyme. The gRNA
then scans the cell's entire DNA, looking for the specific sequence that matches its "guide" portion.
2. Binding: When the gRNA finds its target DNA sequence, it binds to it. The Cas9 enzyme then
positions itself at this site.
3. Cutting: Cas9 precisely cuts both strands of the DNA at the target location. This creates a "double-
stranded break."
4. Repair: The cell's natural DNA repair mechanisms then kick in to fix this break. Scientists can
manipulate this repair process in two main ways:
 o "Knock-out": If no template is provided, the cell's repair mechanism (Non-Homologous End
Joining or NHEJ) can introduce small errors (insertions or deletions) at the cut site, effectively
"switching off" or disrupting the gene.
o "Knock-in" / Gene Correction: Scientists can provide a new, custom-designed piece of DNA
as a template. The cell's more precise repair mechanism (Homology-Directed Repair or HDR)
can then use this template to incorporate the new DNA sequence, thereby correcting a
mutation or adding a new gene.

Why is CRISPR So Revolutionary?

 Precision: It's highly accurate in targeting specific DNA sequences.
 Efficiency: It's more efficient than previous gene-editing tools.
 Simplicity: It's relatively easy and inexpensive to use, making it accessible to many research labs.
 Versatility: It can be used in a wide variety of organisms, from bacteria and plants to animals and
human cells.

Key Applications:
CRISPR's versatility has opened doors in numerous fields:
 Medicine:
o Treating Genetic Diseases: Correcting mutations responsible for diseases like sickle cell
anemia, cystic fibrosis, Huntington's disease, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
o Cancer Therapy: Engineering immune cells (like CAR T-cells) to more effectively target and
destroy cancer cells.
o Developing Disease Models: Creating animal and cell models with specific genetic mutations
to better understand diseases and test new drugs.
 Agriculture:
o Crop Improvement: Developing crops with enhanced traits like disease resistance, drought
tolerance, increased yield, improved nutritional value, and longer shelf life (as seen with
genome-edited rice and wheat).
o Livestock Improvement: Creating disease-resistant animals or those with improved
agricultural traits.
 Biotechnology & Research:
o Basic Research: Understanding gene function by "knocking out" genes and observing the
effects.
o Diagnostics: Developing rapid and highly sensitive diagnostic tools for infectious diseases
(like SHERLOCK for COVID-19 detection).
o Industrial Applications: Engineering microbes for biofuel production, biomaterial synthesis, or
waste remediation.
The developers of the CRISPR-Cas9 system, Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna, were
awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020 for their groundbreaking work.