Patent for a Next-Generation Genome Editing tool granted to ICAR-CRRI

Genome editing tools like Cas9 and Cas12a are widely used, but they are large in size (~1300 amino acids). Scientists at ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack have developed a compact alternative: TnpB, a transposon-associated nuclease only 408 amino acids long one-third the size of Cas9/Cas12a. The smaller size of TnpB makes it feasible for virus-meditated delivery.

ICAR–CRRI, Cuttack, has been granted a patent for its breakthrough innovation “Systems and Methods for Targeted Genome Editing in Plants”, centred on a miniature RNA-guided nuclease TnpB.

ICAR-CRRI team demonstrated its high performance in both monocots (rice) and dicots (Arabidopsis), achieving up to 69% editing efficiency. The system also supports multiplex editing and base editing in plants. 

This patented miniature TnpB system opens new avenues for efficient delivery, precise editing, and advanced gene regulation in plants—positioning India at the forefront of next-generation genome engineering.

(Source: ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack)