Archive · 10 Dec 2025
Indian Scientists Develop GlowCas9 for Real-Time Gene Editing
Scientists in India have created a special protein called GlowCas9 that glows while it edits genes.
This helps doctors and researchers watch the process in real-time without hurting the cells.
The protein is very stable and works well even at higher temperatures.
It can be used to treat genetic diseases like sickle cell anemia and muscular dystrophy, and it can also be used in plants to improve crops.
The glowing activity comes from a special enzyme that lights up when the protein folds correctly, similar to how fireflies glow.
This new tool makes gene editing safer and more precise.
Scientists at the Bose Institute in Kolkata developed GlowCas9, a bioluminescent CRISPR protein that lights up during gene editing.
GlowCas9 allows real-time monitoring of CRISPR operations in living cells, tissues, and plant leaves without causing harm.
The protein is more stable and maintains its structure and activity at higher temperatures compared to conventional enzymes.
GlowCas9 increases the precision of homology-directed repair (HDR), crucial for treating genetic diseases like sickle cell anemia and muscular dystrophy.
The glowing activity is due to a split nano-luciferase enzyme derived from deep-sea shrimp proteins, which reassembles and produces light when Cas9 folds correctly.
- Who
- Scientists from the Bose Institute in Kolkata, led by Dr. Basudeb Maji and including Ph.D. researcher Arkadeep Karmakar
- What
- Developed GlowCas9, a bioluminescent CRISPR protein that lights up during gene editing
- When
- The findings were published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition
- Where
- Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
- Why
- To monitor CRISPR operations in real-time without harming living cells, tissues, or plant leaves, aiding in the treatment of genetic diseases and cancer, and potentially improving crop safety
- Research Team
- Bose Institute, Kolkata
- Lead Scientist
- Dr. Basudeb Maji
- Key Contributor
- Arkadeep Karmakar
- Journal Published
- Angewandte Chemie International Edition
- Applications
- Cancer treatment, genetic disease therapy, crop improvement
- Stability
- Maintains structure and activity at higher temperatures
- Precision
- Increases precision of homology-directed repair (HDR)
