dCas9
Why it Matters?
A smart CRISPR-based molecular tool using dCas9, developed by scientists at Bose Institute under DST, enables plants like tomato to activate defense genes only under stress, helping them combat heat and infections efficiently.
What You Should Know?
dCas9 (dead Cas9) is a modified version of the CRISPR-Cas9 system that does not cut DNA.
Unlike regular Cas9, which acts like molecular scissors, dCas9 functions as a switch to turn specific genes on or off.
It is developed by scientists from the Bose Institute, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
In this research, dCas9 was engineered to remain inactive under normal conditions and activate only during plant stress.
The TM domain, a tethering element from the NACMTF3 protein in tomato, was used to keep dCas9 outside the nucleus under normal conditions.
Under stress conditions, the TM domain releases dCas9, allowing it to enter the nucleus and activate defence-related genes.
dCas9 helps turn on:
CBP60g and SARD1, pathogen defence genes
NAC2 and HSFA6b, heat stress response genes
The system was tested successfully in tomato and potato, especially under infection by Pseudomonas syringae and high temperature.
This technology enables energy-efficient defence activation, operating only during stress, thereby supporting smart and climate-resilient agriculture.