The POC1 platform exhibited editing efficiency similar to the widely used SpCas9 system in several rice genes and successfully generated gene disruption in altered paddy plants.

Scientists at the ICAR-Central Paddy Research Institute (ICAR-CRRI), Cuttack, have successfully developed and experimental validated artificial intelligence (AI)-based genome editing platforms for plants. The focus of this research is the development of a novel genome editing platform called Plant OpenCRISPR-1 or POC1, which is based on an AI-generated nuclease called OpenCRISPR-1 or OC1. The CRRI team has developed POC1-based multipurpose devices, which are capable of processes such as gene knockout, precision base editing, and prime editing.

Genome editing acts like a molecular scissor, allowing scientists to make precise changes to plant DNA without permanently inserting any external genes to develop better varieties. So far, the genome editing tools used in plants were mainly based on proteins derived from bacteria and other microorganisms. This research by ICAR has demonstrated for the first time that enzymes designed by AI can function effectively within plant cells.

The POC1 platform exhibited editing efficiency similar to the widely used SpCas9 system in several rice genes and successfully generated gene disruption in altered paddy plants. Additionally, the scientists also developed POC1-based base editing and prime editing tools that made targeted crop improvement possible by converting genetic letters with extreme precision.

The study has been accepted for publication in the international plant science journal New Phytologist. This achievement is considered a significant advancement in the field of agricultural biotechnology and reflects India’s growing capabilities in next-generation crop improvement techniques.

The researchers used paddy as a model crop to prove that the AI-designed enzyme can not only disrupt genes but is also capable of causing changes at the Single Base Resolution level of DNA.

In the field of crop improvement, these techniques have wide potential to improve the quality of grains, nutritional value, stress tolerance, disease resistance, and climate adaptation. The success of POC1 based base editing and prime editing tools has established that AI-designed nucleases can become effective and versatile tools in developing next-generation genome editing platforms for agriculture.

Since OpenCRISPR-1 has been released as an open-source nucleus and is proposed to be freely available for academic research and commercial licensing, it could help ensure wider access to genome editing techniques and become an attractive alternative to SpCas9.

The research was carried out with the financial support of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). This work reflects India’s emerging scientific capabilities at the confluence of artificial intelligence, genome editing, biotechnology, and agricultural sciences and has the potential to contribute significantly towards strengthening the country’s food and nutritional security.