In a breakthrough for climate-resilient agriculture, scientists have developed a novel CRISPR-based gene-switch that enables plants to activate their natural defense mechanisms only when exposed to heat stress or disease, significantly improving their chances of survival while preserving energy during normal conditions.
This smart genetic tool is built on a modified form of the CRISPR-Cas9 system, using a deactivated Cas9 (dCas9) enzyme fused to a heat-sensitive tether derived from tomato plants. Under regular temperatures, this tether prevents the gene-editing complex from entering the cell nucleus. However, in high temperatures or during pathogen attacks, the tether detaches—allowing the system to turn on specific defense genes.
Key genes activated by the system include CBP60g and SARD1, which are known for their role in immune response, as well as heat-protection genes such as NAC2 and HSFA6b. Trials have shown promising results in crops from the Solanaceae family, such as tomato, potato, and tobacco, where plants successfully resisted bacterial infections like Pseudomonas syringae.
According to researchers, this approach marks a major advance over traditional genetic modification. “Instead of constant activation of defense genes—which can drain resources—this system only switches on under stress,” said a lead scientist involved in the study. “It’s like giving plants a smart thermostat for survival.”
The innovation is being hailed as a significant step in the pursuit of climate-smart agriculture, offering hope for enhanced crop productivity and resilience amidst rising global temperatures and increasing disease threats. Experts believe the system could be scaled to other economically important crops such as chillies, brinjal (eggplant), and even rice or wheat, providing a dynamic and energy-efficient shield against biotic and abiotic stressors.
The regulatory landscape may also prove favorable, as this technique modifies gene expression rather than making permanent genome edits—potentially easing GMO-related approval processes. As the agriculture sector grapples with the growing impact of climate change, such targeted biotechnological innovations may prove vital in ensuring global food security.