The Gene Therapy, named BIRSA 101 is dedicated to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a great tribal freedom fighter.

• It is developed by CSIR–Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB). 

About Gene Therapy

• Gene therapy is a technique that uses a gene(s) to treat, prevent or cure a disease or medical disorder.
• Working Mechanism: Add new copies of a gene that is broken, or replace a defective or missing gene in a patient’s cells with a healthy version (therapeutic gene) of that gene.

About CRISPR 

• CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. 
• It is a genome-editing tool that enables scientists to cut and modify DNA sequences precisely.
• It involves two key molecules: 
  • Guide RNA: Designed to find and bind to specific parts of the target genome.
  • Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9): It acts as molecular scissors that can cut two strands of DNA.

About Sickle-cell disease (SCD)

• SCD is a genetic disorder that affects haemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen. 
• The disease causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped, leading to blockages in blood flow. 
• It particularly affects India's tribal population. (1 in 86 births among STs have SCD)