# How Engineered TALE Proteins Can Edit Genes > This patent describes engineered DNA-binding proteins called TALEs, which are shortened and modified to precisely target and edit specific DNA sequences in cells, potentially for gene therapy. - **Patent:** US 11661612 - **Original title:** DNA-binding proteins and uses thereof - **Owner:** Sangamo Therapeutics - **Granted:** 2023 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 1 - **Field:** biotech, gene_editing, pharmaceutical, software ## What it does This patent describes new, engineered DNA-binding proteins called Transcription Activator-Like Effectors (TALEs). These TALE proteins are designed to be "non-naturally occurring" (Claim 1), meaning they are not found in nature but are custom-built. The key is that they are significantly shortened: the "N-terminal region lacks at least 152 amino acids" and the "C-terminal region is truncated to residue C+63" (Claim 1). These shortened TALE proteins still contain "two or more TALE-repeat units" with specific "repeat variable di-residues (RVDs)" (Claim 1), which are like recognition codes for specific DNA letters. Some of these RVDs can even be "atypical" (Claim 2), allowing for new DNA targeting possibilities. These engineered proteins can also be combined with "functional domains" (Claim 6), such as a "nuclease domain" (Claim 8) to cut DNA, or a "transcriptional activator" (Claim 7) to turn genes on. For example, a cell could be given a polynucleotide (DNA instruction) (Claim 10) that tells it to make one of these custom TALE proteins, which then finds a specific gene, cuts it, and allows for gene editing. ## What it does NOT cover - Naturally occurring TALE proteins that have not been engineered with specific N-terminal truncations of at least 152 amino acids and C-terminal truncations to C+63. - Gene editing systems that do not use TALE DNA-binding domains, such as CRISPR-Cas systems or zinc finger nucleases. - TALE proteins that do not contain at least two TALE-repeat units with RVDs. - Polypeptides that do not bind to DNA. - Pharmaceutical compositions that do not contain either the isolated polynucleotide or the isolated cell described in the claims. ## The clever bit The novelty lies in creating significantly shortened TALE proteins by specific truncations of their N-terminal and C-terminal regions, while still maintaining their ability to bind DNA and potentially incorporating "atypical" RVDs. This engineering allows for more compact and potentially more efficient gene-editing tools. ## Real-world examples 1. Gene therapies for genetic disorders 2. Research tools for studying gene function 3. Development of disease models in cells 4. Engineered cell lines for drug screening ## Why it matters Gene editing technologies like those involving TALE proteins offer ways to precisely modify DNA, which could lead to new treatments for genetic diseases. By being able to turn genes on or off, or even correct faulty DNA sequences, these tools are foundational for developing advanced therapies. This technology is a key part of the broader field of genetic engineering, impacting drug discovery and personalized medicine. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does How Engineered TALE Proteins Can Edit Genes cover? This patent describes engineered DNA-binding proteins called TALEs, which are shortened and modified to precisely target and edit specific DNA sequences in cells, potentially for gene therapy. ### Who owns patent US 11661612? Sangamo Therapeutics owns this patent, granted in 2023. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on February 12, 2039, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What is patent US 11661612 cited by? This patent has been cited by 1 later patents that build on its ideas. ### What problem does this patent solve? Gene editing technologies like those involving TALE proteins offer ways to precisely modify DNA, which could lead to new treatments for genetic diseases. By being able to turn genes on or off, or even correct faulty DNA sequences, these tools are foundational for developing advanced therapies. This technology is a key part of the broader field of genetic engineering, impacting drug discovery and personalized medicine. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Naturally occurring TALE proteins that have not been engineered with specific N-terminal truncations of at least 152 amino acids and C-terminal truncations to C+63. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11661612/dna-binding-proteins-and-uses-thereof **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US11661612 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [How to Edit Genes in Human Cells Using an Engineered CRISPR System](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/8697359/crispr-gene-editing) — This patent describes an engineered CRISPR-Cas9 system for precisely cutting DNA in eukaryotic cells to change how genes work, opening the door for gene editing in complex organisms. - [How CRISPR-Cas9 Uses RNA to Edit DNA](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10113167/methods-and-compositions-for-rna-directed-target-dna-modification-and-for-rna-directed-modulation-of-transcription) — This patent describes the fundamental mechanism of using a two-part RNA system to guide the Cas9 protein to specific locations in DNA for precise editing. - [How to Make Animals That Can Turn On CRISPR Gene Editing](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12252707/delivery-engineering-and-optimization-of-systems-methods-and-compositions-for-se) — This patent describes creating genetically modified non-human animals, like mice, where a key CRISPR gene-editing protein (Cas9) can be turned on only in specific cells or at specific times using a special genetic switch. - [CRISPR Gene Editing That Turns Itself Off](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11739322/method-for-genome-editing-using-a-self-inactivating-crispr-nuclease) — This patent describes a CRISPR gene editing system that turns itself off after making a specific genetic change, using a second guide RNA to inactivate the editing enzyme. - [How to Use Many CRISPR Guides to Study Many Genes at Once](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20180305704/crispr-cas-component-systems-methods-and-compositions-for-sequence-manipulation) — This patent describes a method to use a large collection of CRISPR-Cas9 guide RNAs to target and modify many different genes or DNA regions across a population of eukaryotic cells, enabling high-throughput genetic screening.