CRISPR Tools for Engineering Fungal Genomes
This patent describes a specific genetic tool, called an expression vector, designed to efficiently edit the DNA of fungi using the CRISPR-Cas9 system, which is useful for industrial applications like making biofuels or enzymes.
Original patent title: “Vectors and methods for fungal genome engineering by crispr-cas9”
This patent describes a specific genetic tool, called an expression vector, designed to efficiently edit the DNA of fungi using the CRISPR-Cas9 system, which is useful for industrial applications like making biofuels or enzymes. Owned by BP Corp North America with 26 claims and 8 forward citations, and it is expected to expire in 2035.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent provides a special genetic package, or "expression vector," that helps scientists edit the DNA of fungi. This vector contains several key parts: an "RNA polymerase III promoter" to start the gene editing process, a "ribozyme" that acts like tiny scissors, a "CRISPR-Cas9 single guide RNA" (sgRNA) to direct the editing to a specific DNA spot, and an "RNA polymerase III terminator" to stop the process (ClaimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 1). A unique feature is that the ribozyme is placed just before the sgRNA. When this vector is put into a fungal cell, like yeast (Claim 13), it allows the cell to produce the necessary components to precisely cut and modify its own DNA (Claim 20). For example, this could be used to introduce a new gene, such as a "cellodextrin transporter" (Claim 23), into a yeast cell to help it break down plant material more efficiently for biofuel production.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover genome editing in non-fungal organisms, such as human, animal, or plant cells (ClaimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more → 13-19).
- Does not cover CRISPR-Cas systems that do not use a Cas9 protein or a single guide RNA (ClaimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 1).
- Does not cover expression vectors where the ribozyme is not positioned immediately before (5' to) the single guide RNA (ClaimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 1).
- Does not cover gene editing methods that do not rely on an RNA polymerase III promoter and terminator (ClaimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 1).
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The clever part is the specific design of the expression vector, particularly the arrangement of the ribozyme positioned 5' to the CRISPR-Cas9 single guide RNA, combined with the use of RNA polymerase III elements. This specific setup ensures that the guide RNA is correctly processed and expressed in fungal cells, making the CRISPR-Cas9 editing system work more reliably and efficiently in these organisms.
The Patent Drawing
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Yeast strains (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) used in biofuel production
Fungi engineered to produce industrial enzymes
Yeast used in the fermentation of food and beverages
Fungal cells modified to produce pharmaceuticals
Why it matters
The bigger picture
Fungi, especially yeast, are crucial for many industrial processes, from making bread and beer to producing biofuels, enzymes, and medicines. This patent provides a more effective and precise way to engineer the genomes of these "industrial strain" fungal cells (ClaimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 14). By making it easier to modify fungal DNA, scientists can improve how these organisms produce valuable products, potentially leading to more efficient and cost-effective manufacturing in various industries.
Filed
March 13, 2015
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
BP Corp North America, the assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →, is an energy company, suggesting an interest in using engineered fungi for biofuel production or other industrial bioprocesses. Many biotechnology companies and academic research institutions focused on synthetic biology and industrial microbiology are actively developing and applying CRISPR tools for fungal engineering. Companies like Ginkgo Bioworks and Zymergen (now part of Ginkgo) are examples of organizations that leverage advanced genetic engineering in microbes, including fungi, for various industrial applications.
Market impact
This patent contributes to the broader field of CRISPR-based genome engineering, specifically enhancing its application in fungi. By providing a more effective tool for modifying fungal genomes, it helps accelerate the development of new industrial strains. This can lead to improved yields and lower costs for products derived from fungi, such as advanced biofuels, enzymes for various industries, and novel pharmaceuticals, thereby impacting the efficiency and competitiveness of these bio-based markets.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent provides a special genetic package, or "expression vector," that helps scientists edit the DNA of fungi. This vector contains several key parts: an "RNA polymerase III promoter" to start the gene editing process, a "ribozyme" that acts like tiny scissors, a "CRISPR-Cas9 single guide RNA" (sgRNA) to direct the editing to a specific DNA spot, and an "RNA polymerase III terminator" to stop the process (Claim 1). A unique feature is that the ribozyme is placed just before the sgRNA. When this vector is put into a fungal cell, like yeast (Claim 13), it allows the cell to produce the necessary components to precisely cut and modify its own DNA (Claim 20). For example, this could be used to introduce a new gene, such as a "cellodextrin transporter" (Claim 23), into a yeast cell to help it break down plant material more efficiently for biofuel production.
The clever bit
The clever part is the specific design of the expression vector, particularly the arrangement of the ribozyme positioned 5' to the CRISPR-Cas9 single guide RNA, combined with the use of RNA polymerase III elements. This specific setup ensures that the guide RNA is correctly processed and expressed in fungal cells, making the CRISPR-Cas9 editing system work more reliably and efficiently in these organisms.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover genome editing in non-fungal organisms, such as human, animal, or plant cells (Claims 13-19).
- Does not cover CRISPR-Cas systems that do not use a Cas9 protein or a single guide RNA (Claim 1).
- Does not cover expression vectors where the ribozyme is not positioned immediately before (5' to) the single guide RNA (Claim 1).
- Does not cover gene editing methods that do not rely on an RNA polymerase III promoter and terminator (Claim 1).
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Patent enters public domain
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
19/40
Early citations
Claim breadth
17/20
Very broad protection
Recency
0/20
Older than 20 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$156K – $499K
Midpoint $312K · 8.5 yr remaining · industry ×3.0
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
The original legal language
Original claims
26 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Cate, J. H. D., RYAN, O., & JR., D. N. N. CRISPR Tools for Engineering Fungal Genomes (U.S. Patent No. 20,170,088,845). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20170088845/vectors-and-methods-for-fungal-genome-engineering-by-crispr-cas9
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CRISPR Tools for Engineering Fungal Genomes cover?
This patent describes a specific genetic tool, called an expression vector, designed to efficiently edit the DNA of fungi using the CRISPR-Cas9 system, which is useful for industrial applications like making biofuels or enzymes.
Who owns patent US 20170088845?
This patent is owned by BP Corp North America.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on March 13, 2035, when the invention enters the public domain.
What is patent US 20170088845 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 8 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
Fungi, especially yeast, are crucial for many industrial processes, from making bread and beer to producing biofuels, enzymes, and medicines. This patent provides a more effective and precise way to engineer the genomes of these "industrial strain" fungal cells (Claim 14). By making it easier to modify fungal DNA, scientists can improve how these organisms produce valuable products, potentially leading to more efficient and cost-effective manufacturing in various industries.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover genome editing in non-fungal organisms, such as human, animal, or plant cells (Claims 13-19).
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