# 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. - **Patent:** US 20170088845 - **Original title:** Vectors and methods for fungal genome engineering by crispr-cas9 - **Owner:** BP Corp North America - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 8 - **Field:** biotech, energy, pharmaceutical, food_and_beverage, industrial_biotechnology ## What it does 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. ## 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). ## 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. ## Real-world examples 1. Yeast strains (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) used in biofuel production 2. Fungi engineered to produce industrial enzymes 3. Yeast used in the fermentation of food and beverages 4. Fungal cells modified to produce pharmaceuticals ## Why it matters 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. ## 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). **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20170088845/vectors-and-methods-for-fungal-genome-engineering-by-crispr-cas9 **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US20170088845 --- _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 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. - [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.