How to Precisely Edit Genes Using Retron-Guide RNA Cassettes
This patent describes a method for highly efficient and precise genome editing using a retron-guide RNA cassette to deliver large pieces of donor DNA into a cell's genetic material.
Original patent title: “High-throughput precision genome editing”
This patent describes a method for highly efficient and precise genome editing using a retron-guide RNA cassette to deliver large pieces of donor DNA into a cell's genetic material. Owned by Leland Stanford Junior University with 44 claims, and it is expected to expire in 2043.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This invention provides a system for editing genes with high precision and efficiency. It uses a special genetic package called a "retron-guide RNA cassette" (ClaimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 1). This cassette contains a "retron," which is a genetic element with specific parts like an "msr locus," an "msd locus" (where the new "donor DNA sequence" is placed), and inverted repeat sequences (Claim 1). Importantly, the donor DNA sequence, which carries the genetic changes to be inserted, is quite long, ranging from 500 to 10,000 nucleotides (Claim 1). The cassette also includes a "guide RNA (gRNA) coding region" (Claim 1). When introduced into a cell, the retron creates an RNA molecule that can make many copies of single-stranded DNA (msDNA) using a "reverse transcriptase (RT)" (Claim 4, 5). This msDNA, containing the donor DNA, then precisely inserts into the target gene location in the cell's genome, guided by the gRNA and matching "homology arms" (Claim 13) on the donor DNA. For example, this system could be used to correct a large faulty gene sequence responsible for a genetic disorder.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover genome editing systems that do not use a retron to deliver the donor DNA.
- Does not cover methods where the donor DNA sequence is shorter than 500 nucleotides in length.
- Does not cover gene editing techniques that do not involve a guide RNA molecule.
- Does not cover systems that deliver donor DNA without generating multicopy single-stranded DNA (msDNA) via self-priming reverse transcription.
- Does not cover gene editing where the donor DNA lacks homology arms for precise integration at a nuclease cleavage site.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The noveltynoveltyThe requirement that an invention be different from anything publicly known before its priority date.Read more → lies in using retrons, which are bacterial genetic elements, to generate multiple copies of a large donor DNA sequence inside a cell. This allows for highly efficient delivery and integration of significant genetic material, overcoming limitations of other gene editing tools that struggle with large inserts or high efficiency.
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
Correcting large gene mutations in genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis or Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Inserting therapeutic genes into cells for gene therapy applications.
Developing new disease models in laboratory animals by precisely modifying their genomes.
High-throughput screening platforms for drug discovery by creating diverse cell lines with specific genetic changes.
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This technology offers a way to insert much larger pieces of DNA into a genome than many existing methods, which is crucial for correcting complex genetic errors or adding new functions. The high efficiency promised by retrons could make gene editing therapies more effective for treating a wider range of genetic diseases. It could also accelerate research by allowing scientists to more easily modify genes in laboratory settings.
Filed
August 3, 2023
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Leland Stanford Junior University, the assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →, is actively developing and researching this retron-based genome editing technology. Other academic institutions and biotech companies focused on advanced gene editing tools, such as those working on CRISPR delivery or prime editing, are likely exploring similar high-efficiency, large-insert strategies to expand therapeutic applications.
Market impact
This patent contributes to the rapidly evolving field of gene editing, potentially enabling more precise and efficient correction of genetic defects. If successful, it could expand the scope of treatable genetic diseases by allowing for the insertion of larger therapeutic DNA sequences. This could lead to new product lines in gene therapy and drug development, potentially impacting companies focused on rare diseases and personalized medicine.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This invention provides a system for editing genes with high precision and efficiency. It uses a special genetic package called a "retron-guide RNA cassette" (Claim 1). This cassette contains a "retron," which is a genetic element with specific parts like an "msr locus," an "msd locus" (where the new "donor DNA sequence" is placed), and inverted repeat sequences (Claim 1). Importantly, the donor DNA sequence, which carries the genetic changes to be inserted, is quite long, ranging from 500 to 10,000 nucleotides (Claim 1). The cassette also includes a "guide RNA (gRNA) coding region" (Claim 1). When introduced into a cell, the retron creates an RNA molecule that can make many copies of single-stranded DNA (msDNA) using a "reverse transcriptase (RT)" (Claim 4, 5). This msDNA, containing the donor DNA, then precisely inserts into the target gene location in the cell's genome, guided by the gRNA and matching "homology arms" (Claim 13) on the donor DNA. For example, this system could be used to correct a large faulty gene sequence responsible for a genetic disorder.
The clever bit
The novelty lies in using retrons, which are bacterial genetic elements, to generate multiple copies of a large donor DNA sequence inside a cell. This allows for highly efficient delivery and integration of significant genetic material, overcoming limitations of other gene editing tools that struggle with large inserts or high efficiency.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover genome editing systems that do not use a retron to deliver the donor DNA.
- Does not cover methods where the donor DNA sequence is shorter than 500 nucleotides in length.
- Does not cover gene editing techniques that do not involve a guide RNA molecule.
- Does not cover systems that deliver donor DNA without generating multicopy single-stranded DNA (msDNA) via self-priming reverse transcription.
- Does not cover gene editing where the donor DNA lacks homology arms for precise integration at a nuclease cleavage site.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Patent enters public domain
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Moderate
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
20/20
Very broad protection
Recency
0/20
Older than 20 years
Assignee scale
20/20
Major company or institution
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
$72K – $230K
Midpoint $144K · 17.1 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.
The original legal language
Original claims
44 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Fraser, H., & Smith, Z. How to Precisely Edit Genes Using Retron-Guide RNA Cassettes (U.S. Patent No. 20,230,383,290). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20230383290/high-throughput-precision-genome-editing
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 How to Precisely Edit Genes Using Retron-Guide RNA Cassettes cover?
This patent describes a method for highly efficient and precise genome editing using a retron-guide RNA cassette to deliver large pieces of donor DNA into a cell's genetic material.
Who owns patent US 20230383290?
This patent is owned by Leland Stanford Junior University.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on August 3, 2043, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
This technology offers a way to insert much larger pieces of DNA into a genome than many existing methods, which is crucial for correcting complex genetic errors or adding new functions. The high efficiency promised by retrons could make gene editing therapies more effective for treating a wider range of genetic diseases. It could also accelerate research by allowing scientists to more easily modify genes in laboratory settings.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover genome editing systems that do not use a retron to deliver the donor DNA.
Same assignee
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