# 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. - **Patent:** US 20230383290 - **Original title:** High-throughput precision genome editing - **Owner:** Leland Stanford Junior University - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 0 - **Field:** biotech, gene_editing, pharmaceutical, life_sciences ## What it does 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. ## 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. ## 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. ## Real-world examples 1. Correcting large gene mutations in genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis or Duchenne muscular dystrophy. 2. Inserting therapeutic genes into cells for gene therapy applications. 3. Developing new disease models in laboratory animals by precisely modifying their genomes. 4. High-throughput screening platforms for drug discovery by creating diverse cell lines with specific genetic changes. ## Why it matters 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. ## 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. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20230383290/high-throughput-precision-genome-editing **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US20230383290 --- _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: - [Highly Efficient Bacterial Gene Editing Using Guide RNA and Reverse Transcriptase](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20180127759/dynamic-genome-engineering) — This patent describes a system for precisely editing the DNA of bacterial cells with very high success rates, using a combination of guide RNA, reverse transcriptase, and specific DNA sequences. - [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. - [Boosting Plant Gene Editing and Regeneration with Special Genes](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12416013/method-for-improving-plant-genetic-transformation-and-gene-editing-efficiency) — This patent describes a method to make plant genetic engineering more efficient by adding specific genes that encourage plant cells to divide and grow, making it easier to create new plants with desired traits. - [How Scientists First Made DNA Replicate in New Cells](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/4237224/cohen-boyer-recombinant-dna) — This 1980 patent describes a method for cutting and pasting DNA pieces in a lab to create new, self-replicating genetic material that can be inserted into bacteria, a foundational technique for genetic engineering.