# How to Edit Genes in Human Cells Using an Engineered CRISPR System > 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. - **Patent:** US 8697359 - **Original title:** CRISPR-Cas systems and methods for altering expression of gene products - **Owner:** Massachusetts Institute of Technology - **Granted:** 2014 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 1,268 - **Field:** biotech, gene_editing, pharmaceutical, life_sciences ## What it does This patent describes a method and system for altering the activity of specific genes within eukaryotic cells, which are cells with a nucleus, like human cells. It uses an "engineered, non-naturally occurring" CRISPR-Cas system. This system includes a "guide RNA" that acts like a GPS, directing a molecular scissor called a "Type-II Cas9 protein" to a specific target DNA sequence (Claim 1). Once the guide RNA finds its target, the Cas9 protein "cleaves the DNA molecule," meaning it cuts it. This cut then changes the "expression of the at least one gene product," either turning the gene down or off. For example, this system could be used to disable a faulty gene causing a genetic disease. ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover naturally occurring CRISPR-Cas systems found in bacteria, as the patent specifies "engineered, non-naturally occurring" systems. - Does not cover gene editing methods that use Cas proteins other than the "Type-II Cas9 protein" specified in the claims. - Does not cover altering gene expression in prokaryotic cells (like bacteria), as the claims specifically mention "eukaryotic cell." - Does not cover systems where the Cas9 protein and guide RNA are found together naturally, as the claims state they "do not naturally occur together." - Does not cover gene editing that doesn't involve *cleaving* the DNA molecule, as the claims explicitly state "the Cas9 protein cleaves the DNA molecule." ## The clever bit The core innovation was adapting the natural bacterial CRISPR defense system into an "engineered, non-naturally occurring" tool that could be programmed to cut specific DNA sequences in complex eukaryotic cells, like human cells, to alter gene expression. ## Real-world examples 1. Gene therapy research for genetic disorders 2. Development of disease-resistant crops 3. Basic biological research to understand gene function 4. Biopharmaceutical drug discovery ## Why it matters This patent is a foundational piece of intellectual property for CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in eukaryotic cells, including human cells. It enabled researchers to precisely modify genes in a wide range of organisms, accelerating scientific discovery and therapeutic development. The ability to target and cleave specific DNA sequences has revolutionized genetic research and holds immense promise for treating genetic diseases. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does How to Edit Genes in Human Cells Using an Engineered CRISPR System cover? 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. ### Who owns patent US 8697359? Massachusetts Institute of Technology owns this patent, granted in 2014. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on October 15, 2033, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What is patent US 8697359 cited by? This patent has been cited by 1268 later patents that build on its ideas. ### What problem does this patent solve? This patent is a foundational piece of intellectual property for CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in eukaryotic cells, including human cells. It enabled researchers to precisely modify genes in a wide range of organisms, accelerating scientific discovery and therapeutic development. The ability to target and cleave specific DNA sequences has revolutionized genetic research and holds immense promise for treating genetic diseases. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover naturally occurring CRISPR-Cas systems found in bacteria, as the patent specifies "engineered, non-naturally occurring" systems. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/8697359/crispr-gene-editing **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US8697359 --- _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 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 Precisely Edit Genes Using Retron-Guide RNA Cassettes](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20230383290/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. - [Delivering Large Gene Editing Tools into Cells with Hybrid Virus-Lipid Packages](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12350368/delivery-of-large-payloads) — This patent describes a sophisticated delivery system that combines parts of a virus with a fat bubble (liposome) to efficiently transport large molecules, like CRISPR gene-editing components, into specific cells. - [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 Modified RNA Tricks Cells Into Making Proteins Without Triggering Attacks](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/8278036/rna-containing-modified-nucleosides-and-methods-of-use-thereof) — A breakthrough method for using modified RNA to deliver instructions to cells without causing the body to reject the treatment as a foreign invader.