RNA-Aptamer-Mediated CRISPR Base Editing Platform for Agriculture License

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Invention Summary:

The CRISPR/Cas system has become a foundational technology for precision genome engineering in agriculture and plant biotechnology. However, conventional CRISPR approaches rely on DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which can result in undesired insertions/deletions, chromosomal rearrangements, off-target editing, and unpredictable DNA repair outcomes that may limit precision crop engineering and complicate regulatory development.

Rutgers researchers have developed an RNA-aptamer-mediated CRISPR base editing platform for precise genome modification without requiring DNA double-strand breaks. The technology uses engineered RNA aptamers within guide RNAs to recruit base-editing enzymes directly to genomic targets, enabling highly specific editing with low off-target activity. The modular system supports multiplex editing and flexible optimization for crop trait improvement and agricultural biotechnology applications. Related dockets S2015-134 and 2020-029.

The features of the Rutgers Base Editing technology include:

1. Strong patent protection with issued patents in major global markets and additional patents pending.

2. High editing efficiency with low to absent off-target effects and reduced undesired genomic alterations through nuclease-independent editing.

3. Efficient multiplex and orthogonal genome engineering for simultaneous targeting of multiple loci.

4. Modular platform design enabling flexible optimization of Cas proteins, deaminases, and editing components.

Market Applications:

Agricultural & Plant Biotechnology:

• Precision crop trait engineering for yield, quality, disease resistance, and stress tolerance

• Multiplex genome engineering for simultaneous modification of multiple plant traits

• Next-generation plant breeding and agricultural biotechnology applications

• Functional genomics and agricultural research applications

Advantages:

 Nuclease-independent base editing avoids DNA double-strand breaks and reduces undesired genomic alterations.

• High editing efficiency with low off-target activity.

• Modular platform design enables flexible optimization of Cas proteins and editing effectors.

• Supports multiplex and orthogonal genome engineering for crop trait improvement and agricultural biotechnology applications.

Publications:

• Collantes, Juan Carlos et al. “Development and Characterization of a Modular CRISPR and RNA Aptamer Mediated Base Editing System.” The CRISPR journal vol. 4,1 (2021): 58-68. doi:10.1089/crispr.2020.0035

Press Release:

• Base Editing Technology Developed at Rutgers Licensed to Agriscience Company Corteva

Intellectual Property & Development Status: Available for licensing and/or research collaboration. For any business development and other collaborative partnerships, contact:  marketingbd@research.rutgers.edu 

• Nuclease-independent targeted gene editing platform and uses thereof
  • Issued: EP3322804B1, JP7044373B2, CN108291218B, DK3322804T3, ES2892625T3, US12188043B2,
  • Pending: US20250101464A, EP3957731A1, US20250101464A1, US20250171808A1, CA3168241A1
• Targeted gene editing platform independent of dna double strand break and uses thereof
  • Issued: US12065666B2, EP3565608A4, JP7219972B2,
  • Pending: CN110520163A, US20240368628A1, US20250163473A1
• Highly efficient dna base editors mediated by rna-aptamer recruitment for targeted genome modification and uses thereof
  • Issued: JP7814052B2
  • Pending: US20220290134A1, EP4031190A4, CN114786733A, CA3151279A1, AU2020466994A1, KR20220061241A, JP2025160188A