CRISPR-IMPRINT for rapid and selective DNA methylation
This technology is an epigenetic editing platform that enables rapid, efficient and selective methylation of targeted DNA regions.
Unmet Need: Rapid and reliable DNA methylation editors
DNA methylation is a fundamental epigenetic language that regulates a vast array of biological processes by selectively turning genes on or off, and abnormal methylation is implicated in numerous human diseases. Despite their promise, current CRISPR-based DNA methylation editors are still constrained by slow editing kinetics, off-target activity, and cytotoxicity, which substantially limit their broad applicability.
The Technology: Rapid and selective DNA methylation editor with low cytotoxicity
This technology is a DNA methylation editing platform, CRISPR-IMPRINT, that embeds an engineered bacterial cytosine methyltransferase in the CRISPR-dCas9 system. It enables rapid, efficient methylation editing within hours, while reducing off-target activity and cytotoxicity compared with existing technologies. In proof-of-concept studies, CRISPR-IMPRINT selectively methylated a pathological disease allele, leading to reduced disease-relevant phenotypes. This technology enables basic epigenetic research and offers potential for therapeutic development.
This technology has been validated in vitro with human cell lines.
Applications:
- Basic epigenetic research
- Therapeutic development
- Cell therapy optimization
- Disease mechanism modeling
- Allele-specific regulation studies
Advantages:
- Efficient, rapid and selective methylation editing
- Minimal off-target activity
- Low cytotoxicity
Lead Inventor:
Patent Information:
Patent Pending
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU26076
Licensing Contact: Joan Martinez