Columbia Technology Ventures

Detection of CRISPR-mediated precision genome editing by a simple-to-use, rapid, and inexpensive detection method

This technology is a simple, rapid, and highly versatile sensitive assay for the detection and quantification of genomic signatures introduced by marker-free precision genome editing or resulting from genetic variation in cell population and animal models.

Unmet Need: Marker-free detection of CRISPR-mediated precision genome editing and genetic variations

Recent advances in precision genome editing has spurred a revolution in molecular biology by enabling the introduction of precise genomic changes. Precision genome editing using CRISPR-mediated HDR, base editing or prime editing allow the correction and modeling of desired genomic bases, such as base transitions and transversions, small insertion and deletion mutations. However, the editing efficiency is highly variable, and the rate of incorporation must be determined experimentally. There is a need for assays that can track and quantify CRISPR-mediated precise edits independently of the mutation type and the genomic locus in a marker-free, rapid, cost-effective and simple yet highly sensitive manner.

The Technology: A simple-to-use, rapid and highly sensitive marker-free detection method for detecting precision genome editing introduced by CRISPR-mediated HDR, base editing and prime editing.

This technology is a programmable assay that quantifies CRISPR-mediated precise genomic changes, including base substitutions and small insertions and deletions through the capture of targeted dinucleotide signatures. This technology uses a common set of adaptors to identify genomic changes, independently from the genomic locus or mutation type. This technology accurately quantifies marker-free genomic variants introduced by CRISPR-dependent HDR, base editing or prime editing in cellular and animal models, and the presence of oncogenic mutations in cancer mouse models and human cancer patient samples. The technology is a simple, but highly sensitive method for quantifying CRISPR-mediated genomic changes, and can facilitate tracking and validation of CRISPR-mediated genome editing in research and clinical fields.

Applications:

  • Assay for tracking efficacy and precision of CRISPR-based cellular therapies
  • Identification of polymorphisms and other mutations in biomedical research and precision diagnostics
  • Research tool for analysis of CRISPR-edited cell lines and model organisms
  • Genotyping of edited cellular and animal models

Advantages:

  • Simple to use without requiring expensive instrumentation, complex experimental design or third parties
  • Programmable for the detection of any precision genome editing events and genetic variations
  • Highly flexible detection of genomic signatures
  • Highly sensitive, recognizing variants encompassing ~1% of a population
  • Provides both analytical and quantitative detection
  • Same day result
  • Highly modulable design of customizable libraries with improved capture properties
  • Highly controlled assessment of editing events by internal positive and negative controls that ensure specific detection and quantification

Lead Inventor:

Alberto Ciccia, Ph.D.

Pierre Billon, PhD

Patent Information:

Patent Issued

Tech Ventures Reference: