Biallelic gene knockout toolkit for functional genomics and
This technology provides a method to reliably edit both copies of a gene in a cell simultaneously — a longstanding challenge in genetic engineering. It combines a DNA-editing agent (such as a CRISPR-based tool) with an RNA-silencing agent that suppresses the cell's ability to repair the edit using its intact second copy as a template. By knocking down the RNA from the unedited allele, the method pushes the cell toward incorporating the intended change on both chromosomes rather than just one. This makes it significantly easier to generate fully edited cells or organisms, which is critical for studying recessive traits or developing gene therapies where half-measures don't work.
What you could build
A licensed research toolkit or protocol sold to biotech and pharma companies conducting functional genomics, disease modeling, or therapeutic gene editing — particularly those developing treatments for recessive genetic disorders where full biallelic knockout is required.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based biotech firms, gene therapy startups near the Northern Virginia/DC corridor, or research institutions like UVA or Virginia Tech with active CRISPR and functional genomics programs.
Readiness: Concept
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Fernando Biase
- Filed
- Patent pending — filed September 13, 2024
- Status
- Application
- Publication number
- US20250084442A1
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.