Compositions and Methods for VIPR-Based Nucleic Acid Targeting

Patent Status

Patent Pending

Brief Description

RNA-guided systems mediate diverse functions ranging from mobile genetic element propagation to adaptive immunity. These systems comprise proteins that use guide RNAs bearing sequence complementarity to nucleic acid substrates, facilitating programmable recognition of different substrates by the same protein or enzyme. In RNA-guided systems known to date, one or two continuous segments in the guide

RNA determines target specificity and can be altered to direct the system to a new target, including genomic DNA in eukaryotic cells. However, there are constraints to such systems, e.g., protein size and the need for a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) in target DNA. However, there is a need for nucleic acid guided systems that overcome constraints of known systems, such as protein size or protospacer adjacent motif.

UC Berkeley researchers have developed a programmable RNA-guided nucleic acid targeting platform termed the Viral Interference Programmable Repeat (VIPR) system. The system employs a repeat-based guide RNA architecture and an associated targeting protein to direct sequence-specific recognition of nucleic acid substrates. Target specificity is programmable through modification of selected guide regions, enabling adaptable targeting of DNA or RNA substrates across different biological contexts, including cellular and viral genetic material.

Suggested uses

• Gene editing
• Programmable targeting of nucleic acids in vitro and in vivo
• Antiviral and phage-interference applications
• Next-gen RNA-guided systems with tunable targeting properties

Advantages

• Highly programmable targeting specificity 
• Modular repeat-based guide system enabling customizable target recognition
• Variable guide length allows adjustable targeting footprint and coverage
• Broad adaptability for DNA and RNA recognition
• Compact and versatile RNA-guided targeting mechanism