Patents by Inventor Mark Cigan

Mark Cigan has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240084318
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for genome modification of a target sequence in the genome of a plant or plant cell, without incorporating a selectable transgene marker. The methods and compositions employ a guide polynucleotide/Cas endonuclease system to provide an effective system for modifying or altering target sites within the genome of a plant, plant cell or seed, without incorporating a selectable transgene marker. Once a genomic target site is identified, a variety of methods can be employed to further modify the target sites such that they contain a variety of polynucleotides of interest. Breeding methods and methods for selecting plants utilizing a guide polynucleotide/Cas endonuclease system are also disclosed. Compositions and methods are also provided for editing a nucleotide sequence in the genome of a cell, without incorporating a selectable transgene marker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicants: CORTEVA AGRISCIENCE LLC, PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: ANDREW MARK CIGAN, SAVERIO CARL FALCO, MICHAEL LASSNER, ZHAN-BIN LIU, SERGEI SVITASHEV
  • Patent number: 11926823
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for genome modification of a nucleotide sequence located in or near a male fertility gene of MS9, MS22, MS26, or MS45 in the genome of a plant cell or plant to produce a male-sterile plant. In some examples, the methods and compositions employ a guide RNA/Cas endonuclease system for modifying or altering target sites located in or near a male fertility gene of MS9, MS22, MS26, or MS45 in the genome of a plant cell, plant or seed to produce a male-sterile plant. Also provided are compositions and methods employing a guide polynucleotide/Cas endonuclease system for genome modification a nucleotide sequence located in or near a male fertility gene of MS9, MS22, MS26, or MS45 in the genome of a plant cell to produce a male-sterile plant. Compositions and methods are also provided for restoring fertility to a Ms9, Ms22, Ms26, or Ms45 nucleotide sequence to a male-sterile Ms9, Ms22, Ms26, or Ms45 plant produced using the methods and compositions described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Mark Cigan, Tim Fox, Manjit Singh
  • Publication number: 20240018538
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are capable of modulating male fertility in a plant. Compositions comprise polynucleotides and polypeptides, and fragments and variants thereof, which modulate male fertility. Expression cassettes comprise a male-fertility polynucleotide, or fragment or variant thereof, operably linked to a promoter, wherein expression of the polynucleotide modulates the male fertility of a plant. Regulatory sequences drive expression in a male-tissue-preferred manner and may be targets to downregulate an operably-linked gene. Mutations that induce nuclear recessive male sterility in subsequent selfing and crossing of wheat lines containing the mutations may be tracked. Male-sterile plants may be maintained by crossing with a maintainer plant. Hybrids can be produced using the male-sterile plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: MARC C. ALBERTSEN, UTE BAUMANN, ANDREW MARK CIGAN, MANJIT SINGH, ELISE TUCKER, RYAN WHITFORD
  • Patent number: 11827894
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves the production of Waxy maize. Compositions and methods are provided for knocking out expression of the Waxy (Wx1) gene in maize by making double strand breaks at one or more target sites in an endogenous WX1 encoding sequence. Some methods employ one or more guide polynucleotides and a Cas endonuclease, wherein Cas endonuclease is guided by the one or more guide polynucleotides to recognize and introduce double strand breaks at specific target sites in and around the Wx1 gene. Also provided are compositions and methods for the production of Waxy maize plant cells, plant explants, seeds and grain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew Mark Cigan, Mark Jacob Gadlage, Huirong Gao, Robert B Meeley, Joshua K Young
  • Publication number: 20230323374
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for genome modification of a target sequence in the genome of a plant or plant cell. The methods and compositions employ a guide RNA/Cas endonuclease system to provide an effective system for modifying or altering target sites within the genome of a plant, plant cell or seed. Also provided are compositions and methods employing a guide polynucleotide/Cas endonuclease system for genome modification of a nucleotide sequence in the genome of a cell or organism, for gene editing, and/or for inserting or deleting a polynucleotide of interest into or from the genome of a cell or organism. Once a genomic target site is identified, a variety of methods can be employed to further modify the target sites such that they contain a variety of polynucleotides of interest. Breeding methods and methods for selecting plants utilizing a two component RNA guide and Cas endonuclease system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2022
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Applicants: E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY, PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC
    Inventors: ANDREW MARK CIGAN, SAVERIO CARL FALCO, HUIRONG GAO, ZHONGSEN LI, ZHAN-BIN LIU, L. ALEKSANDER LYZNIK, JINRUI SHI, SERGEI SVITASHEV, JOSHUA K. YOUNG
  • Patent number: 11773400
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for genome modification of a target sequence in the genome of a plant or plant cell, without incorporating a selectable transgene marker. The methods and compositions employ a guide polynucleotide/Cas endonuclease system to provide an effective system for modifying or altering target sites within the genome of a plant, plant cell or seed, without incorporating a selectable transgene marker. Once a genomic target site is identified, a variety of methods can be employed to further modify the target sites such that they contain a variety of polynucleotides of interest. Breeding methods and methods for selecting plants utilizing a guide polynucleotide/Cas endonuclease system are also disclosed. Compositions and methods are also provided for editing a nucleotide sequence in the genome of a cell, without incorporating a selectable transgene marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew Mark Cigan, Saverio Carl Falco, Michael Lassner, Zhan-Bin Liu, Sergei Svitashev
  • Patent number: 11761016
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are capable of modulating male fertility in a plant. Compositions comprise polynucleotides and polypeptides, and fragments and variants thereof, which modulate male fertility. Expression cassettes comprise a male-fertility polynucleotide, or fragment or variant thereof, operably linked to a promoter, wherein expression of the polynucleotide modulates the male fertility of a plant. Regulatory sequences drive expression in a male-tissue-preferred manner and may be targets to downregulate an operably-linked gene. Mutations that induce nuclear recessive male sterility in subsequent selfing and crossing of wheat lines containing the mutations may be tracked. Male-sterile plants may be maintained by crossing with a maintainer plant. Hybrids can be produced using the male-sterile plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Inventors: Marc C Albertsen, Ute Baumann, Andrew Mark Cigan, Manjit Singh, Elise Tucker, Ryan Whitford
  • Publication number: 20230279413
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for genome modification of a target sequence in the genome of a plant or plant cell. The methods and compositions employ a guide RNA/Cas endonuclease system to provide an effective system for modifying or altering target sites within the genome of a plant, plant cell or seed. Also provided are compositions and methods employing a guide polynucleotide/Cas endonuclease system for genome modification of a nucleotide sequence in the genome of a cell or organism, for gene editing, and/or for inserting or deleting a polynucleotide of interest into or from the genome of a cell or organism. Once a genomic target site is identified, a variety of methods can be employed to further modify the target sites such that they contain a variety of polynucleotides of interest. Breeding methods and methods for selecting plants utilizing a two component RNA guide and Cas endonuclease system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2022
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicants: E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY, PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC
    Inventors: ANDREW MARK CIGAN, SAVERIO CARL FALCO, HUIRONG GAO, ZHONGSEN LI, ZHAN-BIN LIU, L. ALEKSANDER LYZNIK, JINRUI SHI, SERGEI SVITASHEV, JOSHUA K. YOUNG
  • Publication number: 20230272397
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates methods and compositions useful for prevention of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv) in animals, including animals of the species Sus scrofa. The present teachings relate to swine wherein at least one allele of a CD163 gene has been inactivated, and to specific methods and nucleic acid sequences used in gene editing to inactivate the CD163 gene. Swine wherein both alleles of the CD163 gene are inactivated are resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Applicant: Genus PLC
    Inventors: Andrew Mark Cigan, Jonathan Edward Lightner, Matthew Scott Culbertson, William Thomas Christianson, Benjamin Beaton, Brian Burger, Dylan Barnes, Matthew Campbell
  • Publication number: 20230235342
    Abstract: Methods for producing in a plant a complex transgenic trait locus comprising at least two altered target sequences in a genomic region of interest are disclosed. The methods involve the use of two or more double-strand-break-inducing agents, each of which can cause a double-strand break in a target sequence in the genomic region of interest which results in an alteration in the target sequence. Also disclosed are complex transgenic trait loci in plants. A complex transgenic trait locus comprises at least two altered target sequences that are genetically linked to a polynucleotide of interest. Plants, plant cells, plant parts, and seeds comprising one or more complex transgenic trait loci are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Applicants: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC., E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: ANDREW MARK CIGAN, SAVERIO CARL FALCO, HUIRONG GAO, MICHAEL LASSNER, DEREK JANTZ, ZHONGSEN LI, ZHAN-BIN LIU, SERGEI SVITASHEV, JAMES JEFFERSON SMITH
  • Publication number: 20230235345
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for genome modification of a target sequence in the genome of a plant or plant cell. The methods and compositions employ a guide RNA/Cas endonuclease system to provide an effective system for modifying or altering target sites within the genome of a plant, plant cell or seed. Also provided are compositions and methods employing a guide polynucleotide/Cas endonuclease system for genome modification of a nucleotide sequence in the genome of a cell or organism, for gene editing, and/or for inserting or deleting a polynucleotide of interest into or from the genome of a cell or organism. Once a genomic target site is identified, a variety of methods can be employed to further modify the target sites such that they contain a variety of polynucleotides of interest. Breeding methods and methods for selecting plants utilizing a two component RNA guide and Cas endonuclease system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2022
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Applicants: E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY, PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC
    Inventors: ANDREW MARK CIGAN, SAVERIO CARL FALCO, HUIRONG GAO, ZHONGSEN LI, ZHAN-BIN LIU, L. ALEKSANDER LYZNIK, JINRUI SHI, SERGEI SVITASHEV, JOSHUA K. YOUNG
  • Publication number: 20230212595
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for introducing transgenic target sites for Site Specific Integration (SSI) and/or polynucleotides of interest into at least one double-strand break target site of a double-strand-break inducing agent in a genomic window of a plant genome. Also provided are methods and compositions for producing a complex trait locus in a genomic window of a plant comprising at least one transgenic target site for site specific integration integrated in at least double-strand-break target site. The double-strand-break target site can be, but is not limited to, a target site for a zinc finger endonuclease, an engineered endonuclease, a meganuclease, a TALENs and/or a Cas endonuclease. The genomic window of said plant can comprise at least one genomic locus of interest such as a trait cassette, a transgene, a mutated gene, a native gene, an edited gene or a site-specific integration (SSI) target site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2022
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Applicants: E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY, PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: ANDREW MARK CIGAN, HUIRONG GAO, ZHAN-BIN LIU, JASDEEP MUTTI, DEAN PODLICH, CHRISTOPHER SCELONGE
  • Publication number: 20230183738
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for screening wheat seed for sorting and selection. Compositions comprise polynucleotides and polypeptides, and fragments and variants thereof, which encode and express a screenable color marker in seeds. Expression cassettes comprise a plant-derived polynucleotide, or fragment or variant thereof, operably linked to a promoter, wherein expression of the polynucleotide modulates the color, opacity, fluorescence, or other property of the seed. The plant-derived marker can be used in a male-sterile production system of hybrid wheat seed. Methods for maintaining a line of male-sterile plants and for restoring male fertility in a male-sterile plant, comprising a screenable color marker are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: ANDREW MARK CIGAN, MANJIT SINGH
  • Patent number: 11560568
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for introducing transgenic target sites for Site Specific Integration (SSI) and/or polynucleotides of interest into at least one double-strand break target site of a double-strand-break inducing agent in a genomic window of a plant genome. Also provided are methods and compositions for producing a complex trait locus in a genomic window of a plant comprising at least one transgenic target site for site specific integration integrated in at least double-strand-break target site. The double-strand-break target site can be, but is not limited to, a target site for a zinc finger endonuclease, an engineered endonuclease, a meganuclease, a TALENs and/or a Cas endonuclease. The genomic window of said plant can comprise at least one genomic locus of interest such as a trait cassette, a transgene, a mutated gene, a native gene, an edited gene or a site-specific integration (SSI) target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew Mark Cigan, Huirong Gao, Zhan-Bin Liu, Jasdeep Mutti, Dean Podlich, Christopher Jay Scelonge
  • Patent number: 11535850
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates methods and compositions useful for prevention of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv) in animals, including animals of the species Sus scrofa. The present teachings relate to swine wherein at least one allele of a CD163 gene has been inactivated, and to specific methods and nucleic acid sequences used in gene editing to inactivate the CD163 gene. Swine wherein both alleles of the CD163 gene are inactivated are resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv). Elite lines comprising homozygous CD163 edited genes retain their superior properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Genus PLC
    Inventors: Andrew Mark Cigan, Jonathan Edward Lightner, Matthew Scott Culbertson, William Thomas Christianson, Benjamin Beaton, Brian Burger, Dylan Barnes, Matthew Campbell
  • Publication number: 20220403411
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating male fertility in a plant are provided. Compositions comprise nucleotide sequences, and active fragments and variants thereof, which modulate male fertility. Further provided are expression cassettes comprising the male fertility polynucleotides, or active fragments or variants thereof, operably linked to a promoter, wherein expression of the polynucleotides modulates the male fertility of a plant. Various methods are provided wherein the level and/or activity of the sequences that influence male fertility is modulated in a plant or plant part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: MARC C ALBERTSEN, ANDREW MARK CIGAN, HOWARD P HERSHEY, MICHAEL LASSNER, YONGZHONG WU
  • Publication number: 20220356485
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for rapid characterization of Cas endonuclease systems and the elements comprising such systems, including, but not limiting to, rapid characterization of PAM sequences, guide RNA elements and Cas endonucleases. Type II Cas9 endonuclease systems originating from Brevibacillus laterosporus, Lactobacillus reuteri MIc3, Lactobacillus rossiae DSM 15814, Pediococcus pentosaceus SL4, Lactobacillus nodensis JCM 14932, Sulfurospirillum sp. SCADC, Bifidobacterium thermophilum DSM 20210, Loktanella vestfoldensis, Sphingomonas sanxanigenens NX02, Epilithonimonas tenax DSM 16811, Sporocytophaga myxococcoides are described herein. The present disclosure also describes methods for genome modification of a target sequence in the genome of a cell, for gene editing, and for inserting a polynucleotide of interest into the genome of a cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: ANDREW MARK CIGAN, GIEDRIUS GASIUNAS, TAUTVYDAS KARVELIS, VIRGINIJUS SIKSNYS, JOSHUA K. YOUNG
  • Patent number: 11459576
    Abstract: Methods for producing in a plant a complex transgenic trait locus comprising at least two altered target sequences in a genomic region of interest are disclosed. The methods involve the use of two or more double-strand-break-inducing agents, each of which can cause a double-strand break in a target sequence in the genomic region of interest which results in an alteration in the target sequence. Also disclosed are complex transgenic trait loci in plants. A complex transgenic trait locus comprises at least two altered target sequences that are genetically linked to a polynucleotide of interest. Plants, plant cells, plant parts, and seeds comprising one or more complex transgenic trait loci are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Inventors: Andrew Mark Cigan, Saverio Carl Falco, Huirong Gao, Michael Lassner, Derek Jantz, Zhongsen Li, Zhan-Bin Liu, Sergei Svitashev, James Jefferson Smith
  • Patent number: 11377668
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating male fertility in a plant are provided. Compositions comprise nucleotide sequences, and active fragments and variants thereof, which modulate male fertility. Further provided are expression cassettes comprising the male fertility polynucleotides, or active fragments or variants thereof, operably linked to a promoter, wherein expression of the polynucleotides modulates the male fertility of a plant. Various methods are provided wherein the level and/or activity of the sequences that influence male fertility is modulated in a plant or plant part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Inventors: Marc C. Albertsen, Andrew Mark Cigan, Howard P. Hershey, Michael Lassner, Yongzhong Wu
  • Patent number: 11371050
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for rapid characterization of Cas endonuclease systems and the elements comprising such systems, including, but not limiting to, rapid characterization of PAM sequences, guide RNA elements and Cas endonucleases. Type II Cas9 endonuclease systems originating from Brevibacillus laterosporus, Lactobacillus reuteri Mlc3, Lactobacillus rossiae DSM 15814, Pediococcus pentosaceus SL4, Lactobacillus nodensis JCM 14932, Sulfurospirillum sp. SCADC, Bifidobacterium thermophilum DSM 20210, Loktanella vestfoldensis, Sphingomonas sanxanigenens NX02, Epilithonimonas tenax DSM 16811, Sporocytophaga myxococcoides are described herein. The present disclosure also describes methods for genome modification of a target sequence in the genome of a cell, for gene editing, and for inserting a polynucleotide of interest into the genome of a cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Inventors: Andrew Mark Cigan, Giedrius Gasiunas, Tautvydas Karvelis, Virginijus Siksnys, Joshua K Young