UORF Editing to Improve Crop Plant Agronomic Traits

USPTO published a patent application (US20260098275A1) from Inari Agriculture Technology disclosing genome editing methods targeting upstream open reading frames (uORFs) within the 5' untranslated regions of crop plant genomes to modulate gene expression and improve agronomic traits. The application covers CRISPR-based and other editing approaches for modifying translational control elements.\n\nFor agricultural biotechnology companies and plant breeders, this patent publication establishes a priority date of April 10, 2024 for uORF editing approaches in crops. Competitors developing similar translational control strategies should review the claims upon allowance to assess freedom-to-operate implications. The published application provides public notice of the claimed methods while examination is pending.