Application of TAL Effectors

Structural studies of TAL effectors encourage understanding of the DNA code recognition mechanism by the repeat variable diresidues (RVDs) enables a huge number of powerful applications such as genome editing and targeted gene activation or repression (Joung JK et. al, 2012).

All these are done by tethering TAL effectors to a variety of effector domains (Jeffrey C Miller, 2011). Genome editing can be done by attaching TALE's to a DNA cutting protein such as FokI nuclease, forming TAL effector nucleases (TALENs). TALE's are being used rather than other DNA binding proteins because of the simplicity of its DNA recognition code and manipulable targeting mechanism

Engineered nucleases such as TALENs are powerful tools for genome editing based on their ability to recognize specific sequences within the genome. TALENs enable scientist to carry out gene knock-out (gene disruption), gene correction and DNA insertion techniques by allowing changes to be done on genome at precise points where scientist choose, even inside existing genes.

Since each TALE regonises one DNA base, polymers of TAL effectors can be synthesized to recognize just about any DNA sequence in the genomeTALENs are a very promising therapeutic application which enables specific correction to be done on mutated chromosomes (Tong S. et al, 2012).

A video showing some of the applications of TAL effectors. (Video courtesy of Life Technologies Cooperation):









3 comments:

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  3. I have enjoyed reading your blog as it has got a very clear layout and rich content. Thank you for highlighting the keywords because they are really effective in helping me grasp the important features of TAL effectors. Good job guys!

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