A transcription activator-like effector toolbox for genome engineering

Nat Protoc. 2012 Jan 5;7(1):171-92. doi: 10.1038/nprot.2011.431.

Abstract

Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) are a class of naturally occurring DNA-binding proteins found in the plant pathogen Xanthomonas sp. The DNA-binding domain of each TALE consists of tandem 34-amino acid repeat modules that can be rearranged according to a simple cipher to target new DNA sequences. Customized TALEs can be used for a wide variety of genome engineering applications, including transcriptional modulation and genome editing. Here we describe a toolbox for rapid construction of custom TALE transcription factors (TALE-TFs) and nucleases (TALENs) using a hierarchical ligation procedure. This toolbox facilitates affordable and rapid construction of custom TALE-TFs and TALENs within 1 week and can be easily scaled up to construct TALEs for multiple targets in parallel. We also provide details for testing the activity in mammalian cells of custom TALE-TFs and TALENs using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR and Surveyor nuclease, respectively. The TALE toolbox described here will enable a broad range of biological applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genetic Engineering / methods*
  • Genomics / methods*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Tandem Repeat Sequences
  • Transcription Factors / chemistry
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors / physiology
  • Xanthomonas / genetics*

Substances

  • Transcription Factors