TRANSCRIPTION ACTIVATOR-LIKE EFFECTOR NUCLEASES-AMAZING TOOL FOR GENOME EDITING

Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALENs) are used to cut specific target DNA sequence in order to knock out a gene or to change its sequence. They are formed by the fusion of TALE protein serving as DNA binding domain along with non-specific DNA cleaving nucleases. Its specificity towards DNA bases in the target sequence is derived from the structure of the DNA binding domain, consisting of variable pair of amino acids in middle of the tandem array of repeated segment. Earlier targeted genome editing was performed using Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFN). Recently TALENS have rapidly emerged as alternative to Zinc Finger Nucleases for genome editing and introducing targeted Double Stranded Break. The TALEN approach improves on tools currently available for genome modification. This breakthrough could eventually make it possible to efficiently modify plant, animal and even human genomes. Targeted nucleases offer the potential to correct or disrupt the gene product or sequences that causes the disorder and thus motivates the strategies for treatment of wide range of genetic and other diseases. The road to practical use of TALENs could still contain potholes. But particularly to academics, the potential of TALENs seems limitless.