TALENs

Transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) contain non-specific DNA cleaving nucleases that fuse with the DNA binding domain. The DNA binding domain can be easily engineered, so that TALENss can basically target any sequence. The ability to use TALENs to change genes quickly and effectively is expected to have a profound impact on animal breeding and genetic research and generate potential animal breeding strategies. BioVenic's professional knowledge in animal genetics and breeding and rich practical experience in the field of gene editing enable it to provide global customers with gene editing services based on transcription activator-like effector nucleases for animal gene improvement to better meet research needs.

Overview of Transcription Activator-like Effector Nucleases (TALENs) Technology

Transcription activating factor like effector nucleases (TALENs) are enzymes that can target specific DNA sequences. They use TAL effectors, a natural protein secreted by plant bacteria, to identify specific DNA base pairs, and cut DNA strands at specific sites to introduce new genetic material. The principle of TALEN technology is not complicated, that is, TALEN elements are targeted to specific DNA sites and combined through DNA recognition modules, and then the cutting of specific sites is completed under the action of FokI nuclease, and the insertion, inversion, deletion, or gene fusion of specific sequences is completed by means of the repair process of homologous directional repair (HDR) or non-homologous end connection pathway (NHEJ) inherent in cells.

Fig. 1 Genome editing TALENs induce DSBs at target sites. (Li, 2020)

Application of TALENs in Animal Breeding

TALEN is the second-generation genome editing nuclease. Compared with other technologies, TALEN technology largely avoids functional protein miss, because they can bind to DNA target sites with high specificity, resulting in very weak miss effect. In addition, compared with ZFN technology, its design and engineering are not so complex, nor as vulnerable to the impact of the surrounding connection environment binding as ZFN. Therefore, TALEN is simpler to use, more convenient to build, and cheaper. At present, many examples have shown that TALENs technology has an important application prospect in animal breeding. For example, TALEN technology was used to successfully knock out the muscle somatostatin (MSTN) gene of Alpas Cashmere goat, which negatively regulates the proliferation and differentiation of goat skeletal muscle cells.

Our Services

• BioVenic combines its professional knowledge and rich experience in animal breeding, genetics and modern biotechnology to provide global customers with animal gene editing services based on transfer activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) technology. This technology can target and combine TALEN elements to specific DNA sites through the DNA recognition module, and then complete the cutting of specific loci under the action of FokI nuclease, With the help of HDR or NHEJ pathway, the site directed mutation, gene knockout, gene knock in or transcriptional activation of specific sequences are completed.
• Compared with the traditional genetic engineering technology, TALENs at BioVenic is simpler in design, not easy to miss the target, and cheap.
• In addition, TALENs technology at BioVenic is used for gene editing of many species (pigs, cattle, sheep, etc.) to increase disease resistance, improve ingredients, improve animal welfare, etc.

Want to Learn More?

BioVenic is committed to providing a comprehensive range of animal breeding and genetic services and is committed to ethical and regulatory compliance. Whether you are looking to develop animal models for animal disease research, improve animal production and agriculture, or advance basic research in genetics and molecular biology, our team has the expertise and experience to help you achieve your goals. You can get access to learn more about gene editing in animal breeding through the following links, gene editing design, gene transfection, production of genomic modified animals, and gene editing validation. Contact us to learn more about our animal gene editing services and how we can help you achieve your research goals.

References

1. Li, H.; et al. Applications of genome editing technology in the targeted therapy of human diseases: mechanisms, advances and prospects. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy. 2020, 5(1): 1-23.
2. Joung, J. K., & Sander, J. D. TALENs: a widely applicable technology for targeted genome editing. Nature reviews. Molecular cell biology. 2013, 14(1): 49–55.