Genome editing using programmable endonucleases

Programmable endonucleases are engineered proteins that recognize specific nucleotide sequences and that are capable of introducing double-strand breaks within these sequences. Zinc-finger nucleases have been used extensively as a tool in genome editing, the practice of introducing changes into genomes of cell lines or whole organisms as a way to study gene function. Recently, new types of programmable endonucleases have emerged in the form of transcription activator like effector (TALE) nucleases and the CRISPR/Cas system. The types differ in respect to their mechanism of function, accessibility, selectivity, frequency of off-target cleavage and cytotoxic effects. Here, we compare zinc-finger nucleases, TALENs and the CRISPR/Cas system and explore their current and possible future applications in a broad spectrum of research ranging from developing genetically modified organisms to gene therapy. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org