Continuous directed evolution of DNA-binding proteins to improve TALEN specificity.

ABSTRACT: Nucleases containing programmable DNA-binding domains can alter the genomes of model organisms and have the potential to become human therapeutics. Here we present DNA-binding phage-assisted continuous evolution (DB-PACE) as a general approach for the laboratory evolution of DNA-binding activity and specificity. We used this system to generate transcription activator-like effectors nucleases (TALENs) with broadly improved DNA cleavage specificity, establishing DB-PACE as a versatile approach for improving the accuracy of genome-editing agents.

SUBMITTER: Hubbard BP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4589463 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature