Transcription activator‐like effector nucleases (TALENs): An efficient tool for plant genome editing

Abstract

Transcription activator‐like effector nucleases (TALENs) are a novel class of genome editing tools that provide precise insertion, deletion, or substitution of specific genes in order to alter the genome. TALENs consist of a designed TALE domain that mimics the natural transcription activator‐like effector proteins and a nuclease that can cleave DNA in cells. TALENs have recently emerged as a revolutionary genome editing tools in numerous species and cell types. Here, we review the development of TALEN technology and summarize the principles and tools for TALEN‐mediated genome modification in plant cells.