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A complete CRISPR and TALEN gene editing toolkit

To help researchers in their quest to understand how the genome influences phenotype, we’ve developed a complete set of trusted solutions for every step in the gene editing workflow. Design your CRISPR-Cas9 system or TALEN constructs for precise cleavage, knock-in, and tagging, transfect them efficiently into cells, and validate the genotypic and phenotypic results. Our optimized, validated products, protocols, and tools work together to eliminate the trial-and-error phase and help you get answers faster and with less effort.

Because every lab is unique, we offer a variety of genome editing solutions to meet your needs. Whether you want results fast, seek full control over every design step, or need help engineering cells to your specific requirements, we have solutions that fit.

Download our genome editing resource guide


Gene editing tools and resources

Complete CRISPR workflow

We offer tools and solutions for every step in the CRISPR genome editing workflow. Our portfolio of genome editing products is built on 30 years of industry-leading innovation and can grow with your research needs.



Explore the workflow

High-performance Cas9 proteins

Choose from our selection of Cas9 proteins, including our TrueCut Cas9 Protein v2 that delivers consistent high editing efficiency across gene targets and cell types, our high-fidelity Cas9 for minimization off-target effects, or our GMP-manufactured Cas9 for cell therapy applications.

Choose your Cas9 protein


Genome editing workflow

Genome editing experiments often progress through a basic standard workflow consisting of three design steps, a transfection step, and a validation step. This standard workflow is applicable to gene knockout, tagging, knock-in, and cell line engineering applications. Workflow steps are adaptable to fit each experiment. For example, knockout experiments and functional genomics screening may omit the knock-in step.

The basic genome editing workflow includes steps for cleavage design, knock-in design, transfection, and validation

Follow the links to learn more about our product offerings for each workflow step. In many cases, the TrueDesign Genome Editor can be used to design and order reagents for the complete editing experiment.

Design and buildDeliverDetect and validate

TrueGuide Synthetic gRNA

TrueCut Cas9 Protein v2

TrueTag Donor DNA Kit, GFP

Neon Transfection System

Attune NxT Flow Cytometer, blue

Design tool

CRISPR gRNAs

CRISPR libraries

Cas9 nucleases

  • Fluorescent or epitope tags
  • SNPs and indels
  • Selection markers
  • STOP codons



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  • Transfection reagents
  • Electroporation instruments
  • Cell culture


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  • Cleavage detection
  • Clonal isolation
  • Confirmation of genotype
  • Confirmation of phenotype

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TALEN mRNA pairs

To see an example of this gene editing workflow in action, view the webinar on using the CRISPR-Cas9 system for CAR T cell knock-in.


Choosing between CRISPR-Cas9 and TALEN gene editing platforms

When designing your genome edit, you can choose between CRISPR or TALEN technologies.

Although CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing requires a protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM) site in the vicinity of the desired break, this platform is generally viewed as simpler to design and implement. gRNAs can be made at low costs to target nearly any genomic sequence of interest, and expressing multiple gRNAs in cells allows for multiplexing of CRISPR edits.

In contrast, TALEN usage is not dependent on the availability of a PAM site and can be used at any location in the genome. Closer proximity of the TALENs to the target insertion site can also lead to improved homology-directed repair (HDR). Although TALEN may have more specific and flexible capabilities, it is more time consuming and less cost-effective than CRISPR.

Comparison between CRISPR vs TALEN gene editing technologies

TechnologyCRISPR-Cas9TALEN
End goalPermanent gene knockout or knock-inPermanent gene knockout or knock-in
Key advantages
  • Excellent cleavage efficiency
  • Simple RNP assembly process
  • Multiplexing capability
  • Flexible design; no PAM requirement
  • Superior HDR efficiency due to closer proximity to insertion site
  • Includes rights under foundational TAL intellectual property
Design restrictionsPAM site close to desired edit locus (NGG for S.pyogenes Cas9)None
More informationLearn moreLearn more
Explore toolsChoose Cas9 formatExplore TALEN choices


Intended use of the products mentioned on this page varies. For specific intended use statements, please refer to the product label.
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