Epigenetic Manipulation of Transposable and Repetitive Elements

This protocol describes methods to design, assemble, and validate tools for targeted activation or repression of single-copy and multi-copy genes, including repetitive and transposable elements. It uses transcription activator-like effector (TALE) technology combined with VP64 activator or Kruppel-associated box (KRAB) repressor, both of which are potent transcriptional regulators that modify the epigenetic state of endogenous DNA loci. This protocol has been successfully used to simultaneously modify expression patterns of thousands of LINE-1 transposable elements and satellite repeats, both in cell culture model systems and in preimplantation mouse embryos.