This detailed volume explores non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) through their site-specific incorporation by genetic code expansion (GCE). The collection provides a broad resource of methods for implementing GCE in E. coli, mammalian cells, and animals, highlighting specific applications ranging from fluorescence labeling to photocontrol and the study of protein post-translational modification. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Genetically Incorporated Non-Canonical Amino Acids: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal source of methodologies that can be adapted and extended, migrated to different model systems, and combined in new ways to help explore a wide range of biological questions and to augment industrial and pharmaceutical protein engineering.

By combining the tools of organic chemistry with those of physical biochemistry and cell biology, Non-Natural Amino Acids aims to provide fundamental insights into how proteins work within the context of complex biological systems of biomedical interest. The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for 40 years, Methods in Enzymology is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. With more than 400 volumes published, each Methods in Enzymology volume presents material that is relevant in today's labs -- truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences. - Demonstrates how the tools and principles of chemistry combined with the molecules and processes of living cells can be combined to create molecules with new properties and functions found neither in nature nor in the test tube - Presents new insights into the molecular mechanisms of complex biological and chemical systems that can be gained by studying the structure and function of non-natural molecules - Provides a "one-stop shop" for tried and tested essential techniques, eliminating the need to wade through untested or unreliable methods

The genetic code of most organisms was evolved to encode 20 amino acids. Although the ability to encode 20 amino acids provides the basis to translate proteins necessary for life, researchers are also limited to these 20 amino acids for conventional site-directed mutagenesis. The ability to encode unnatural amino acids provides researchers the ability to circumvent the limitation imposed by the genetic code. Genetically encoding unnatural amino acids provides researchers the means to not only mimic naturally occurring posttranslational modifications but also the ability to encode amino acids with new physical or chemical properties to study biological processes. The incorporation of unnatural amino acids into proteins had been developed in Escherichia coli and also in yeast. We have developed a methodology to genetically incorporate unnatural amino acids in mammalian cells in response to an amber codon (UAG). The incorporation of unnatural amino acids is high in E. coli and yeast, but the incorporation in mammalian cells is relatively low. In addition to developing the system to incorporate unnatural amino acids in mammalian cells, we have also improved suppression efficiencies by modifying the synthetase and unnatural amino acid. To incorporate unnatural amino acids in response to an amber codon, the tRNA anticodon is mutated from a GUA to a CUA. We were able to show that engineering the anticodon-binding domain of the synthetase could enhance the recognition of the tRNA and thus increased suppression efficiencies. Furthermore, by masking the carboxyl group of the amino acid by an ester group, we were able to increase the bioavailability of an unnatural amino acid to further increase suppression efficiencies. Most evolved synthetases aminoacylate unnatural amino acids that are structurally similar to the native substrate of the wild-type synthetase. We were able to adapt Methanosarcina mazei pyrrolysine synthetase (PylRS) to charge a considerable disparate amino acid from its native substrate, O-methyl-L-tyrosine. In addition, the X-ray crystal structure was solved for the evolved PylRS complexed with O-methyl-L-tyrosine at 1.75Å. This multifaceted approach provides the basis to engineer the PylRS to incorporate a significantly diverse selection of unnatural amino acids than previously anticipated.

The ability to introduce non-canonical amino acids in vivo has greatly expanded the repertoire of accessible proteins for basic research and biotechnological application. Here, the different methods and strategies to incorporate new or modified amino acids are explained in detail, including a lot of practical advice for first-time users of this powerful technique. Novel applications in protein biochemistry, genomics, biotechnology and biomedicine made possible by the expansion of the genetic code are discussed and numerous examples are given. Essential reading for all molecular life scientists who want to stay ahead in their research.

Even though they are present in nature, non-proteinogenic amino acids are usually defined as unnatural or non-natural. Beside their structural diversity, interest in these compounds is due to their occurrence in nature, their biological properties, the analytical aspects, their use as probes, and their incorporation into peptides and proteins, among other reasons. Divided into five convenient sections, Unnatural Amino Acids: Methods and Protocols deals with enzymatic methods used to produce non-natural amino acids, aspects concerning the presence of unnatural amino acids in peptides with antimicrobial properties, genetic incorporation of unnatural amino acids into proteins (yeast and mammalian cells), and detection and quantification of D-amino acids and related enzymes. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, chapters contain introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and accessible, Unnatural Amino Acids: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide for scientists and contributes to directing the attention of researchers to the many fields of growing scientific interest in non-natural amino acids.

Dear Colleagues, Synthetic biology is a broad and emerging discipline that capitalizes on recent advances in molecular biology, genetics, protein and RNA engineering and omics technologies. These technologies have transformed our ability to reveal the biology of the cell and the molecular basis of disease. This Special Issue on “Synthetic RNA and DNA Programming” features original research articles and reviews, highlighting novel aspects of basic molecular biology and the molecular mechanisms of disease that were uncovered by the application and development of novel synthetic biology-driven approaches.

The second edition of a highly acclaimed handbook and ready reference. Unmatched in its breadth and quality, around 100 specialists from all over the world share their up-to-date expertise and experiences, including hundreds of protocols, complete with explanations, and hitherto unpublished troubleshooting hints. They cover all modern techniques for the handling, analysis and modification of RNAs and their complexes with proteins. Throughout, they bear the practising bench scientist in mind, providing quick and reliable access to a plethora of solutions for practical questions of RNA research, ranging from simple to highly complex. This broad scope allows the treatment of specialized methods side by side with basic biochemical techniques, making the book a real treasure trove for every researcher experimenting with RNA.

The burgeoning field of genetic code expansion provides new tools for specifically labeling proteins for a variety of applications. Clickable non-canonical amino acids (ncAA) have been refined for almost-quantitative and highly selective reactions with complementary probes. In my thesis work I have adapted genetic code expansion for two biological questions. First, I used ncAA incorporation and click reaction to test the effect of fluorescent protein (FP) tagging on the nanoscale organization of target proteins. Second, I used these tools to generate a genetically-encoded scheme for specifi...