Expanding the genetic code using cell-free protein synthesis platforms

Summary

Site-specific incorporation of NSAAs has opened new opportunities for the production and study of proteins and biopolymers with chemical properties, structures, and functions that are impossible to create using only the 20 canonical amino acids. So far, the technology using amber suppression has been limited to a single type of NSAA per protein with low incorporation efficiencies. However, the open nature of the CFPS platform enables reprogramming of the genetic code, which is nearly impossible in vivo systems. We reassign redundant sense codons in CFPS for incorporating unique NSAAs that will broadly impact the production of novel therapeutics and biopolymers.