Expanding the eukaryotic genetic code
AssigneeThe Scripps Research Institute
InventorsJason W. Chin, T. Ashton Cropp, J. Christopher Anderson, Peter G. Schultz
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention provides compositions and methods for producing translational components that expand the number of genetically encoded amino acids in eukaryotic cells. The components include orthogonal tRNAs, orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, orthogonal pairs of tRNAs/synthetases and unnatural amino acids. Proteins and methods of producing proteins with unnatural amino acids in eukaryotic cells are also provided.
Claims8
1-119. (canceled)
A method of producing in a eukaryotic cell at least one toxic protein comprising at least one unnatural amino acid, the method comprising:
- growing, in an appropriate medium, a eukaryotic cell that comprises a nucleic acid that comprises at least one selector codon and encodes the toxic protein;
- wherein the eukaryotic cell comprises:
- an orthogonal tRNA (O-tRNA) that functions in the cell and recognizes the selector codon;
- and
- an orthogonal aminoacyl tRNA synthetase (O-RS) that preferentially aminoacylates the O-tRNA with the unnatural amino acid;
- and wherein said toxic protein is toxic to said eukaryotic cell when said medium comprises an unnatural amino acid.
126-138. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.