Novel protein-synthesis technology achieving the installation of posttranslational modifications and other chemical modifications through genetic code expansion

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26291035
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Biophysics
• Research Institution: Institute of Physical and Chemical Research
• Principal Investigator: SAKAMOTO KENSAKU 国立研究開発法人理化学研究所, ライフサイエンス技術基盤研究センター, グループディレクター (50240685)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 拡張遺伝暗号 / 非天然型アミノ酸 / アミノアシルtRNA合成酵素 / 合成生物学

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We developed a novel protein-synthesis technology that allows the incorporation of posttranslational modifications and other chemical modifications into protein at desired sites. It was one of the primary target of this study to collaborate with scientists in other fields and demonstrate the usefulness of the developed technology. To increase the productivity of proteins containing non-natural amino acids, release factor I was eliminated from E. coli host cells, accompanied by a large-scale genomic modification, and this engineering greatly facilitated the incorporation of nitrotyrosine, acetyllysine and other posttranslational modifications. Through the collaboration with NARO, an agriculture-related institute, the genetic code of silkworms was modified in a way that led to a great increase of the yield of silk with azido groups, useful for industrial purposes.

Free Research Field

合成生物学