Expanding the genetic code of Mus musculus

Nat Commun. 2017 Feb 21:8:14568. doi: 10.1038/ncomms14568.

Abstract

Here we report the expansion of the genetic code of Mus musculus with various unnatural amino acids including Nɛ-acetyl-lysine. Stable integration of transgenes encoding an engineered Nɛ-acetyl-lysyl-tRNA synthetase (AcKRS)/tRNAPyl pair into the mouse genome enables site-specific incorporation of unnatural amino acids into a target protein in response to the amber codon. We demonstrate temporal and spatial control of protein acetylation in various organs of the transgenic mouse using a recombinant green fluorescent protein (GFPuv) as a model protein. This strategy will provide a powerful tool for systematic in vivo study of cellular proteins in the most commonly used mammalian model organism for human physiology and disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / genetics*
  • Amino Acyl-tRNA Synthetases / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Codon, Terminator / genetics
  • Genetic Code / genetics*
  • Genetic Engineering / methods
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lysine / genetics*
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • RNA, Transfer / genetics*

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Codon, Terminator
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • RNA, Transfer
  • Amino Acyl-tRNA Synthetases
  • Lysine