Modified Trna-Synthetase for the Incorporation of Non-Canonical Amino Acids

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes engineered (mutated) versions of tRNA synthetases, specifically those derived from Methanococcoides burtonii, which can efficiently incorporate non-canonical (non-standard) amino acids into recombinant proteins at specific sites. The invention provides a system—including optimized enzymes and compatible tRNAs—for generating proteins with new chemical functionalities, useful for both research and medical purposes. Key improvements over previous systems include higher efficiency, flexibility in amino acid incorporation, and compatibility with a variety of host cells.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Producing proteins with novel chemical or biological properties for research applications (e.g., structural biology, probing protein-protein interactions).
• Making site-specific protein-drug conjugates for therapeutic development (e.g., antibody-drug conjugates).
• Engineering proteins and enzymes with new functions for industrial biotechnology or synthetic biology.
• Generating proteins with clickable tags or photo-crosslinkers for advanced molecular studies.
• Producing recombinant proteins with improved characteristics (e.g., stability, function) for medical and pharmaceutical use.
• Quantitative or multi-site labeling of proteins for imaging, tracking, or diagnostics in life sciences.
• Developing bio-orthogonal systems for cell-specific or tissue-specific protein modification in vivo.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides a much higher efficiency of non-canonical amino acid incorporation than previous systems, supporting higher protein yield and reliability.
• Enables precise, site-specific introduction of diverse chemical functionalities into proteins, expanding the range of possible protein modification.
• Compatible with a wide range of host organisms, including bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells.
• Allows for multi-site, even stochastic, incorporation of non-canonical amino acids in proteins.
• Supports production of novel or custom proteins for research, diagnostics, and therapeutic development without need for special growth media.
• Flexibility for using homologous, heterologous, or engineered tRNAs broadens its applicability.
• Can be delivered as a kit or platform for convenient adoption by research or industrial labs.
• The system permits the attachment of drugs or other payloads to proteins at defined locations, facilitating drug development and targeted therapies.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention refers to modified enzymes, namely mutated tRNA synthetases and provides a system employing such modified enzymes together with tRNA-pairs as well as a platform for the generation of site-specifically modified, recombinant polypeptides or proteins - iter alia - for scientific or medical purposes.