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Super-Resolution Imaging of Bacterial Secreted Proteins Using Genetic Code Expansion
Published on: February 10, 2023
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Recent advances in the optical control of protein function through genetic code expansion
Taylor Courtney1, Alexander Deiters1
1Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States.
Current Opinion in Chemical Biology
|July 30, 2018
Summary
Scientists engineer light-responsive proteins using unnatural amino acids for precise control over biological processes. This technology offers spatiotemporal regulation in living systems with minimal side effects.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Chemical Biology
Background:
- Biological processes require precise spatial and temporal regulation.
- Optically controlled chemical tools offer non-invasive methods to perturb biological systems.
- Light provides excellent spatial and temporal control with minimal adverse effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in light-controlled proteins using unnatural amino acids.
- To highlight technological innovations and biological applications in this field.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of light-responsive unnatural amino acids into proteins.
- Utilizing expanded genetic codes in cells and organisms.
- Engineering diverse proteins (kinases, nucleases, proteases, polymerases) for light-triggered activation/deactivation.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated precise spatiotemporal control over numerous protein functions.
- Enabled rational engineering of light-responsive proteins based on mechanistic insights.
- Showcased diverse biological applications of these engineered proteins.
Conclusions:
- Light-triggered proteins generated via unnatural amino acids represent a powerful tool for biological research.
- This approach allows for precise manipulation of cellular and organismal functions.
- Recent technological advances continue to expand the potential of this methodology.
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