Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 11, 2025

Rapid, Enzymatic Methods for Amplification of Minimal, Linear Templates for Protein Prototyping using Cell-Free Systems
Published on: June 14, 2021
A simplified method to produce mRNAs and functional proteins from synthetic double-stranded DNA templates
John T Tossberg1, Tashawna M Esmond1, Thomas M Aune1,2
1Department of Medicine & Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
Abstract:
We present a method to synthesize mRNAs from synthetic DNA templates that produce biologically active proteins. To illustrate utility, we constructed five unique synthetic DNA templates, produced mRNAs and demonstrated biologic activity of their translated proteins. Examples include secreted luciferase, enhanced green fluorescence protein, IL-4, and IL-12A and IL-12B to form active IL-12. We propose that this method offers a cost- and time-saving alternative to plasmid-based cloning.
Related Concept Videos
Complementary DNA
Synthetic Biology
Golden rice
Golden rice is a genetically modified...
From DNA to Protein
The Central Dogma
The Central Dogma
RNA is the Missing Link Between DNA and Proteins
In the early 1900s, scientists discovered that DNA stores all the information needed for cellular functions and that proteins perform most of these functions. However, the mechanisms of converting genetic information into functional proteins remained unknown for many years. Initially, it was believed that a single gene is...
DNA as a Genetic Template

