Genetic encoding of multiple distinct noncanonical amino acids
Wei Yu1, Yu Fang1, Shixian Lin2
1Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
Trends in Biochemical Sciences
|April 25, 2026
Summary
Researchers can now genetically encode multiple noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) simultaneously. This breakthrough enables the creation of advanced biomaterials and therapeutics with expanded chemical functionalities.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Synthetic Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Site-specific incorporation of noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) has advanced protein research.
- Synthesizing multifunctional biopolymers requires simultaneous encoding of multiple distinct ncAAs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review progress in the genetic encoding of multiple distinct ncAAs.
- To highlight recent breakthroughs enabling multiple ncAA incorporation.
Main Methods:
- Development of mutually orthogonal translation systems.
- Expansion of codon repertoires.
- Integration of rare codon recoding with stop codon suppression in mammalian systems.
Main Results:
- Achieved incorporation of multiple distinct ncAAs.
- Demonstrated genetic encoding of five distinct ncAAs in mammalian systems.
Conclusions:
- Established a robust platform for advanced biosensors, next-generation therapeutics, and synthetic biology.
- Expanded chemical repertoires for novel biomaterial applications.
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