Expansion of the genetic code

Abstract

The genetic code consists of codons that code for 20 canonical amino acids and 3 termination signals and is an indispensable element of life. It controls all cellular activities through expression of genes. Advances in the genetic engineering techniques have enabled the incorporation of novel non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) into proteins to confer distinct physical and chemical features. Currently, over 150 ncAAs have been site-specifically introduced into proteinswith high efficiency using an orthogonal tRNA synthetase pair in various organisms. In this chapter, genetic code engineering and its advances, challenges and future opportunities have been explored towards biological, biomedical, therapeutic, industrial and biotechnological applications.