Breaking the degeneracy of the genetic code

J Am Chem Soc. 2003 Jun 25;125(25):7512-3. doi: 10.1021/ja0350076.

Abstract

A mutant yeast phenylalanine transfer RNA (ytRNAPheAAA) containing a modified (AAA) anticodon was generated to explore the feasibility of breaking the degeneracy of the genetic code in Escherichia coli. By using an E. coli strain co-transformed with ytRNAPheAAA and a mutant yeast phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase, we demonstrate efficient replacement of phenylalanine (Phe) by L-3-(2-naphthyl)alanine (Nal) at UUU, but not at UUC codons.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anticodon
  • Codon*
  • Escherichia coli / genetics*
  • Genetic Code*
  • Mice
  • Phenylalanine / genetics
  • Plasmids / genetics
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • RNA, Transfer, Phe / genetics*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
  • Tetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase / genetics*

Substances

  • Anticodon
  • Codon
  • RNA, Transfer, Phe
  • Phenylalanine
  • Tetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase