Establishing the fundamental rules for genetic code expansion

Genetic code expansion beyond alpha-amino acids is a major challenge, in which stitching together non-natural building blocks within the ribosome is a critical barrier. Now, the molecular determinants for the efficient incorporation of non-natural amino acids into the ribosome have been unlocked, accelerating ribosomal synthesis.

Automated summary

Expanding the genetic code beyond natural amino acids is hindered by the challenge of incorporating non-natural building blocks within the ribosome. However, researchers have now identified the molecular determinants that enable efficient incorporation of these non-natural amino acids, leading to accelerated ribosomal synthesis.