Directed Evolution of an Improved Aminoacyl‐tRNA Synthetase for Incorporation of L‐3,4‐Dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA)

Abstract

The catechol group of 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA) derived from L‐tyrosine oxidation is a key post‐translational modification (PTM) in many protein biomaterials and has potential as a bioorthogonal handle for precision protein conjugation applications such as antibody–drug conjugates. Despite this potential, indiscriminate enzymatic modification of exposed tyrosine residues or complete replacement of tyrosine using auxotrophic hosts remains the preferred method of introducing the catechol moiety into proteins, which precludes many protein engineering applications. We have developed new orthogonal translation machinery to site‐specifically incorporate L‐DOPA into recombinant proteins and a new fluorescent biosensor to selectively monitor L‐DOPA incorporation in vivo. We show simultaneous biosynthesis and incorporation of L‐DOPA and apply this translation machinery to engineer a novel metalloprotein containing a DOPA‐Fe chromophore.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
May 24, 2021
Source ID
10.1002/ange.202100579

Entities

People

  • Andrew D Ellington
  • Dustin R Klein
  • Jennifer S. Brodbelt
  • Molly S. Blevins
  • Ross Thyer
  • Simon d’Oelsnitz

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • Army Research Office
  • National Cancer Institute
  • National Institute of General Medical Sciences
  • Rice University
  • Robert A. Welch Foundation
  • University of Texas at Austin

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Molecular Genetics
  • Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
  • Psychometric Testing or Psychological Assessment.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Biotechnology - Cancer Biotech