In all living cells, the genetic code defines the relationship between nucleic acid sequences in
protein coding genes with the sequences of amino acids needed to accurately produce the
encoded proteins. The aminoacylation of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) by the aminoacyl-tRNA
synthetases is the critical step that physically links amino acids with tRNA anticodons and thus
dictates the assignment of codons to amino acids.
Because of their central role in protein synthesis, engineered and synthetic tRNAs emerged as essential components of orthogonal translation systems that are designed to incorporate non-canonical or even unnatural amino acids into proteins in cells and cell free systems. Recent efforts have used either normal wild-type or engineered tRNAs to correct genetic defects that cause human disease. Since 11% of inherited human genetic diseases are caused by premature stop codons, nonsense suppressor tRNAs are of increasing interest for applications in tRNA therapeutics.
We recognize that both synthetic biology and therapeutic applications of tRNAs will rely on nonsense and in some cases missense suppressor tRNAs, to generate novel proteins or to correct genetic defects. Thus, this Research Topic for Frontiers in Genetics focuses on original research and review articles that highlight the role of tRNA in synthetic biology and medicine.
In all living cells, the genetic code defines the relationship between nucleic acid sequences in
protein coding genes with the sequences of amino acids needed to accurately produce the
encoded proteins. The aminoacylation of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) by the aminoacyl-tRNA
synthetases is the critical step that physically links amino acids with tRNA anticodons and thus
dictates the assignment of codons to amino acids.
Because of their central role in protein synthesis, engineered and synthetic tRNAs emerged as essential components of orthogonal translation systems that are designed to incorporate non-canonical or even unnatural amino acids into proteins in cells and cell free systems. Recent efforts have used either normal wild-type or engineered tRNAs to correct genetic defects that cause human disease. Since 11% of inherited human genetic diseases are caused by premature stop codons, nonsense suppressor tRNAs are of increasing interest for applications in tRNA therapeutics.
We recognize that both synthetic biology and therapeutic applications of tRNAs will rely on nonsense and in some cases missense suppressor tRNAs, to generate novel proteins or to correct genetic defects. Thus, this Research Topic for Frontiers in Genetics focuses on original research and review articles that highlight the role of tRNA in synthetic biology and medicine.