Chemically Acylated tRNAs are Functional in Zebrafish Embryos

Abstract

Genetic code expansion has pushed protein chemistry past the canonical 22 amino acids. The key enzymes that make this possible are engineered aminoacyl tRNA synthetases. However, as the number of genetically encoded amino acids has increased over the years, obvious limits in the type and size of novel side chains that can be accommodated by the synthetase enzyme become apparent. Here, we show that chemically acylating tRNAs allow for robust, site-specific incorporation of unnatural amino acids into proteins in zebrafish embryos, an important model organism for human health and development. We apply this approach to incorporate a unique photocaged histidine analogue for which synthetase engineering efforts have failed. Additionally, we demonstrate optical control over different enzymes in live embryos by installing photocaged histidine into their active sites.