Researchers get two genetic codes to work at the same time

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have successfully engineered cells to use two genetic codes simultaneously, according to a study published in Nature Biotechnology. The team modified the stop codon—the genetic signal that tells cells when to stop making a protein—to also code for the amino acid selenocysteine. This approach allows cells to produce proteins with expanded capabilities beyond those normally possible with the standard genetic code. The researchers demonstrated the technique in laboratory conditions and said it could enable the development of novel proteins for medical and industrial applications.

Next story