This invention relates to methods of producing a rare
amino acid- or non-natural
amino acid-containing
protein in a
cell free protein synthesis system and kits for use in and for accomplishing same. Specifically, the methods comprise the steps of expressing at least one orthogonal
suppressor tRNA (o-tRNA) / aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (aaRS) pair or derivatives thereof specific for incorporation of a rare
amino acid- or non-natural amino acid in an E. coli
organism; preparing a lysate of said E. coli
organism expressing said orthogonal
suppressor tRNA (o-tRNA) / aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (aaRS) pair; and contacting said lysate with a template
DNA containing a
mutant gene in which at least one amino acid codon at a given site of the
protein-encoding
gene has been mutated into an amber or ochre
mutation and further providing a cognate rare amino acid or non-natural amino acid and other factors necessary for
protein synthesis; wherein protein synthesis occurs following said contact to produce a protein containing said at least one rare amino acid or said non-natural amino acid. Kits for use are described, as well.