CELL-FREE PROTEIN-SYNTHESIS SYSTEMS

Cell-free protein synthesis systems enable the direct in vitro express ion of proteins from template DNA or RNA. Use of biochemical and bioen gineering techniques has greatly improved the yields and productivitie s of cell-free systems. In some cases, the yields approach the in vivo levels. Moreover, in vitro systems are capable of rapidly providing a rtificial polypeptides that greatly facilitate protein engineering. Po st-translational modification steps in cell-free systems also offer ex citing possibilities as reviewed here. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.