About Genetic Code Expansion and the GCE4All Center

The GCE4All Research Center is a national NIH-funded resource and the official creator and maintainer of this website. Its mission is to democratize access to cutting-edge tools and knowledge surrounding Genetic Code Expansion (GCE). GCE enables the site-specific incorporation of non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) into proteins, empowering researchers to precisely control, visualize, and evolve protein functions.

Through tool development, standardized protocols, expert-led training, and a freely accessible repository of resources, GCE4All supports broad adoption of GCE in basic science and therapeutic innovation. Learn more at gce4all.oregonstate.edu.

GCE4All Workshops

The GCE4All Center regularly hosts immersive, hands-on workshops designed to empower researchers at all levels. These workshops cover:

Incorporation of non-canonical amino acids using engineered RS/tRNA pairs
Cloning strategies and plasmid design
Protein expression optimization
Analytical and imaging techniques to confirm incorporation

Both wet-lab and computational components are included, making these workshops suitable for biologists, chemists, and synthetic biologists alike.

GCE4All Conference

The annual GCE4All Conference is a premier gathering of researchers developing and applying GCE technologies. The event features:

Cutting-edge talks on synthetic biology, directed evolution, and bioconjugation
Panels on emerging challenges and collaborative solutions in ncAA research
Networking opportunities for interdisciplinary researchers and trainees

The conference fosters a vibrant and inclusive GCE community. Stay informed about future events by visiting the GCE4All website.

GCE4All Monthly Webinars

The GCE4All Monthly Webinar Series features leading researchers from around the world presenting their latest work in genetic code expansion, chemical biology, and protein engineering. These sessions are open to the public and provide opportunities for both learning and discussion.

You can access recordings of past webinars and register for upcoming events on the GCE4All Webinar page .

Review Articles: Start Here with GCE

Shandell, M. A., Tan, Z., & Cornish, V. W. (2024). Genetic Code Expansion: A Brief History and Perspective. Chemical Reviews
Cooley, R. B., Arlow, D. H., & Mehl, R. A. (2021). Principles of permissivity in noncanonical amino acid–tRNA synthetases. Biochemistry, 60(17), 1314–1326

These reviews are ideal entry points for researchers new to Genetic Code Expansion. They offer essential context, technical foundations, and current perspectives that guide both newcomers and advanced users.

Tools for the GCE Community

The Genetic Code Expansion Collection at AddGene is a collaborative repository containing plasmids developed by researchers across the GCE field.