Even though they are present in nature non-proteinogenic amino acids are usually defined as
unnatural or non-natural. Beside their structural diversity interest in these compounds is due
to their occurrence in nature their biological properties the analytical aspects their use
as probes and their incorporation into peptides and proteins among other reasons. Divided
into five convenient sections Unnatural Amino Acids: Methods and Protocols deals with
enzymatic methods used to produce non-natural amino acids aspects concerning the presence of
unnatural amino acids in peptides with antimicrobial properties genetic incorporation of
unnatural amino acids into proteins (yeast and mammalian cells) and detection and
quantification of D-amino acids and related enzymes. Written in the highly successful Methods
in Molecular Biology(TM) series format chapters contain introductions to their respective
topics lists of the necessary materials and reagents step-by-step readily reproducible
laboratory protocols and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative
and accessible Unnatural Amino Acids: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide for
scientists and contributes to directing the attention of researchers to the many fields of
growing scientific interest in non-natural amino acids.
