An efficient protocol for the production of tRNA-free recombinant Selenocysteine Synthase (SELA) from Escherichia coli and its biophysical characterization

► Recombinant SELA present a bound RNA compromising functional analysis. ► A simple expression system was developed in a tRNAsec free Escherichia coli strain. ► SELA molecular characterization shows it is equivalent to the native enzyme. ► Crosslinking experiments show that homodecamer formation is a sequential pathway.