Terms of Use

Last updated: 2026

What this tool is for

CodonTuner is a free, interactive codon optimization tool intended to help researchers and students explore codon choice trade-offs (CAI, GC content, ENC, and tAI) for protein-coding sequences targeted at Escherichia coli. It is provided for research and educational purposes.

No warranty, no guarantee of results

This tool is provided "as is," without warranty of any kind. Optimized sequences and their reported metrics are computational estimates, not guarantees of real-world expression, folding, or function. In particular:

  • ENC is calculated using the full Wright (1990) degeneracy-class-weighted formula.
  • tAI uses real E. coli tRNA gene copy data with standard wobble rules, including inosine wobble for the one case that occurs in bacteria, but does not model E. coli's cmo5U modification.
  • High predicted metrics do not guarantee successful expression. Always validate important sequences experimentally before relying on them.

Your responsibility

You are responsible for reviewing, validating, and safely handling any sequence you input or generate using this tool, including compliance with all applicable laws, biosafety regulations, and your institution's policies. You agree not to use this tool to design, optimize, or facilitate the production of any sequence intended to cause harm, including but not limited to toxins, pathogens, or agents prohibited under applicable law.

No server-side backup, no liability for loss

Sequences and saved versions are kept only in your own browser's local storage (see our Privacy Policy), not on any server we operate. We are not responsible for any loss of work due to clearing your browser data, using a different device or browser, or browser/device issues.

Licensing

This project's source code is released under the MIT License. You are free to use, modify, and redistribute it in accordance with that license.

Changes

We may update these terms as the tool changes. Continued use after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.