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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Combining Chemical Cross-linking and Mass Spectrometry of Intact Protein Complexes to Study the Architecture of Multi-subunit Protein Assemblies
Published on: November 28, 2017
Hierarchical network between the components of the multi-tRNA synthetase complex: implications for complex formation
Jung Min Han1, Min Ji Lee, Sang Gyu Park
1Imagene Company Biotechnology Incubating Center, Golden Helix, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-741, Korea.
The macromolecular tRNA synthetase complex, a novel signalosome, has components with interdependent stability. This study reveals the functional assembly of these multi-functional enzymes and factors.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Signaling
Background:
- The macromolecular tRNA synthetase complex comprises nine enzymes and three factors.
- This complex functions as a signalosome, with components involved in signaling pathways beyond protein synthesis.
- The structural organization and dynamics of this complex are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural intimacy and component turnover within the macromolecular tRNA synthetase complex.
- To elucidate the interdependence of components and their contribution to complex stability.
- To understand the assembly patterns of these multi-functional enzymes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic depletion analysis was employed to assess component stability.
- The study analyzed the effects of removing individual components on the stability of others.
- Investigated the roles of specific synthetases, such as Lysyl-tRNA synthetase, Arginyl-tRNA synthetase, and Methionyl-tRNA synthetase.
Main Results:
- Component stability within the complex is interdependent.
- Lysyl-tRNA synthetase demonstrated independence for its own stability but was crucial for stabilizing other components.
- Arginyl- and Methionyl-tRNA synthetases exhibited inverse stability characteristics compared to Lysyl-tRNA synthetase.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals the functional rationale behind the formation of the tRNA synthetase complex.
- Systematic depletion analysis elucidated the assembly pattern of these multi-functional enzymes and associated factors.
- Understanding component interdependence sheds light on the complex's role as a signalosome.
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