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An In Vitro Assay to Detect tRNA-Isopentenyl Transferase Activity
Published on: October 8, 2018
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and tumorigenesis: more than housekeeping
Sunghoon Kim1, Sungyong You, Daehee Hwang
1Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center, WCU Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea. sungkim@snu.ac.kr
Abstract:
Over the past decade, the identification of cancer-associated factors has been a subject of primary interest not only for understanding the basic mechanisms of tumorigenesis but also for discovering the associated therapeutic targets. However, aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) have been overlooked, mostly because many assumed that they were simply 'housekeepers' that were involved in protein synthesis. Mammalian ARSs have evolved many additional domains that are not necessarily linked to their catalytic activities. With these domains, they interact with diverse regulatory factors. In addition, the expression of some ARSs is dynamically changed depending on various cellular types and stresses. This Analysis article addresses the potential pathophysiological implications of ARSs in tumorigenesis.
Insights
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) are crucial for protein synthesis but also play roles in cancer. This analysis explores their potential involvement in tumorigenesis and as therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) are essential enzymes for protein synthesis.
- Traditionally viewed as 'housekeepers,' ARSs have evolved additional domains with regulatory functions.
- Their dynamic expression and interactions suggest roles beyond basic cellular processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the overlooked pathophysiological roles of ARSs in cancer.
- To explore ARSs as potential therapeutic targets in tumorigenesis.
- To highlight the expanded functions of mammalian ARSs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of existing research on ARSs.
- Examination of ARS domain evolution and interactions.
- Analysis of ARS expression patterns in different cell types and under stress conditions.
Main Results:
- Mammalian ARSs possess domains beyond catalytic activity, enabling diverse regulatory interactions.
- Expression levels of certain ARSs vary significantly with cell type and stress.
- These characteristics suggest a potential role in cancer development.
Conclusions:
- ARSs are implicated in tumorigenesis due to their complex functions and regulatory interactions.
- Further research into ARSs could reveal novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
- The 'housekeeper' role of ARSs is an incomplete view of their biological significance.
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