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Association of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases with cancer

Doyeun Kim1, Nam Hoon Kwon, Sunghoon Kim

  • 1Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-742, Korea, doyeun.kim@snu.ac.kr.

Topics in Current Chemistry
|July 3, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) and ARS-interacting multi-functional proteins (AIMPs) are emerging as key regulators in cancer. This review covers their altered functions and therapeutic potential in cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) and ARS-interacting multi-functional proteins (AIMPs) are traditionally viewed as essential housekeeping proteins.
  • Emerging evidence highlights their significant, non-canonical roles in cancer development and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the conventional and non-conventional functions of ARSs and AIMPs in carcinogenesis.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying their involvement in cancer initiation, maintenance, and progression.
  • To explore therapeutic strategies targeting ARSs and AIMPs for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on ARSs and AIMPs in cancer.
  • Analysis of alterations in ARS and AIMP expression, mutation, splicing, and post-translational modifications.
  • Examination of molecular pathways involved in carcinogenesis related to ARSs and AIMPs.

Main Results:

  • ARSs and AIMPs exhibit altered expression, mutations, splicing, and post-translational modifications in various cancers.
  • These proteins are implicated in critical cellular processes that drive cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis.
  • Targeting ARSs and AIMPs presents a promising avenue for novel cancer therapies.

Conclusions:

  • ARSs and AIMPs are pivotal in cancer biology, extending beyond their housekeeping roles.
  • Understanding their multifaceted functions is crucial for developing effective cancer treatments.
  • Targeting these proteins offers a potential strategy for oncological intervention.

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