Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases: Structure, function, and drug discovery

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Enzymology

Background:

• Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARSs) are essential enzymes catalyzing the initial step of protein translation.
• Beyond protein synthesis, AARSs participate in critical metabolic and signaling pathways influencing cell viability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of AARSs, covering their classification, structure, and diverse functions.
• To explore the role of AARSs in human diseases and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of AARSs' structural and functional aspects.
• Analysis of AARSs' involvement in multi-synthetase complexes.
• Examination of AARSs' association with human diseases and available inhibitors.

Main Results:

• Detailed classification and functional roles of AARSs are presented.
• Conserved and appended structural features, including multi-synthetase complexes, are discussed.
• The link between AARSs, mutations, autoantibodies, and disease pathogenesis is highlighted.

Conclusions:

• AARSs possess dual roles in translation and cellular signaling, making them vital for organismal growth and survival.
• AARSs represent promising drug targets for various diseases due to their multifaceted functions and structural characteristics.
• This review consolidates extensive information on AARSs, serving as a valuable resource for researchers in the field.