RNA mimicry in post-transcriptional regulation by aminoacyl tRNA synthetases

Aminoacyl tRNA synthetases (aaRS) are well studied for their roles in tRNA charging with cognate amino acid. Nevertheless, numerous lines of evidence indicate that these proteins have roles other than tRNA charging. These include coordination of cellular signaling cascades, induction of cytokines outside the cell and transcription regulation. Herein, we focus on their roles in post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA expression. We describe functions that are related to antitermination of transcription, RNA splicing and mRNA translation. Cases were recognition of mRNA by the aaRS involves recognition of tRNA-like structures are described. Such recognition may be achieved by repurposing tRNA-binding domains or through domains added to the aaRS later in evolution. Furthermore, we describe cases in which binding by aaRS is implicated in autogenous regulation of expression. Overall, we propose RNA-mimicry as a common mode of interaction between aaRS and mRNA which allows efficient expression regulation. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > tRNA Processing RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Recognition RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications Translation > Translation Regulation.