Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase (aaRS)

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs), also known as tRNA-ligases, are a family of enzymes essential for protein biosynthesis. Their primary function is to catalyze the attachment of a specific amino acid to its corresponding transfer RNA (tRNA), a process called aminoacylation or "charging" the tRNA. This reaction is fundamental in translating genetic information from mRNA into proteins by ensuring that each codon in the mRNA is matched with its correct amino acid during translation. aaRSs are indispensable housekeeping proteins required for cell growth and survival due to their central role in translation. Differences between prokaryotic/bacterial and eukaryotic/human aaRS structures make them attractive targets for antimicrobial drug development—allowing selective inhibition of pathogens without affecting host cells.

Other names

tRNA-ligaseARS

Inhibition of amino acid activation or tRNA binding, leading to disruption of protein synthesis