Target intelligence / Profile preview

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complex-interacting multifunctional protein 1 (AIMP1)

Target: AIMP1
Molecular classification: Scaffold/assembly protein (multi-enzyme complex component), Cytokine (secreted, as EMAP II), Other (multifunctional adaptor protein for tRNA synthetase complexes)

Overview

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complex-interacting multifunctional protein 1 (AIMP1, also known as p43) is a structural and regulatory component of the multi–aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complex (MSC), essential for protein translation. Beyond its canonical role, AIMP1 has diverse non-translational functions: as a secreted cytokine (EMAP II), it exerts proinflammatory and antiangiogenic effects, drives T helper 1 immune polarization, and promotes dendritic cell maturation. Intracellularly, it regulates TGF-β signaling (suppressing tumors), stabilizes E3 ligase Smurf2, and modulates neurofilament assembly, critical for neuronal and axonal maintenance. Mutations cause neurodevelopmental disorders, while its expression can impact cancer prognosis and immune homeostasis; however, there are no current approved therapies targeting AIMP1 directly[1][2][3][4].

Other names: AIMP1p43Endothelial monocyte-activating polypeptide II (EMAP II) [as a processed, secreted form]MARS-interacting multifunctional protein 1

Mechanism of action

As a secreted factor (EMAP II): Stimulates dendritic cell maturation, promotes IL-12 production, enhances Th1 immune polarization, exerts proinflammatory and antiangiogenic actions. Intracellularly: Negatively regulates TGF-β signaling (tumor/metastasis suppression), stabilizes E3 ligase Smurf2, scaffolds multi-enzyme complex, regulates neurofilament phosphorylation for axonal maintenance.

Biological functions

Protein translation (structural component of the multi–aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase [MSC] complex)Immune regulation (promotes dendritic cell activation, T helper 1 response, B cell proliferation and antibody class switching, macrophage/NK function)Tumor suppression (induction of anti-tumor cytokines, negative regulation of TGF-β signaling)Axonal integrity and neural development (regulation of neurofilament phosphorylation, axon and neuron maintenance)Antiangiogenic activity (when secreted as EMAP II)Regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation (through TGF-β pathway modulation)

Disease associations

Neurodegenerative disease (hypomyelinating leukodystrophies, Pelizaeus-Merzbacher–like disease, intellectual disability, pontocerebellar hypoplasia)Cancer (tumor suppression, antitumor immune response)Immune diseases (inflammatory and autoimmune modulation)Infection (regulation of antiviral immune pathways)Other (disorders of protein translation machinery)

Safety considerations

Excessive proinflammatory activity with recombinant AIMP1/EMAP II (risk of cytokine-driven side effects, potential tissue toxicity)Targeting AIMP1 may disrupt multiple systemic processes, including neurodevelopment, immune homeostasis, and protein translation, leading to unanticipated adverse effectsNot a traditional receptor/ligand system—pleiotropic effects pose therapeutic specificity challenges

Interacting drugs

recombinant AIMP1/EMAP II (experimental therapeutic)

Biomarkers

Loss-of-function AIMP1 mutations as biomarker for leukodystrophies and neurodevelopmental syndromesUpregulated AIMP1 gene expression as a favorable prognostic signature in glioblastoma multiformeCirculating AIMP1/EMAP II as possible inflammatory or tumor bioactivity marker (experimental/research focus)

Beyond the preview

Go deeper on Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complex-interacting multifunctional protein 1 (AIMP1).

Explore the evidence, development activity, and competitive landscape with Gosset’s full data platform.

Drug pipeline

Explore the programs pursuing this target and their development progress.

Drug candidates
Developers
Development stage

Clinical trials

Follow the clinical studies evaluating therapies directed at this target.

Trial design
Status
Readouts

Competitive landscape

Compare approaches across drug candidates, modalities, and indications.

Programs
Modalities
Indications

Literature & evidence

Investigate the research and source evidence behind target biology and development.

Publications
Sources
Analysis

Patents

Explore patent activity around therapies and technologies addressing this target.

Patents
Assignees
Technologies

Research & analysis

Connect target biology, drug development, and emerging evidence in your research.

Biology
Development news
Analysis

Bring the full picture into focus.

See how Gosset can support your research on Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complex-interacting multifunctional protein 1 (AIMP1).

Explore the full profile