Tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase, mitochondrial (WARS2)

Tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase, mitochondrial (WARS2), is an enzyme encoded by the WARS2 gene that catalyzes the attachment of tryptophan to its cognate mitochondrial tRNA, a critical step in mitochondrial protein synthesis. This enzyme is a nucleus-encoded mitochondrial protein and part of the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase family, essential for translating mitochondrial genes into proteins necessary for oxidative phosphorylation and overall cellular energy metabolism. Two forms of tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase exist in humans: a cytoplasmic form (WARS/WARS1) and a mitochondrial form (WARS2). Mutations in WARS2 have been linked to autosomal recessive intellectual disability, severe early-onset leukoencephalopathy, and movement disorders, confirming its crucial importance in neural development and mitochondrial function. Beyond its canonical aminoacylation role, WARS2 (and related synthetases) may influence angiogenesis and other cellular processes

Other names

Tryptophan--tRNA ligase, mitochondrialTrpRSmtTrpRSTryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase 2, mitochondrialWARS2NEMMLASPKDYS3tryptophan tRNA ligase 2, mitochondrial

Not applicable (no approved drugs act directly on WARS2); Mechanisms would involve inhibition or modulation of enzymatic activity if targeted