Volume 9 Issue 3
Regulation of Angiogenesis by Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases
Adam C. Mirando, Christopher S. Francklyn and Karen M. Lounsbury
1Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
2Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
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Abstract
In addition to their canonical roles in translation the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) have developed secondary functions over the course of evolution. Many of these activities are associated with cellular survival and nutritional stress responses essential for homeostatic processes in higher eukaryotes. In particular, six ARSs and one associated factor have documented functions in angiogenesis. However, despite their connection to this process, the ARSs are mechanistically distinct and exhibit a range of positive or negative effects on aspects of endothelial cell migration, proliferation, and survival. This variability is achieved through the appearance of appended domains and interplay with inflammatory pathways not found in prokaryotic systems. Complete knowledge of the non-canonical functions of ARSs is necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying the physiological regulation of angiogenesis.
Keywords:angiogenesis; aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase; endothelial cells; non-canonical functions