tyrosylDNA

Tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in protein synthesis. It is responsible for catalyzing the attachment of the amino acid tyrosine to its corresponding transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule, a process known as aminoacylation or charging. This reaction is essential for ensuring that the correct amino acid is incorporated into the polypeptide chain during translation. TyrRS belongs to the class II aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, characterized by their dimeric structure and a distinct catalytic mechanism.

The active site of TyrRS binds both tyrosine and ATP, forming an activated aminoacyl-adenylate intermediate. This intermediate then reacts with the cognate tRNA to form tyrosyl-tRNA. TyrRS exhibits high fidelity in recognizing and binding both tyrosine and its cognate tRNA, preventing misincorporation of incorrect amino acids. Beyond its canonical role in translation, TyrRS has emerged as a multitasking protein with non-canonical functions. These include roles in cellular signaling, inflammation, and innate immunity, often mediated by the release of TyrRS from its tRNA or by its interaction with other cellular components. Aberrant TyrRS activity or expression has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, making it a target of interest for therapeutic interventions.