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Human tyrosyl- and tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetases (TyrRS and TrpRS, respectively) link protein synthesis to signal-transduction pathways, including angiogenesis. Fragments of TyrRS stimulate angiogenesis, whereas those of TrpRS (T2-TrpRS) inhibit angiogenesis. Thus, these two synthetases acquired opposing activities during evolution, possibly as a coordinated mechanism for regulating angiogenesis. The recent identification of the cellular target of T2-TrpRS sheds light into the mechanism of angiogenesis inhibition. This mechanism provides a molecular basis for the lack of effect of T2-TrpRS on the normal vasculature. With these features, we suggest that this fragment of a tRNA synthetase might safely be used to arrest neovascularization of tumors. In particular, an anti-angiogenesis agent that stops the growth of tumor vessels without affecting normal vessels might serve as an adjunct to cytotoxic therapy.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.tibs.2005.11.002

Type

Journal article

Journal

Trends Biochem Sci

Publication Date

01/2006

Volume

31

Pages

7 - 10

Keywords

Angiogenesis Inhibitors, Humans, Neoplasms, Neovascularization, Pathologic, Peptide Fragments, Tryptophan-tRNA Ligase, Tyrosine-tRNA Ligase