AARS1 and AARS2: From Protein Synthesis to Lactylation-Driven Oncogenesis.

ABSTRACT: Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARSs), traditionally recognized for their essential role in protein synthesis, are now emerging as critical players in cancer pathogenesis through translation-independent functions. Lactate-derived lactylation, a post-translational modification, plays an increasingly important role in tumorigenesis in the context of high levels of lactate in tumor cells due to the Warburg effect. Current research has highlighted AARS1/2 as lactate sensors and lactyltransferases that catalyze global lysine lactylation in cancer cells and promote cancer proliferation, providing a new perspective for cancer therapy. This review synthesizes the canonical and non-canonical functions of AARS1/2, with a particular focus on their lactylation-related mechanisms; details how lactylation

SUBMITTER: Gao L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12467997 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature