KARS: Catalyzes the specific attachment of an amino acid to its cognate tRNA in a 2 step reaction: the amino acid (AA) is first activated by ATP to form AA-AMP and then transferred to the acceptor end of the tRNA. When secreted, acts as a signaling molecule that induces immune response through the activation of monocyte/macrophages. Catalyzes the synthesis of diadenosine oligophosphate (Ap4A), a signaling molecule involved in the activation of MITF transcriptional activity. Interacts with HIV-1 virus GAG protein, facilitating the selective packaging of tRNA(3)(Lys), the primer for reverse transcription initiation. Homodimer; also part of a multisubunit complex that groups AIMP1, AIMP2, EEF1A1 and tRNA ligases for Arg, Asp, Glu, Gln, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met and Pro. Interacts with AIMP2 (via N- terminus) and MITF. Interacts directly with HIV-1 virus GAG protein. Up-regulated by DARS and EEF1A1, but not by AIMP2. Belongs to the class-II aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase family. 2 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.
Protein type: EC 6.1.1.6; Mitochondrial; Ligase; Translation
Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 16q23.1
Cellular Component: aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase multienzyme complex; cytoplasm; cytosol; extracellular region; microtubule cytoskeleton; mitochondrial matrix; mitochondrion; nucleus; plasma membrane
Molecular Function: amino acid binding; ATP binding; lysine-tRNA ligase activity; metal ion binding; protein binding; tRNA binding
Biological Process: diadenosine tetraphosphate biosynthetic process; gene expression; lysyl-tRNA aminoacylation; selenium metabolic process; tRNA aminoacylation for protein translation; tRNA processing; viral reproduction
Disease: Charcot-marie-tooth Disease, Recessive Intermediate B; Deafness, Autosomal Recessive 89
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