Leucyl tRNA synthetase (LARS) is a 97 kDa, class IA aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (ARS) that catalyzes the ligation of leucine with tRNAleu in an ATP dependent mechanism. LARS is a cytoplasmic enzyme that is found as part of the multisynthetase complex in eukaryotes[1]. Multisynthetase complexes have also been seen in some archaea such as Thermococcus kodakarensis although the composition of the complex is not the same as eukaryotes[2].
LARS has been shown to be involved with the mTOR pathways as a sensor of leucine levels within the cell[3].
Mutations in LARS2, the mitochondrial version of the enzyme, have been linked to Perrault syndrome characterized by premature ovarian failure in females and progressive hearing loss in both sexes[4]
Structure
Catalytic Domain
The catalytic domain is responsible for the two step process of charging leucine on to tRNAleu. First, ATP and leucine are bound and AMP is transfered to the backbone carboxylic acid of leucine with the release of a pyrophosphate. Second, tRNAleu is bound with the leucyl adenylate and leucine is transfered to either the 2' or 3' OH of the 3' terminal adenine with the release of AMP.
[5]
[6]
Editing Domain
The editing domain of LARS is responsible for editing mischarged tRNA and ensuring translational fidelity.
[7]
[8]
Anticodon Binding Domain
The anticodon binding domain is essential for the fidelity of ARSs. However, there are numerous anticodons that correspond to leucine including AAU, GUA, and GUG
Disease