9804921 Musier-Forsyth This award is for partial support for a Conference on Structure and Function of Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are key enzymes in protein biosynthesis. They act as interpreters of the genetic code by relating amino acids to specific trinucleotides through the aminoacylation of their cognate tRNAs. These enzymes are divided into two entirely distinct families on the basis of the architectural organization of their catalytic cores and thus are exceptional models for the evolution of protein structure/function relationships. The synthetase field is a rapidly progressing research area. Researchers are using diverse, multidisciplinary approaches to understand structure-function relationships from a variety of perspectives, including fundamental enzymology, RNA-protein interactions, and even evolutionary biology. In a short period of time high resolution crystal structures should be available for all 20 synthetases. The proposed conference will offer a well-balanced scientific program, which will emphasize traditional topics such as synthetase structural diversity, mechanisms, editing, tRNA recognition, and tRNAs and synthetases in translation, as well as newer directions in the field such as synthetase evolution, drug design, alternate functions, and artificial aminoacylation systems. Nucleic acids are biological molecules that encode all of the information necessary for living organisms to function and survive. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is chemically very similar to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the storage molecule for the genetic code. In living cells, RNA is almost always found complexed with proteins. Unambiguous interpretation of the genetic code requires specific recognition of each of the more than 60 cellular transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules by a class of proteins known as aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. In comparison to our knowledge of DNA-protein interactions, our understanding of RNA-protein interactions is s till quite limited. Due to the high degree of specificity between tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, these molecules are excellent targets for studying the principles of protein-RNA recognition. The proposed meeting will be organized to allow a high level of participation of younger scientists, including students and postdoctorals. The meeting format will also provide an ideal framework for informal exchanges between younger scientists and more senior leaders in the field, and ensure that young scientists have the most rewarding experience possible.
