Fluorescence-Based Analysis of Noncanonical Functions of Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase-Interacting Multifunctional Proteins (AIMPs) in Peripheral Nerves

Discovery of benzodioxane analogues as lead candidates of AIMP2-DX2 inhibitors

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (ARS) interacting multifunctional protein2 (AIMP2) plays a vital role in protein synthesis. However, a splicing variant in which the second of the four exons of AIMP2 is deleted, inhibits the tumor suppression activity of AIMP2. Herein, we describe our discovery of series of potent AIMP2-DX2 inhibitors that are targeting lung cancer. Optimization of series using ligand-based drug design strategy led to discovery of compound 35, a potent AIMP2-DX2 inhibitor that is the most efficacious in H460 and A549 cells. This benzodioxane series may represent good starting points for further lead optimization of the identification potential drug candidates for the AIMP2-DX2 targeted treatment of lung cancer.

Case Report: Mutation in AIMP2/P38, the Scaffold for the Multi-Trna Synthetase Complex, and Association With Progressive Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background: Leukodystrophies constitute a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders primarily affecting the white matter of the central nervous system. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) catalyze the attachment of an amino acids to their cognate transfer RNAs (tRNAs). Pathogenic variants in both cytosolic and mitochondrial ARSs have been linked to a broad range of neurological disorders, including hypomyelinating leukodystrophies and pontocerebellar hypoplasias (PCH). Aminoacyl tRNA synthetase-interacting multifunctional protein 2 (AIMP2), one of the three non-catalytic components of multi ARS complex, harbors anti-proliferative activity and functions as a proapoptotic factor thus promoting cell death. We report a case of a 7-month-old infant with a complex clinical presentation, including weight loss, severe anemia, skeletal abnormalities, microcephaly and MR imaging features of leukodystrophy with a novel mutation in AIMP2.

Methods: Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on the proband. Parental samples were analyzed by PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing.

Results: Whole-exome sequencing revealed a novel variant c.A463T in the homozygous state in exon 3 (NM_001,326,607) of AIMP2 [p.(K155X)] in the proband. Parental carrier status was confirmed by target sequencing.

Conclusion: Here, we present an Iranian case with leukodystrophy with a novel AIMP2 mutation. This finding broadens the mutational and phenotypic spectra of AIMP2-related leukodystrophy and offers guidance for proper genetic counselling for pre- and post-natal screenings as well as for disease management.

2-Aminophenylpyrimidines as Novel Inhibitors of Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase Interacting Multifunctional Protein 2 (AIMP2)-DX2 for Lung Cancer Treatment

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase interacting multifunctional proteins (AIMPs) have recently been considered novel therapeutic targets in several cancers. In this publication we report the development of novel 2-aminophenylpyrimidines as new AIMP2-DX2 inhibitors. In particular, aminophenylpyrimidine 3 not only exhibited promising in vitro and in vivo potency but also exerted selective inhibition of H460 and A549 cells and AIMP2-DX2 rather than WI-26 cells and AIMP2. Aminophenylpyrimidine 3 offers possible therapeutic potential in the treatment of lung cancer.