Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases can promote or suppress cancer progression by regulating codon-dependent translation. A study now shows that valine aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (VARS) promotes therapeutic resistance of melanoma to MAPK pathway inhibitors by enhancing translation of valine-enriched genes, including the fatty acid oxidation gene HADH.
- Qiushuang Wu
- Sohail F. Tavazoie