Orthogonal use of a human tRNA synthetase active site to achieve multifunctionality

tRNA synthetases (RSs) have been implicated in functions beyond tRNA synthesis, and human TrpRS has been implicated in inhibiting angiogenesis. Tryptophan residues implicated in homotypic interactions on VE-cadherin are now shown to bind the active site of a naturally truncated TrpRS, indicating how this enzyme has been repurposed.