The FANG group is focused on   aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. The enzymes catalyze the attachments of amino   acids to their cognate tRNAs. This is the first reaction of protein   synthesis, and it establishes the algorithm of the genetic code. The research   group investigates synthetases in their role as catalysts of aminoacylation   and how it can be intervened to treat human diseases. Synthetases in   mammalian cells are also known to have expanded functions, including   activities in signal transduction pathways, such as those for angiogenesis   and inflammation. These activities also provide opportunities for anticipated   therapeutic applications.

For all of these works, a   cross-disciplinary approach is used. Methods and logic of biochemistry and   molecular and cell biology are merged with genetics, x-ray crystallography,   evolutionary analysis, and high throughput drug screening.

Li Zheng, Ph.D.

Research Associate

lizheng2016y@sioc.ac.cn

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（1） Crystal structures reveal a novel dimer of the RWD domain of human general control nonderepressible 2, Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2021, 通讯作者
（2） Structural analyses of a human lysyl-tRNA synthetase mutant associated with autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing impairment, Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2021, 通讯作者
（3） Inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum Lysyl-tRNA synthetase via an Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Inhibitor, Nucleic Acids Research, 2020, 通讯作者
（4） Hearing impairment-associated KARS mutations lead to defects in aminoacylation of both cytoplasmic and mitochondrial tRNA(Lys), Science China. Life sciences, 2020, 第 6 作者
（5） Atomic resolution analyses of isocoumarin derivatives for inhibition of lysyl-tRNA synthetase., ACS chemical biology, 2020, 通讯作者
（6） Retractile lysyl-tRNA synthetase-AIMP2 assembly in the human multi-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complex., The Journal of biological chemistry, 2019, 通讯作者
（7） Newly acquired N-terminal extension targets threonyl-tRNA synthetase-like protein into the multiple tRNA synthetase complex., Nucleic acids research, 2019, 第 5 作者
（8） Second Messenger Ap4A Polymerizes Target Protein HINT1 to Transduce Signals in FcεRI-activated Mast Cells., Nature communications, 2019, 其他（合作组作者）
（9） High-Throughput Screening for Protein Synthesis Inhibitors Targeting Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases., SLAS discovery : advancing life sciences R & D, 2018, 第 1 作者
（10） Structural characterization of human aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases for translational and nontranslational functions, Methods, 2017, 第 1 作者
（11） Mapping the contact surfaces in the Lamin A:AIMP3 complex by hydrogen/deuterium exchange FT-ICR mass spectrometry., PloS one, 2017, 第 2 作者
（12） Development of an HTS-Compatible Assay for Discovery of Melanoma-Related Microphthalmia Transcription Factor Disruptors Using AlphaScreen Technology., SLAS discovery : advancing life sciences R & D, 2017, 第 2 作者
（13） Structural Basis for Specific Inhibition of tRNA Synthetase by an ATP Competitive Inhibitor., Chemistry and Biology, 2015, 通讯作者
（14） Evolutionary Limitation and Opportunities for Developing tRNA Synthetase Inhibitors with 5-Binding-Mode Classification., Life, 2015, 第 1 作者
（15） Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase dependent angiogenesis revealed by a bioengineered macrolide inhibitor., Scientific Reports, 2015, 第 2 作者
（16） The Nature’s Clever Trick for Making Cyclic Dinucleotide., Structure, 2015, 第 1 作者
（17） Structural Basis for Full-Spectrum Inhibition of Translational on a tRNA Synthetase., Nature Communications, 2015, 第 1 作者
（18） Protein Arginine Deiminase 2 Binds Calcium in an Ordered Fashion: Implications for Inhibitor Design., ACS Chemical Biology, 2015, 第 2 作者