About Site Map Contact Us |A service of the U.S. National
Library of Medicine®| On this page: Reviewed January 2010 What
is the official name of the GARS gene? The official name of this
gene is “glycyl-tRNA synthetase.” GARS is the gene's official
symbol. The GARS gene is also known by other names, listed
below. Read more about gene names and symbols on the About page.
What is the normal function of the GARS gene? The GARS gene
provides instructions for making an enzyme called glycyl-tRNA
synthetase. This enzyme is found in all cell types and plays an
important role in the production (synthesis) of proteins. During
protein synthesis, building blocks (amino acids) are connected
together in a specific order, creating a chain of amino acids.
Glycyl-tRNA synthetase plays a role in adding the amino acid
glycine at the proper place in a protein's chain of amino acids.
Does the GARS gene share characteristics with other genes? The
GARS gene belongs to a family of genes called aaRS (aminoacyl
tRNA synthetases). A gen