This gene encodes a member of a multienzyme complex that functions in mediating the attachment of amino acids to their cognate tRNAs. The encoded protein ligates L-aspartate to tRNA(Asp). Mutations in this gene have been found in patients showing hypomyelination with brainstem and spinal cord involvement and leg spasticity. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Jun 2014].