MT-TK

The MT-TK gene provides instructions for making a molecule called a transfer RNA (tRNA), which is a chemical cousin of DNA. Transfer RNAs help assemble protein building blocks (amino acids) into full-length, functioning proteins. The MT-TK gene provides instructions for a specific form of tRNA that is designated as tRNA^Lys. This molecule attaches to a particular amino acid, lysine (Lys), and inserts it into the appropriate locations in proteins that are being assembled.

The tRNA^Lys molecule is present only in cellular compartments called mitochondria. These structures convert energy from food into a form that cells can use. Through a process called oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondria use oxygen, simple sugars, and fatty acids to create adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell's main energy source. The tRNA^Lys molecule is involved in the assembly of proteins that carry out oxidative phosphorylation.

In certain cells in the pancreas, called beta cells, mitochondria also play a role in controlling the amount of sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream. In response to high glucose levels, mitochondria help trigger the release of a hormone called insulin. Insulin regulates blood sugar levels by controlling how much glucose is passed from the blood into cells to be converted into energy.

maternally inherited diabetes and deafness - caused by mutations in the MT-TK gene

A mutation in the MT-TK gene has been found in a small number of people with maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD), which is a condition characterized by diabetes and hearing loss, particularly of high tones. Less commonly, affected individuals have problems with their eyes, muscles, heart, or kidneys. The mutation involved in this condition changes a single DNA building block (nucleotide) in the MT-TK gene; the nucleotide adenine is replaced by the nucleotide guanine at gene position 8296 (written as A8296G). Researchers believe that the A8296G mutation impairs the ability of mitochondria to help trigger insulin release. In affected individuals, diabetes results when the beta cells do not produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar effectively. Researchers have not determined how the A8296G mutation leads to hearing loss or the other features of MIDD.

myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibers - caused by mutations in the MT-TK gene

Several mutations in the MT-TK gene have been identified in people with myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibers (MERRF). Most of these mutations change single nucleotides in the gene. One mutation causes about 80 percent of all MERRF cases. This genetic change replaces the nucleotide adenine with the nucleotide guanine at gene position 8344 (written as A8344G). The A8344G mutation impairs the ability of mitochondria to make proteins, use oxygen, and produce energy. Researchers have not determined how changes in the MT-TK gene lead to the specific signs and symptoms of MERRF. They continue to investigate the effects of mitochondrial gene mutations in various tissues, particularly in the brain.

other disorders - caused by mutations in the MT-TK gene

A small number of people with a mutation in the MT-TK gene have some features of MERRF and some features of another mitochondrial disorder called mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS). These affected individuals are said to have MERRF/MELAS overlap syndrome. The signs and symptoms of this syndrome include recurrent severe headaches, muscle weakness (myopathy), difficulty coordinating movements (ataxia), hearing loss, stroke-like episodes including a loss of consciousness, seizures, and other problems affecting the nervous system. The mutation in the MT-TK gene that causes MERRF/MELAS overlap syndrome changes a single nucleotide in the gene. Specifically, it replaces the nucleotide thymine with the nucleotide cytosine at gene position 8356 (written as T8356C). Researchers have not determined how this genetic change alters energy production in mitochondria or causes the signs and symptoms of MERRF/MELAS overlap syndrome.

The A8344G mutation, which is the most common mutation found in people with MERRF, can also cause a progressive brain disorder called Leigh syndrome. Signs and symptoms of this condition usually begin during infancy or early childhood and include vomiting, seizures, delayed development, myopathy, and problems with movement. Heart disease, kidney problems, and difficulty breathing can also occur in people with this disorder. Researchers have not determined why only some people with the A8344G mutation develop the signs and symptoms of Leigh syndrome.

A condition characterized by weakened heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) and hearing loss is also caused by a mutation in the MT-TK gene. Affected individuals may also have myopathy and ataxia. This mutation replaces the nucleotide guanine with the nucleotide adenine at position 8363 (written as G8363A) within the gene. It is unclear how this alteration in the MT-TK gene results in cardiomyopathy, hearing loss, and other symptoms.

Genetics Home Reference provides information about Leigh syndrome, which is also associated with changes in the MT-TK gene.