Mitochondrially encoded tRNA phenylalanine also known as MT-TF is a transfer RNA which in humans is encoded by the mitochondrialMT-TFgene.[1]
Structure
The MT-TF gene is located on the p arm of the mitochondrial DNA at position 12 and it spans 71 base pairs.[2] The structure of a tRNA molecule is a distinctive folded structure which contains three hairpin loops and resembles a three-leafed clover.[3]
Mutations in MT-TF can result in mitochondrial deficiencies and associated disorders, including Myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibers (MERRF), Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), Juvenile myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke.[4]
Myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibers (MERRF)
Mutations in the MT-TF gene have been associated with myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibers (MERRF). Myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibers (MERRF) is a disorder that affects many parts of the body, particularly the muscles and nervous system. In most cases, the signs and symptoms of this disorder appear during childhood or adolescence. The features of MERRF vary widely among affected individuals, even among members of the same family. Common symptoms include:[4]
A 611G-A transition in MT-TF was found in a patient with MERRF.[5]
Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS)
Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) is a condition that affects many of the body's systems, particularly the brain and nervous system (encephalo-) and muscles (myopathy). The signs and symptoms of this disorder most often appear in childhood following a period of normal development, although they can begin at any age. Early symptoms may include muscle weakness and pain, recurrent headaches, loss of appetite, vomiting, and seizures. Most affected individuals experience stroke-like episodes beginning before age 40. These episodes often involve temporary muscle weakness on one side of the body (hemiparesis), altered consciousness, vision abnormalities, seizures, and severe headaches resembling migraines. Repeated stroke-like episodes can progressively damage the brain, leading to vision loss, problems with movement, and a loss of intellectual function (dementia).[6]
A patient with a mutation in the 583G-A position of the MT-TF gene exhibited symptoms of acute episodes of headaches, photophobia, vomiting, and a fully recovered left arm focal motor fitting.[7]