MT-TD

MT-TD is a gene in humans that encodes the mitochondrial tRNA for the amino acid aspartic acid. This gene is located within the mitochondrial DNA, which is inherited solely from the mother. Mutations in this gene have been associated with various mitochondrial diseases, including Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy and mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS).

Structure[edit | edit source]

The MT-TD gene is located in the mitochondrial genome at position 750. It spans approximately 69 base pairs. The structure of the MT-TD gene is unique in that it lacks introns, a characteristic feature of mitochondrial genes. The gene's product, the tRNA for aspartic acid, is a small RNA molecule that is crucial for the translation of mitochondrial genes into proteins.

Function[edit | edit source]

The MT-TD gene encodes a transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule that is responsible for carrying the amino acid aspartic acid to the ribosome during protein synthesis. This is a critical step in the process of translation, which is the synthesis of proteins from mRNA molecules. The tRNA molecule encoded by the MT-TD gene is specifically used in the mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles of the cell, to translate mitochondrial genes.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Mutations in the MT-TD gene have been associated with several mitochondrial diseases. These include Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), a condition that causes sudden vision loss, and mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), a condition that affects many of the body's systems, particularly the brain and nervous system (encephalo-) and muscles (myopathy).