scholarly journals Mitochondrial Protein Synthesis and mtDNA Levels Coordinated through an Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase Subunit

Cell Reports ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-47.e5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daria Picchioni ◽  
Albert Antolin-Fontes ◽  
Noelia Camacho ◽  
Claus Schmitz ◽  
Alba Pons-Pons ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Mitochondrial Protein ◽  
Trna Synthetase ◽  
Mitochondrial Protein Synthesis ◽  
Aminoacyl Trna Synthetase

scholarly journals Exploring the Ability of LARS2 Carboxy-Terminal Domain in Rescuing the MELAS Phenotype

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 674
Author(s):  
Francesco Capriglia ◽  
Francesca Rizzo ◽  
Giuseppe Petrosillo ◽  
Veronica Morea ◽  
Giulia d’Amati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Mitochondrial Protein ◽  
Trna Synthetase ◽  
Mitochondrial Protein Synthesis ◽  
Mitochondrial Translation ◽  
Terminal Domain ◽  
Carboxy Terminal Domain ◽  
Mitochondrial Functions ◽  
Carboxy Terminal

The m.3243A>G mutation within the mitochondrial mt-tRNALeu(UUR) gene is the most prevalent variant linked to mitochondrial encephalopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome. This pathogenic mutation causes severe impairment of mitochondrial protein synthesis due to alterations of the mutated tRNA, such as reduced aminoacylation and a lack of post-transcriptional modification. In transmitochondrial cybrids, overexpression of human mitochondrial leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LARS2) has proven effective in rescuing the phenotype associated with m.3243A>G substitution. The rescuing activity resides in the carboxy-terminal domain (Cterm) of the enzyme; however, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this process have not been fully elucidated. To deepen our knowledge on the rescuing mechanisms, we demonstrated the interactions of the Cterm with mutated mt-tRNALeu(UUR) and its precursor in MELAS cybrids. Further, the effect of Cterm expression on mitochondrial functions was evaluated. We found that Cterm ameliorates de novo mitochondrial protein synthesis, whilst it has no effect on mt-tRNALeu(UUR) steady-state levels and aminoacylation. Despite the complete recovery of cell viability and the increase in mitochondrial translation, Cterm-overexpressing cybrids were not able to recover bioenergetic competence. These data suggest that, in our MELAS cell model, the beneficial effect of Cterm may be mediated by factors that are independent of the mitochondrial bioenergetics.

Expanding the Phenotype: Neurodevelopmental Disorder, Mitochondrial, With Abnormal Movements and Lactic Acidosis, With or Without Seizures (NEMMLAS) due to WARS2 Biallelic Variants, Encoding Mitochondrial Tryptophanyl-tRNA Synthase

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (12) ◽  
pp. 778-781 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manveen Virdee ◽  
Eroshini Swarnalingam ◽  
Mariya Kozenko ◽  
Mark Tarnopolsky ◽  
Kevin Jones
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Genetic Testing ◽  
Lactic Acidosis ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Mitochondrial Protein ◽  
Trna Synthetase ◽  
Periventricular White Matter ◽  
Mitochondrial Protein Synthesis ◽  
Abnormal Movements ◽  
Biallelic Mutations

Background: WARS2 encodes a tryptophanyl tRNA synthetase, which is involved in mitochondrial protein synthesis. Biallelic mutations in WARS2 are rare and have been associated with a spectrum of clinical presentations, including neurodevelopmental disorder with abnormal movements, lactic acidosis with or without seizures (NEMMLAS). Case Presentation: Here we present the case of an 8-year-old girl with ataxia and parkinsonism with periventricular white matter abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and global developmental delay. The initial investigations revealed an elevated lactate level. Extensive metabolic testing, including a muscle biopsy, was inconclusive. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurotransmitter levels were low; however, a trial of levodopa was unremarkable. The chromosomal microarray and initial ataxia gene panel was normal. Zinc supplementation for a heterozygous variant of unknown significance in the CP gene on the ataxia exome panel was not effective in treating her symptoms. Reanalysis of the ataxia exome panel highlighted biallelic mutations in WARS2, which lead to the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorder, mitochondrial, with abnormal movements and lactic acidosis, with or without seizures (NEMMLAS). This lead to parental genetic testing, redirected therapy, and helped to expand the symptomology of this rare condition. Conclusion: Here we emphasize the importance of imminent and repeat expanded genetic testing to ensure early diagnosis and treatment for rare pediatric disorders. The patient is being trialed on a mitochondrial cocktail in an attempt to compensate for defects in mitochondrial protein synthesis associated with this variant. Longitudinal monitoring of disease manifestation will help establish the currently unknown natural history of this condition.

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