Mitochondrially encoded tRNA-Arg (MT-TR)

Mitochondrially encoded tRNA-Arg is a small, non-coding RNA molecule encoded by mitochondrial DNA. It is one of the 22 tRNAs required for mitochondrial translation and specifically decodes arginine codons during the synthesis of mitochondrial-encoded proteins. Like other mitochondrial tRNAs, MT-TR undergoes extensive processing and chemical modification, including 5′ and 3′ end trimming, methylation, and addition of the 3′-CCA tail, to achieve a mature and functional form. Proper processing is vital for correct folding and decoding during mitochondrial protein synthesis. Mutations in MT-TR can cause defective mitochondrial translation, leading to a spectrum of mitochondrial diseases (often neurological, muscular, or multisystem)[1][2]. It is not a conventional pharmacological target, but its genetic status is clinically relevant as a disease biomarker.

Other names

trnRmitochondrial tRNAArgmt-tRNA^ArgtRNA-Arg

Not applicable; no drugs act directly and selectively on MT-TR. Pathogenic mechanisms result from mutations in the tRNA gene affecting its maturation, structure, or decoding ability[2].