Mitochondrially encoded tRNA-Cys (MT-TC)

Mitochondrially encoded tRNA-Cys (MT-TC), also known as "trnC" or "tRNA-Cys," is a small non-coding RNA encoded by the mitochondrial genome[1]. It is one of 22 human mitochondrial tRNAs and is essential for the incorporation of cysteine during mitochondrial translation. MT-TC, like other mitochondrial tRNAs, is transcribed as part of polycistronic precursors and must undergo precise end-processing, enzymatic modification, and maturation to function properly in mitochondrial protein synthesis[2][3]. The maturation pathway involves multiple mitochondrial enzymes (e.g., mt-RNase P, methyltransferases, and CCA-adding enzymes), with some steps adapted to accommodate the unique structural fragility of mitochondrial tRNAs[2]. MT-TC functions exclusively in mitochondria and is not a current drug target nor a member of a recognized therapeutic target family such as enzymes or receptors[1]. Defects in mitochondrial tRNAs—including tRNA-Cys—are implicated in several mitochondrial diseases by disrupting mitochondrial protein synthesis and oxidative phosphorylation, but MT-TC itself is not a common direct focus in diagnostics or therapy[1][3].

Other names

trnCtRNA-CysMT-TCMitochondrially encoded tRNA-Cys

Not applicable; there are currently no drugs targeting MT-TC directly, and tRNAs act via RNA-based codon-anticodon pairing and aminoacylation during translation