Mitochondrially encoded tRNA-Proline (MT-TP)

Mitochondrially encoded tRNA-Proline (MT-TP, also known as trnP or tRNA^Pro) is a small non-coding RNA encoded by the mitochondrial genome that functions as a transfer RNA for proline during mitochondrial protein synthesis[4][5]. Like all mitochondrial tRNAs, MT-TP is critical for the translation of mRNAs that encode subunits of the oxidative phosphorylation complexes in human mitochondria, which are essential for cellular energy production. The mitochondrial tRNAs exhibit unique structural characteristics compared to nuclear-encoded tRNAs, and their proper maturation—including processing, modification (such as methylation), and 3′-CCA tail addition—is vital for their function[1][3]. Mutations in MT-TP can disrupt mitochondrial translation and have been implicated in some mitochondrial disorders[4]. MT-TP is not considered a conventional druggable target, receptor, enzyme, or transporter; rather, it serves a fundamental role as an adapter molecule in protein biosynthesis within mitochondria.

Other names

trnPtRNA^ProMitochondrial tRNA-ProMTT-P