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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/trnt1/

TRNT1 gene

tRNA nucleotidyl transferase 1

Normal Function

The TRNT1 gene provides instructions for making a protein involved in the production (synthesis) of other proteins. During protein synthesis, a molecule called transfer RNA (tRNA) helps assemble protein building blocks (amino acids) into a chain that forms the protein. Each tRNA carries a specific amino acid to the growing chain. The TRNT1 protein modifies tRNAs by adding a series of three DNA building blocks (nucleotides), called a CCA trinucleotide, to the molecule. This modification is essential for the correct amino acid to be attached to each tRNA.

While most protein synthesis occurs in the fluid surrounding the nucleus (cytoplasm), some proteins are synthesized in cell structures called mitochondria, which are the energy-producing centers in cells. Many mitochondrial proteins form groups (complexes) that carry out the reactions that produce energy. Separate tRNA molecules are used to build proteins in the cytoplasm and mitochondria. The TRNT1 protein attaches the CCA trinucleotide to both cytoplasmic and mitochondrial tRNA molecules.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

TRNT1 deficiency

More than 20 TRNT1 gene mutations have been found to cause TRNT1 deficiency, a condition with a range of signs and symptoms that affect many body systems. Features can include a blood disorder called sideroblastic anemia, recurrent fevers, a shortage of immune cells called B cells that leads to impairment of the immune system (immunodeficiency), delayed development of speech and motor skills, and eye abnormalities that cause vision problems. The severity of the condition varies among affected individuals.

The TRNT1 gene mutations that cause TRNT1 deficiency lead to a shortage (deficiency) of functional TRNT1 protein. As a result, the addition of the CCA trinucleotide to tRNA molecules is impaired. Researchers suspect that without the modification, tRNAs are less able to participate in protein synthesis. Studies show that deficiency of TRNT1 prevents the formation of certain mitochondrial protein complexes that are involved in energy production. It is unclear if cytoplasmic protein synthesis is also affected. The reduction of energy could damage cells in many body systems, leading to the varied signs and symptoms of TRNT1 deficiency. Researchers believe that mutations that cause a greater impairment of TRNT1 function lead to more severe signs and symptoms.

More About This Health Condition

Other Names for This Gene

  • ATP(CTP):tRNA nucleotidyltransferase
  • CCA tRNA nucleotidyltransferase 1, mitochondrial isoform 1
  • CCA tRNA nucleotidyltransferase 1, mitochondrial isoform 2
  • CCA-adding enzyme
  • CCA1
  • CGI-47
  • mitochondrial CCA-adding tRNA-nucleotidyltransferase
  • mt CCA-adding enzyme
  • mt tRNA adenylyltransferase
  • mt tRNA CCA-diphosphorylase
  • mt tRNA CCA-pyrophosphorylase
  • MtCCA
  • RPEM
  • SIFD
  • tRNA CCA nucleotidyl transferase 1
  • tRNA nucleotidyl transferase, CCA-adding, 1
  • tRNA-nucleotidyltransferase 1, mitochondrial

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

References

  • Chakraborty PK, Schmitz-Abe K, Kennedy EK, Mamady H, Naas T, Durie D, Campagna DR, Lau A, Sendamarai AK, Wiseman DH, May A, Jolles S, Connor P, Powell C, Heeney MM, Giardina PJ, Klaassen RJ, Kannengiesser C, Thuret I, Thompson AA, Marques L, Hughes S, Bonney DK, Bottomley SS, Wynn RF, Laxer RM, Minniti CP, Moppett J, Bordon V, Geraghty M, Joyce PB, Markianos K, Rudner AD, Holcik M, Fleming MD. Mutations in TRNT1 cause congenital sideroblastic anemia with immunodeficiency, fevers, and developmental delay (SIFD). Blood. 2014 Oct 30;124(18):2867-71. doi: 10.1182/blood-2014-08-591370. Epub 2014 Sep 5. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • DeLuca AP, Whitmore SS, Barnes J, Sharma TP, Westfall TA, Scott CA, Weed MC, Wiley JS, Wiley LA, Johnston RM, Schnieders MJ, Lentz SR, Tucker BA, Mullins RF, Scheetz TE, Stone EM, Slusarski DC. Hypomorphic mutations in TRNT1 cause retinitis pigmentosa with erythrocytic microcytosis. Hum Mol Genet. 2016 Jan 1;25(1):44-56. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddv446. Epub 2015 Oct 22. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Frans G, Moens L, Schaballie H, Wuyts G, Liston A, Poesen K, Janssens A, Rice GI, Crow YJ, Meyts I, Bossuyt X. Homozygous N-terminal missense mutation in TRNT1 leads to progressive B-cell immunodeficiency in adulthood. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2017 Jan;139(1):360-363.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.06.050. Epub 2016 Aug 13. No abstract available. Citation on PubMed
  • Liwak-Muir U, Mamady H, Naas T, Wylie Q, McBride S, Lines M, Michaud J, Baird SD, Chakraborty PK, Holcik M. Impaired activity of CCA-adding enzyme TRNT1 impacts OXPHOS complexes and cellular respiration in SIFD patient-derived fibroblasts. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2016 Jun 18;11(1):79. doi: 10.1186/s13023-016-0466-3. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Wedatilake Y, Niazi R, Fassone E, Powell CA, Pearce S, Plagnol V, Saldanha JW, Kleta R, Chong WK, Footitt E, Mills PB, Taanman JW, Minczuk M, Clayton PT, Rahman S. TRNT1 deficiency: clinical, biochemical and molecular genetic features. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2016 Jul 2;11(1):90. doi: 10.1186/s13023-016-0477-0. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.