MT-TN mutations lead to progressive mitochondrial encephalopathy and promotes mitophagy

Mitochondrial encephalopathy is a neurological disorder caused by impaired mitochondrial function and energy production. One of the genetic causes of this condition is the mutation of MT-TN, a gene that encodes the mitochondrial transfer RNA (tRNA) for asparagine. MT-TN mutations affect the stability and structure of the tRNA, resulting in reduced protein synthesis and complex enzymatic deficiency of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Our patient cohort manifests with epileptic encephalopathy, ataxia, hypotonia, and bilateral basal ganglia calcification, which differs from previously reported cases. MT-TN mutation deficiency leads to decreased basal and maximal oxygen consumption rates, disrupted spare respiratory capacity, declined mitochondrial membrane potential, and impaired ATP production. Moreover, MT-TN mutations promote mitophagy, a process of selective degradation of damaged mitochondria by autophagy. Excessive mitophagy further leads to mitochondrial biogensis as a compensatory mechanism. In this study, we provided evidence of pathogenicity for two MT-TN mutations, m.5688 T > C and m.G5691A, explored the molecular mechanisms, and summarized the clinical manifestations of MT-TN mutations. Our study expanded the genotype and phenotypic spectrum and provided new insight into mt-tRNA (Asn)-associated mitochondrial encephalopathy.