Mitochondria: Impaired mitochondrial translation in human disease

Highlights

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  We present an overview on mitochondrial protein synthesis.

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  We summarise nuclear factors involved in mitochondrial protein synthesis.

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  Tissue specific presentations highlight molecular mechanisms.

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  Altered modification of mt-tRNAs is a frequent cause of tissue specific presentations.

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  Interaction between cytosolic and mitochondrial translation needs further investigations.

Abstract

Defects of the mitochondrial protein synthesis cause a subgroup of mitochondrial diseases, which are usually associated with decreased activities of multiple respiratory chain (RC) enzymes. The clinical presentations of these disorders are often disabling, progressive or fatal, affecting the brain, liver, skeletal muscle, heart and other organs. Currently there are no effective cures for these disorders and treatment is at best symptomatic. The diagnosis in patients with multiple respiratory chain complex defects is particularly difficult because of the massive number of nuclear genes potentially involved in intra-mitochondrial protein synthesis. Many of these genes are not yet linked to human disease. Whole exome sequencing rapidly changed the diagnosis of these patients by identifying the primary defect in DNA, and preventing the need for invasive and complex biochemical testing. Better understanding of the mitochondrial protein synthesis apparatus will help us to explore disease mechanisms and will provide clues for developing novel therapies.