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Normal Function
The TK2 gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called thymidine kinase 2 that functions within cell structures called mitochondria, which are found in all tissues. Mitochondria are involved in a wide variety of cellular activities, including energy production; chemical signaling; and regulation of cell growth, cell division, and cell death. Mitochondria contain their own genetic material, known as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is essential for the normal function of these structures. Thymidine kinase 2 is involved in the production and maintenance of mtDNA. Specifically, this enzyme plays a role in recycling mtDNA building blocks (nucleotides) so that errors in mtDNA sequencing can be repaired and new mtDNA molecules can be produced.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
TK2-related mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome, myopathic form
More than 30 mutations in the TK2 gene have been found to cause TK2-related mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome, myopathic form (TK2-MDS). TK2-MDS is an inherited condition that causes progressive muscle weakness (myopathy), typically beginning in early childhood. About two-thirds of the mutations that cause this condition change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in thymidine kinase 2. All TK2 gene mutations result in a decrease of enzyme activity, which impairs recycling of mtDNA nucleotides. A shortage of nucleotides available for the repair and production of mtDNA molecules leads to a reduction in the amount of mtDNA (known as mtDNA depletion) and impairs mitochondrial function. Greater mtDNA depletion tends to cause more severe signs and symptoms. The muscle cells of people with TK2-MDS have very low amounts of mtDNA, ranging from 5 to 30 percent of normal. Other tissues can have 60 percent of normal to normal amounts of mtDNA. The cause for the variability in the amount of mtDNA lost among affected individuals, even those with the same mutations, is unknown.
It is unclear why TK2 gene mutations typically affect only muscle tissue, but the high energy demands of muscle cells may make them the most susceptible to cell death when mtDNA is lost and less energy is produced in cells.
More About This Health ConditionProgressive external ophthalmoplegia
MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Progressive external ophthalmoplegia
More About This Health ConditionOther Names for This Gene
- KITM_HUMAN
- mt-TK
- MTDPS2
- MTTK
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Blakely E, He L, Gardner JL, Hudson G, Walter J, Hughes I, Turnbull DM, Taylor RW. Novel mutations in the TK2 gene associated with fatal mitochondrial DNA depletion myopathy. Neuromuscul Disord. 2008 Jul;18(7):557-60. doi: 10.1016/j.nmd.2008.04.014. Epub 2008 May 27. Citation on PubMed
- Eriksson S, Wang L. Molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial DNA depletion diseases caused by deficiencies in enzymes in purine and pyrimidine metabolism. Nucleosides Nucleotides Nucleic Acids. 2008 Jun;27(6):800-8. doi: 10.1080/15257770802146197. Citation on PubMed
- Galbiati S, Bordoni A, Papadimitriou D, Toscano A, Rodolico C, Katsarou E, Sciacco M, Garufi A, Prelle A, Aguennouz M', Bonsignore M, Crimi M, Martinuzzi A, Bresolin N, Papadimitriou A, Comi GP. New mutations in TK2 gene associated with mitochondrial DNA depletion. Pediatr Neurol. 2006 Mar;34(3):177-85. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2005.07.013. Citation on PubMed
- Gotz A, Isohanni P, Pihko H, Paetau A, Herva R, Saarenpaa-Heikkila O, Valanne L, Marjavaara S, Suomalainen A. Thymidine kinase 2 defects can cause multi-tissue mtDNA depletion syndrome. Brain. 2008 Nov;131(Pt 11):2841-50. doi: 10.1093/brain/awn236. Epub 2008 Sep 26. Citation on PubMed
- Munch-Petersen B. Enzymatic regulation of cytosolic thymidine kinase 1 and mitochondrial thymidine kinase 2: a mini review. Nucleosides Nucleotides Nucleic Acids. 2010 Jun;29(4-6):363-9. doi: 10.1080/15257771003729591. Citation on PubMed
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