Valine–tRNA ligase, mitochondrial, also called Valyl-tRNA synthetase 2, mitochondrial, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the VARS2gene. Like the related enzyme VARS1, this enzyme functions as a valine–tRNA ligase.
Function
This gene encodes a mitochondrial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, which catalyzes the attachment of valine to tRNA(Val) for mitochondrial translation. Mutations in this gene cause combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency-20, and are also associated with early-onset mitochondrial encephalopathies. Alternative splicing of this gene results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2014].
Medical significance
Pathogenic (homozygous or compound heterozygous) mutations in VARS2 are associated with dysfunction of oxidative phosphorylation (an important part of cellular energy production), leading to diverse symptoms, and called combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency-20 (COXPD20).
Chae YS, Lee SJ, Moon JH, Kang BW, Kim JG, Sohn SK, Jung JH, Park HY, Park JY, Kim HJ, Lee SW (December 2011). "VARS2 V552V variant as prognostic marker in patients with early breast cancer". Med. Oncol. 28 (4): 1273–80. doi:10.1007/s12032-010-9574-4. PMID20503108. S2CID27261107.
Chae YS, Lee SJ, Moon JH, Kang BW, Kim JG, Sohn SK, Jung JH, Park HY, Park JY, Kim HJ, Lee SW (December 2011). "VARS2 V552V variant as prognostic marker in patients with early breast cancer". Med. Oncol. 28 (4): 1273–80. doi:10.1007/s12032-010-9574-4. PMID20503108. S2CID27261107.