Thet Fatica

Mrs. Thet Fatica

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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5 May 2023 in Genes
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
TFThet Fatica
Thet Fatica
TNTuraya Naas
Turaya Naas
ULUrszula Liwak
Urszula Liwak
HSHannah Slaa
Hannah Slaa
MSMaryam Souaid
Maryam Souaid
MHMartin Holcik
Martin Holcik
Mitochondrial diseases are a group of heterogeneous disorders caused by dysfunctional mitochondria. Interestingly, a large proportion of mitochondrial diseases are caused by defects in genes associated with tRNA metabolism. We recently discovered that partial loss-of-function mutations in tRNA Nucleotidyl Transferase 1 (TRNT1), the nuclear gene encoding the CCA-adding enzyme essential for modifying both nuclear and mitochondrial tRNAs, causes a multisystemic and clinically heterogenous disease termed SIFD (sideroblastic anemia with B-cell immunodeficiency, periodic fevers, and developmental delay; SIFD). However, it is not clear how mutations in a general and essential protein like TRNT1 cause disease with such clinically broad but unique symptomatology and tissue involvement. Using biochemical, cell, and mass spectrometry approaches, we demonstrate that TRNT1 deficiency is associated with sensitivity to oxidative stress, which is due to exacerbated, angiogenin-dependent cleavage of tRNAs. Furthermore, reduced levels of TRNT1 lead to phosphorylation of Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 2 Subunit Alpha (eIF2α), increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and changes in the abundance of distinct proteins. Our data suggest that the observed variable SIFD phenotypes are likely due to dysregulation of tRNA maturation and abundance, which in turn negatively affects the translation of distinct proteins.