Mitochondrial tRNAThr 15909A>G mutation associated with hypertension in a Chinese Han pedigree.

Mitochondrial DNA mutations are one of the molecular genetic bases of hypertension. Here, we performed clinical, genetic and mutational evaluation, molecular characterization as well as biochemical analysis of a Chinese Han family with maternally inherited hypertension. The m.15909A > G variant in tRNAThr was identified. This mutation abolished a highly conserved base pairing (11U-24A) in the D-stem of tRNAThr and affected the structure and function of mitochondrial tRNAThr. As a result, the overall levels of mitochondrial translation products was decreased. The reduced mitochondrial protein synthesis resulted in the decrease in the activity of complex, and in turn, the production of ATP decreased and the generation of ROS increased. The m.15909A > G mutation maybe an inherited factor leading to the development of hypertension in this Chinese Han pedigree.