Skip navigation

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/ears2/

EARS2 gene

glutamyl-tRNA synthetase 2, mitochondrial

Normal Function

The EARS2 gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called mitochondrial glutamyl-tRNA synthetase. This enzyme is important in the production (synthesis) of proteins in cellular structures called mitochondria, the energy-producing centers in cells. While most protein synthesis occurs in the fluid surrounding the cell nucleus (cytoplasm), some proteins are synthesized in the mitochondria.

During protein synthesis, in either the mitochondria or the cytoplasm, a type of RNA called transfer RNA (tRNA) helps assemble protein building blocks called amino acids into a chain that forms the protein. Each tRNA carries a specific amino acid to the growing chain. Enzymes called aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, including mitochondrial glutamyl-tRNA synthetase, attach a particular amino acid to a specific tRNA. Mitochondrial glutamyl-tRNA synthetase attaches the amino acid glutamate to the correct tRNA, which helps ensure that glutamate is added at the proper place in the mitochondrial protein.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Leukoencephalopathy with thalamus and brainstem involvement and high lactate

At least 23 mutations in the EARS2 gene have been found in individuals with leukoencephalopathy with thalamus and brainstem involvement and high lactate (LTBL), a condition characterized by abnormalities in certain brain regions, including the thalamus and the brainstem (the part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord), and a high level of a substance called lactate in the brain and elsewhere in the body. Affected individuals typically have problems with thinking and motor abilities and with controlling muscle function.

The EARS2 gene mutations involved in LTBL likely reduce the amount of mitochondrial glutamyl-tRNA synthetase. A shortage of this protein is thought to prevent the normal assembly of new proteins within mitochondria. Researchers speculate that impaired protein assembly disrupts mitochondrial energy production. However, it is unclear exactly how EARS2 gene mutations lead to the features of LTBL.

More About This Health Condition

Leigh syndrome

MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Leigh syndrome

More About This Health Condition

Other Names for This Gene

  • COXPD12
  • gluRS
  • glutamate tRNA ligase 2, mitochondrial
  • glutamate--tRNA ligase
  • KIAA1970
  • MSE1

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

References

  • Biancheri R, Lamantea E, Severino M, Diodato D, Pedemonte M, Cassandrini D, Ploederl A, Trucco F, Fiorillo C, Minetti C, Santorelli FM, Zeviani M, Bruno C. Expanding the Clinical and Magnetic Resonance Spectrum of Leukoencephalopathy with Thalamus and Brainstem Involvement and High Lactate (LTBL) in a Patient Harboring a Novel EARS2 Mutation. JIMD Rep. 2015;23:85-9. doi: 10.1007/8904_2015_434. Epub 2015 Apr 9. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Danhauser K, Haack TB, Alhaddad B, Melcher M, Seibt A, Strom TM, Meitinger T, Klee D, Mayatepek E, Prokisch H, Distelmaier F. EARS2 mutations cause fatal neonatal lactic acidosis, recurrent hypoglycemia and agenesis of corpus callosum. Metab Brain Dis. 2016 Jun;31(3):717-21. doi: 10.1007/s11011-016-9793-2. Epub 2016 Jan 16. Citation on PubMed
  • Kevelam SH, Klouwer FC, Fock JM, Salomons GS, Bugiani M, van der Knaap MS. Absent Thalami Caused by a Homozygous EARS2 Mutation: Expanding Disease Spectrum of LTBL. Neuropediatrics. 2016 Jan;47(1):64-7. doi: 10.1055/s-0035-1568987. Epub 2015 Nov 30. Citation on PubMed
  • Steenweg ME, Ghezzi D, Haack T, Abbink TE, Martinelli D, van Berkel CG, Bley A, Diogo L, Grillo E, Te Water Naude J, Strom TM, Bertini E, Prokisch H, van der Knaap MS, Zeviani M. Leukoencephalopathy with thalamus and brainstem involvement and high lactate 'LTBL' caused by EARS2 mutations. Brain. 2012 May;135(Pt 5):1387-94. doi: 10.1093/brain/aws070. Epub 2012 Apr 4. Citation on PubMed
  • Taskin BD, Karalok ZS, Gurkas E, Aydin K, Aydogmus U, Ceylaner S, Karaer K, Yilmaz C, Pearl PL. Early-Onset Mild Type Leukoencephalopathy Caused by a Homozygous EARS2 Mutation. J Child Neurol. 2016 Jun;31(7):938-41. doi: 10.1177/0883073816630087. Epub 2016 Feb 18. Citation on PubMed

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.