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TK2
On this page:
- Name
- Normal function
- Genetic changes
- Gene location
- Additional information
- Other names
- About genes
- Glossary definitions
Reviewed September 2013
What is the official name of the TK2 gene?
The official name of this gene is “thymidine kinase 2, mitochondrial.”
TK2 is the gene's official symbol. The TK2 gene is also known by other names, listed below.
Read more about gene names and symbols on the About page.
What is the normal function of the TK2 gene?
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.
How are changes in the TK2 gene related to health conditions?
- TK2-related mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome, myopathic form - caused by mutations in the TK2 gene
- 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.
Where is the TK2 gene located?
Cytogenetic Location: 16q22-q23.1
Molecular Location on chromosome 16: base pairs 66,541,905 to 66,584,314
The TK2 gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 16 between positions 22 and 23.1.
More precisely, the TK2 gene is located from base pair 66,541,905 to base pair 66,584,314 on chromosome 16.
See How do geneticists indicate the location of a gene? in the Handbook.
Where can I find additional information about TK2?
You and your healthcare professional may find the following resources about TK2 helpful.
- Educational resources - Information pages
- Gene
Reviews - Clinical summary -
Genetic Testing Registry - Repository of genetic test information (1 link)
You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for genetics professionals and researchers.
PubMed - Recent literatureOMIM - Genetic disorder catalog-
Research Resources - Tools for researchers (4 links)
What other names do people use for the TK2 gene or gene products?
Where can I find general information about genes?
The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.
- What is DNA?
- What is a gene?
- How do genes direct the production of proteins?
- How can gene mutations affect health and development?
These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful.
What glossary definitions help with understanding TK2?
acids ; cell ; cell division ; depletion ; DNA ; enzyme ; gene ; kinase ; mitochondria ; nucleoside ; protein ; sequencing ; syndrome ; tissue
You may find definitions for these and many other terms in the Genetics Home Reference Glossary.
See also Understanding Medical Terminology.
The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook.
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