Very Important Pharmacogene (VIP) summary for MT-RNR1 published in Pharmacogenetics and Genomics

The PharmGKB review of the MT-RNR1 gene has been published in the December issue of Pharmacogenetics and Genomics. MT-RNR1 is a mitochondrial gene that codes for ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Variations within this gene, particularly rs267606617 (1555A>G), are strongly associated with the development of hearing loss following administration of aminoglycoside antibiotics. Indeed, over 40 studies have found that 100% of individuals with the G allele at this variant developed hearing loss after receiving aminoglycosides, a class of antibiotics that includes streptomycin and gentamicin, among others. Several other variations in this gene are also associated with hearing loss following aminoglycoside treatment.

The full Very Important Pharmacogene (VIP) review can also be viewed on the PharmGKB website. In addition to discussing the pharmacogenetics of MT-RNR1, it also provides a brief overview of the mitochondrial genetic system as well as the anatomy of the ear and types of hearing loss.