TNNT1, TNNT2, and TNNT3: Isoform genes, regulation, and structure–function relationships

• Troponin T (TnT) is a regulator of striated muscle contraction.
• 3 Homologous genes have evolved in vertebrates encoding muscle type TnT isoforms.
• Alternative splicing and posttranslational modifications add variations of TnT.
• TnT gene expression is regulated during development and adaptations.
• This review summarizes the current knowledge and perspectives of TnT research.

Troponin T (TnT) is a central player in the calcium regulation of actin thin filament function and is essential for the contraction of striated muscles. Three homologous genes have evolved in vertebrates to encode three muscle type-specific TnT isoforms: TNNT1 for slow skeletal muscle TnT, TNNT2 for cardiac muscle TnT, and TNNT3 for fast skeletal muscle TnT. Alternative splicing and posttranslational modifications confer additional structural and functional variations of TnT during development and muscle adaptation to various physiological and pathological conditions. This review focuses on the TnT isoform genes and their molecular evolution, alternative splicing, developmental regulation, structure–function relationships of TnT proteins, posttranslational modifications, and myopathic mutations and abnormal splicing. The goal is to provide a concise summary of the current knowledge and some perspectives for future research and translational applications.

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