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A tRNA fragment, tRF5-Glu, regulates BCAR3 expression and proliferation in ovarian cancer cells

Kun Zhou1, Kevin W Diebel1, Jon Holy1

  • 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA.

Oncotarget
|December 10, 2017
PubMed

Insights

New research identifies tRNA fragments (tRFs) as key players in ovarian cancer. A specific tRF, tRF5-Glu, targets BCAR3 mRNA, inhibiting cancer cell growth and offering potential new therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Ovarian cancer is characterized by tumor heterogeneity, complicating diagnosis and treatment.
  • Noncoding RNAs, including tRNA fragments (tRFs), are increasingly recognized for their regulatory roles in cancer.
  • Novel molecular targets are crucial for advancing ovarian cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of tRNA fragments (tRFs) in ovarian cancer.
  • To identify specific tRFs and their mRNA targets involved in ovarian cancer progression.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting tRFs and their downstream effectors.

Main Methods:

  • Deep sequencing to identify expressed tRFs in ovarian cancer cells.
  • Confirmation of direct binding between tRF5-Glu and BCAR3 mRNA using molecular assays.
  • Assessment of the impact of BCAR3 inhibition and tRF5-Glu mimics on ovarian cancer cell proliferation.

Main Results:

  • A specific tRNA fragment, tRF5-Glu, derived from tRNA-Glu-CTC, is expressed in ovarian cancer cells.
  • tRF5-Glu directly binds to the 3'UTR of Breast Cancer Anti-Estrogen Resistance 3 (BCAR3) mRNA, leading to its downregulation.
  • Inhibition of BCAR3 expression and administration of tRF5-Glu mimics suppressed ovarian cancer cell proliferation.

Conclusions:

  • tRF5-Glu and BCAR3 are implicated in the tumor heterogeneity of ovarian cancer.
  • These molecules represent potential novel therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer intervention.
  • Further research into tRFs may uncover new strategies for managing ovarian cancer.
Keywords:
BCAR3noncoding RNAovarian cancertRF5-GlutRNA fragments

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