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Identification of tRNA‑derived fragments in colon cancer by comprehensive small RNA sequencing

Wei Xiong1, Xiaoli Wang1, Xinyi Cai2

  • 1Department of Radiation Oncology, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650100, P.R. China.

Oncology Reports
|June 8, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are newly identified in colon cancer, potentially driving its development. This study reveals specific tRFs and their targets involved in cancer pathways, offering new research directions.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genomics
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are emerging as significant small non-coding RNAs implicated in various human diseases.
  • The specific role of tRFs in the development of colon cancer remains largely unexplored.
  • Understanding novel RNA molecules in carcinogenesis is crucial for identifying new therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively identify transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs) associated with colon cancer.
  • To predict the functional roles of these differentially expressed tRFs in colon carcinogenesis.
  • To investigate the interplay between tRFs, microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in colon cancer development.

Main Methods:

  • Small RNA sequencing was employed to identify differentially expressed (DE) tRFs and miRNAs between colon cancer and adjacent peritumor tissues.
  • Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) was used to screen for DE mRNAs.
  • Bioinformatic tools (MiRanda, RNAhybrid) predicted targets of DE tRFs and key miRNAs, followed by Gene Ontology and pathway analyses.

Main Results:

  • The study identified 16 DE tRFs, 26 DE miRNAs, and 5,327 DE mRNAs.
  • Fifty-five DE mRNAs were identified as potential common targets of both DE tRFs and key miRNAs, enriched in vitamin metabolic and cGMP-PKG signaling pathways.
  • DE mRNAs were predominantly enriched in cell proliferation-related processes and pathways.

Conclusions:

  • The findings suggest that transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs) play a significant role in the pathogenesis of colon cancer.
  • This research provides a foundation for further investigation into the specific mechanisms of tRFs in colon carcinogenesis.
  • The identified tRFs and their associated pathways may represent novel biomarkers or therapeutic targets for colon cancer.

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