Extracellular tRNAs and tRNA-derived fragments.

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genomics
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) fragment into small RNAs, known as tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs).
• tRFs regulate cellular homeostasis and stress adaptation.
• Extracellular RNAs (exRNAs) are crucial for intercellular communication and are promising biomarkers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review tRNA-derived fragments in the extracellular space across all domains of life.
• To identify prominent tRFs in various extracellular fractions like vesicles, lipoproteins, and ribonucleoprotein complexes.
• To highlight consensus and controversies in the field to guide future research.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on extracellular tRNA-derived fragments.
• Analysis of tRF presence in biofluids and cell cultures.
• Categorization of tRFs within different extracellular components.

Main Results:

• tRNA-derived fragments are present in diverse extracellular environments, including biofluids and cell cultures.
• Specific tRFs are associated with distinct extracellular fractions.
• The precise functions and origins of extracellular tRFs remain under investigation.

Conclusions:

• Extracellular tRNA-derived fragments represent a significant area of research with potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
• Further studies are needed to elucidate the roles of full-length tRNAs and tRFs in extracellular communication and function.
• Establishing consensus on prominent extracellular tRFs is crucial for advancing the field.