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tRNA Function and Dysregulation in Cancer

Tania Gupta1, Mark G Malkin2,3, Suyun Huang3,4,5

  • 1Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States.

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|June 20, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) and their fragments (tiRNAs and tRFs) are crucial in gene expression and cell regulation, impacting cancer development. Understanding tRNA dysregulation offers potential for novel cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Transfer RNA (tRNA) is essential for protein synthesis.
  • tRNAs play critical roles in epigenetic regulation and cell processes like proliferation and stress response.
  • Dysregulation of tRNA function is implicated in tumorigenesis and cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of tRNA, tiRNA, and tRFs in tumor development and progression.
  • To highlight the significance of tRNA modifications and stress-induced cleavage.
  • To explore the potential of tRNA-related pathways as therapeutic targets for various cancers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on tRNA structure, modifications, and cleavage products (tiRNAs, tRFs).
  • Analysis of tRNA involvement in gene expression regulation, including translation repression.
  • Examination of tRNA-related mechanisms in cancer cell proliferation, signaling, and stress response.

Main Results:

  • tRNA modifications are vital for tRNA stability and function.
  • Stress conditions induce tRNA cleavage into tiRNAs and tRFs.
  • tiRNAs can induce stress granule formation, while tRFs regulate gene expression by repressing translation, impacting cell fate.
  • These tRNA-derived small RNAs contribute to tumor development and progression.

Conclusions:

  • tRNA, tiRNA, and tRF functions are intricately linked to cancer progression.
  • Targeting tRNA regulatory pathways may yield effective cancer biomarkers and therapies.
  • Further research into tRNA regulation is crucial for advancing cancer treatment strategies.
Keywords:
TRFcancerproteintRNAtiRNAtumor

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