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Transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs): Versatile regulators in cancer

Dandan Xu1, Deqian Qiao1, Yunlong Lei1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.

Cancer Letters
|August 14, 2022
PubMed

Insights

tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are newly identified regulators in biology and disease. This review comprehensively covers tsRNA roles in cancer, including their dysregulation, mechanisms, and future research directions.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are emerging as key regulatory molecules.
  • These small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) are generated from transfer RNAs (tRNAs).
  • Emerging evidence highlights tsRNAs' involvement in fundamental biological processes and human diseases, particularly cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive review of tsRNAs in the context of cancer.
  • To discuss the dysregulation, functional implications, and molecular mechanisms of tsRNAs in cancer development.
  • To explore the technical challenges and future prospects in tsRNA research.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on tsRNAs and cancer.
  • Analysis of recent studies focusing on tsRNA dysregulation in various cancers.
  • Discussion of molecular mechanisms underlying tsRNA functions in oncogenesis.

Main Results:

  • tsRNAs play critical roles in various biological processes and are implicated in cancer development.
  • Dysregulation of tsRNAs is a common feature in human cancers.
  • Complex molecular mechanisms govern the functional impact of tsRNAs in cancer.

Conclusions:

  • tsRNAs are significant players in cancer biology, influencing its development and progression.
  • Understanding tsRNA dysregulation and mechanisms offers potential for novel cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
  • Further research is needed to overcome technical challenges and fully elucidate the potential of tsRNAs in oncology.
Keywords:
Non-coding RNAsncRNAtRNAtsRNA

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