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Updated: Aug 23, 2025

An In Vitro Assay to Detect tRNA-Isopentenyl Transferase Activity
Published on: October 8, 2018
Emerging functions of tRNA modifications in mRNA translation and diseases
1Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
Abstract:
tRNAs are essential modulators that recognize mRNA codons and bridge amino acids for mRNA translation. The tRNAs are heavily modified, which are essential for forming a complex secondary structure that facilitates codon recognition and mRNA translation. In recent years, studies have identified the regulatory roles of tRNA modifications in mRNA translation networks. Misregulation of tRNA modifications is closely related to the progression of developmental diseases and cancers. In this review, we summarize the tRNA biogenesis process and then discuss the effects and mechanisms of tRNA modifications on tRNA processing and mRNA translation. Finally, we provide a comprehensive overview of the physiological and pathological functions of tRNA modifications, focusing on diseases including cancers.
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