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Transfer RNA‑derived small RNAs: A class of potential biomarkers in multiple cancers (Review)

Chunyan Mao1,2, Wentao Yuan1,2, Ronghua Fang1,2

  • 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China.

Oncology Letters
|May 13, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Transfer (t)RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are novel molecules involved in cell regulation and disease, especially cancer. Research is ongoing to understand their roles as potential tumor biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Transfer (t)RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are emerging non-coding RNA molecules generated from tRNA precursors.
  • tsRNAs play critical roles in fundamental cellular processes including proliferation, apoptosis, and gene regulation.
  • Dysregulation of tsRNAs is implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, notably cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the known biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of tsRNAs.
  • To discuss the involvement of tsRNAs in cancer progression across different tumor types.
  • To explore the potential of tsRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in oncology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on tsRNA biogenesis, function, and cancer association.
  • Analysis of current research on tsRNA expression patterns in various malignancies.
  • Synthesis of data regarding the dual role of tsRNAs as oncogenic or oncostatic factors.

Main Results:

  • tsRNAs are involved in diverse cellular functions and are implicated in cancer development.
  • tsRNA expression profiles vary across different cancer types, suggesting tissue-specific roles.
  • tsRNAs can act as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors, depending on context and mechanism.
  • tsRNAs show promise as potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Conclusions:

  • tsRNAs represent a significant area of research in molecular biology and oncology.
  • Further investigation into tsRNA functions and mechanisms is crucial for clinical applications.
  • tsRNAs hold potential as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
Keywords:
biological functionbiomarkercancernon-coding RNAtransfer RNA-derived small RNAs

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