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tRF-22-WE8SPOX52 promotes progression of breast cancer by down-regulating MAP2K4

Yuqi Fu1, Huanhuan Hu2, Dandan Wang3

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, 210009, China.

Medical Oncology (Northwood, London, England)
|June 10, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Small tumor RNA fragments (tsRNAs) are implicated in breast cancer progression. Exosomal tsRNA tRF-22-WE8SPOX52 promotes cancer cell growth and invasion by targeting MAP2K4, suggesting its potential as a breast cancer biomarker.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Small tumor RNA fragments (tsRNAs) represent a novel class of non-coding RNAs.
  • The specific roles of tsRNAs in breast cancer (BC) pathogenesis remain largely unelucidated.
  • Investigating tsRNA expression in serum-derived exosomes and tumor tissues is crucial for understanding their involvement in BC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To profile tsRNA expression in serum-derived exosomes from breast cancer patients.
  • To explore the functional roles and underlying mechanisms of differentially expressed tsRNAs in BC.
  • To identify potential tsRNA biomarkers for breast cancer detection.

Main Methods:

  • tsRNA profiling in exosomes, bioinformatics analysis, RT-qPCR, Transwell assays, CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing assays, cell cycle and apoptosis analyses.
  • Dual-luciferase reporter assays and Western blotting were employed to elucidate molecular mechanisms.
  • Validation was performed in paired tumor tissues and patient serum samples.

Main Results:

  • Thirty-four differentially expressed tsRNAs were identified in serum-derived exosomes.
  • Exosomal tRF-22-WE8SPOX52 was validated as significantly up-regulated in BC patients' serum and tumors (AUC=0.859).
  • Overexpression of tRF-22-WE8SPOX52 promoted BC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while inhibiting apoptosis, by suppressing MAP2K4.

Conclusions:

  • tRF-22-WE8SPOX52 promotes breast cancer progression by downregulating MAP2K4.
  • Exosomal tRF-22-WE8SPOX52 demonstrates significant up-regulation in breast cancer.
  • Exosomal tRF-22-WE8SPOX52 holds promise as a potential diagnostic biomarker for breast cancer.
Keywords:
Breast cancerMAP2K4Transfer RNA-derived small RNAstRF-22-WE8SPOX52

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