Transfer RNA-derived small RNAs in liver disease

Transfer RNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA) is a novel class of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) that are generated through precise enzymatic cleavage of mature tRNAs or their precursor molecules. These tsRNAs play a pivotal role in regulating cellular processes such as protein synthesis, translation, and gene expression networks. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the functional characteristics of 24 tsRNAs, highlighting significant changes in their expression profiles across various liver diseases. Notably, 13 tsRNAs are upregulated, while 4 are downregulated in liver diseases compared to healthy controls, providing new insights into their biological roles. A major focus of this review is the latest research on the involvement of tsRNAs in a range of liver diseases, including hepatitis B and C, alcoholic liver disease, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review explored how altered expression of tsRNAs in these conditions contributes to disease progression, along with the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Beyond their molecular roles, this review also examined the potential of tsRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for liver diseases. Due to their unique biological characteristics and functional versatility, tsRNAs hold promise as therapeutic targets in precision medicine. By highlighting their potential for developing more effective, targeted therapies, this review paves the way for future clinical applications of tsRNAs in liver disease treatment.