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Emerging roles of tsRNAs in programmed cell death and disease therapeutics: challenges, opportunities, and future

Zhe Li1,2, Bo Zhang1, Yanru Pan1

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, 315010, Ningbo, China.

Non-Coding RNA Research
|August 14, 2025
PubMed

Insights

tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) regulate programmed cell death (PCD) pathways, impacting disease progression. These tsRNAs show potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for various diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Programmed cell death (PCD) is crucial in disease pathogenesis.
  • tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are emerging regulators of cellular fate.
  • tsRNAs influence various PCD pathways, including apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of tsRNAs in regulating PCD pathways.
  • To explore the potential of tsRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
  • To highlight the clinical utility of tsRNAs in disease management.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of tsRNA expression profiles in various diseases.
  • Investigation of specific tsRNA functions in modulating apoptosis.
  • Review of emerging tsRNA detection technologies and therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • Diverse tsRNA expression patterns are observed across diseases.
  • Specific tsRNAs demonstrate pro-apoptotic or anti-apoptotic roles.
  • tsRNAs show promise as early disease detection biomarkers.

Conclusions:

  • tsRNAs are key regulators of PCD with significant implications for disease.
  • Targeting tsRNAs offers novel therapeutic strategies for cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Further research into tsRNA biogenesis and function will advance personalized medicine.
Keywords:
Clinical translationDiagnostic biomarkersProgrammed cell death (PCD)Therapeutic targetstsRNAs (tRNA-derived small RNAs)

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