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Transfer RNA expression, modification, and derived small RNAs in cancer biology and clinical potential

Ming Luo1, Ji'an Liu2, Yang Su2

  • 1Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou Normal University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China.

Frontiers in Immunology
|July 23, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Transfer RNA (tRNA) and its modifications are crucial in cancer. Dysregulation impacts tumor growth and therapy resistance, offering new diagnostic and therapeutic targets for precision medicine.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Transfer RNA (tRNA) is vital for protein synthesis, with chemical modifications regulating its function.
  • Aberrant tRNA expression, modifications, tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are implicated in cancer development.
  • These factors influence key oncogenic processes including proliferation, metastasis, stress response, and therapy resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the biological characteristics of tRNA and its modifications.
  • To elucidate the mechanistic roles of tRNA pathways in diverse cancer types.
  • To explore the emerging functions of tsRNAs and tRNA-modifying enzymes in cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of tRNA biology in cancer.
  • Analysis of mechanistic roles of tRNA, tsRNAs, and tRNA-modifying enzymes.
  • Assessment of diagnostic and therapeutic potential of targeting tRNA pathways.

Main Results:

  • tRNA modifications and dysregulation are critical in cancer progression.
  • tsRNAs and tRNA-modifying enzymes play significant roles in tumor development.
  • Targeting tRNA pathways shows promise for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding tRNA biology offers insights into cancer mechanisms.
  • tRNA-related pathways represent a promising avenue for precision oncology.
  • Exploiting tRNA mechanisms can enhance cancer diagnosis and improve treatment outcomes.
Keywords:
aminoacyl-tRNA synthetasetRNA modificationstRNA-derived fragmentstherapeutic targetstransfer RNAtumor biomarkers

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