Emerging roles of tRNA-derived small RNAs in cancer biology

Experimental & Molecular Medicine, Published online: 10 July 2023; doi:10.1038/s12276-023-01038-5A type of small RNA has been shown to be associated with cancer and neurological disorders, and could be used in treatment. Small noncoding RNAs, just a few tens of nucleotides in length, have been referred to as the “dark matter of the genome”, playing unexpected roles in gene regulation. Hak Kyun Kim at Chung-Ang University in Seoul, South Korea, and co-workers reviewed research into tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), which are produced when transfer RNA molecules are cleaved by enzymes. More than a hundred types of tsRNA modifications have been identified, some of which are involved in generating tumors while others suppress cancer progression. Abnormal tsRNA expression patterns are closely associated with certain diseases, and could be used as biomarkers in clinical trials. Other tsRNAs could be engineered to combat cancer directly as therapeutics.
Source: Experimental and Molecular Medicine - Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Source Type: research