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Lu J, Zhu P, Zhang X, Zeng L, Xu B, Zhou P. tRNA-derived fragments: Unveiling new roles and molecular mechanisms in cancer progression. Int J Cancer 2024; 155:1347-1360. [PMID: 38867475 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.35041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are novel small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) that range from approximately 14 to 50 nt. They are generated by the cleavage of mature tRNAs or precursor tRNAs (pre-tRNAs) at specific sites. Based on their origin and length, tRFs can be classified into three categories: (1) tRF-1 s; (2) tRF-3 s, tRF-5 s, and internal tRFs (i-tRFs); and (3) tRNA halves. They play important roles in stress response, signal transduction, and gene expression processes. Recent studies have identified differential expression of tRFs in various tumors. Aberrantly expressed tRFs have critical clinical value and show promise as new biomarkers for tumor diagnosis and prognosis and as therapeutic targets. tRFs regulate the malignant progression of tumors via various mechanisms, primarily including modulation of noncoding RNA biogenesis, global chromatin organization, gene expression regulation, modulation of protein translation, regulation of epigenetic modification, and alternative splicing regulation. In conclusion, tRF-mediated regulatory pathways could present new avenues for tumor treatment, and tRFs could serve as promising therapeutic targets for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Lu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ping Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiufen Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Oncology Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Linzi Zeng
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bujie Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Uzelac M, Ongkeko WM. Assessing the diagnostic utility of tRNA-derived fragments as biomarkers of head and neck cancer. Transl Oncol 2024; 50:102135. [PMID: 39317063 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2024] [Revised: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Roughly 54,000 individuals are diagnosed with head and neck cancers in the United States yearly. Transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRF) are the products of enzymatic cleavage of precursor tRNAs, and have been proposed for use as biomarkers of head and neck cancer. In this study, we aim to further analyze the utility that tRFs might provide as biomarkers of head and neck cancer. tRF read counts were obtained for 453 tumor and 44 adjacent normal tissue samples and used to construct a gradient boosting diagnostic model. Although we identified 129 tRFs that were significantly dysregulated between these samples, the model achieved a sensitivity of only 69 % and a specificity of 59 %. tRFs are thought to induce the degradation of mRNA transcripts containing a complementary "seed" region. Despite the above performances, we chose to explore this concept of translational regulation by analyzing these tRFs for inverse correlation to the expression of select oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes implicated in head and neck cancer. Among others, CysGCA 5'-half and LysCTT 3'-tRF were upregulated in the tumor samples, and corresponded to decreased expression of PIK3R1, AKT1, and CPEB3. These transcripts were further found to contain numerous significantly complementary sites at which tRF-mediated mRNA degradation might occur. Although these tRFs did appear to correlate to many of the oncogenic metrics analyzed, we believe that additional research is needed before they might be used to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and survival of patients with this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Uzelac
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, United States; Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Weg M Ongkeko
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, United States.
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Wang Q, Ying X, Huang Q, Wang Z, Duan S. Exploring the role of tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) in disease: implications for HIF-1 pathway modulation. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:973-985. [PMID: 38850298 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02458-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
The tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) can be categorized into two main groups: tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) and tRNA-derived stress-induced RNAs (tiRNAs). Each group possesses specific molecular sizes, nucleotide compositions, and distinct physiological functions. Notably, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), a transcriptional activator dependent on oxygen, comprises one HIF-1β subunit and one HIF-α subunit (HIF-1α/HIF-2α/HIF-3α). The activation of HIF-1 plays a crucial role in gene transcription, influencing key aspects of cancer biology such as angiogenesis, cell survival, glucose metabolism, and invasion. The involvement of HIF-1α activation has been demonstrated in numerous human diseases, particularly cancer, making HIF-1 an attractive target for potential disease treatments. Through a series of experiments, researchers have identified two tiRNAs that interact with the HIF-1 pathway, impacting disease development: 5'tiRNA-His-GTG in colorectal cancer (CRC) and tiRNA-Val in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Specifically, 5'tiRNA-His-GTG promotes CRC development by targeting LATS2, while tiRNA-Val inhibits Sirt1, leading to HIF-1α accumulation and promoting DR development. Clinical data have further indicated that certain tsRNAs' expression levels are associated with the prognosis and pathological features of CRC patients. In CRC tumor tissues, the expression level of 5'tiRNA-His-GTG is significantly higher compared to normal tissues, and it shows a positive correlation with tumor size. Additionally, KEGG analysis has revealed multiple tRFs involved in regulating the HIF-1 pathway, including tRF-Val-AAC-016 in diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and tRF-1001 in pathological ocular angiogenesis. This comprehensive article reviews the biological functions and mechanisms of tsRNAs related to the HIF-1 pathway in diseases, providing a promising direction for subsequent translational medicine research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qurui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
| | - Xiaowei Ying
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
| | - Qinyuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
| | - Zehua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
| | - Shiwei Duan
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China.
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Huang Y, Chen C, Liu Y, Tan B, Xiang Q, Chen Q, Wang Y, Yang W, He J, Zhou D, Wang Y, Gao K, Zheng D, Zhai R. Downregulation of tRF-Cys-GCA-029 by hyperglycemia promotes tumorigenesis and glycolysis of diabetic breast cancer through upregulating PRKCG translation. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:117. [PMID: 39039568 PMCID: PMC11265092 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-024-01870-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects up to one-third of breast cancer (BC) patients. Patients with co-existing BC and DM (BC-DM) have worsened BC prognosis. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms orchestrating BC-DM prognosis remain poorly understood. tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) have been shown to regulate cancer progression. However, the biological role of tRFs in BC-DM has not been explored. METHODS tRF levels in tumor tissues and cells were detected by tRF sequencing and qRT-PCR. The effects of tRF on BC cell malignancy were assessed under euglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions in vitro. Metabolic changes were assessed by lactate, pyruvate, and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) assays. Diabetic animal model was used to evaluate the impacts of tRF on BC tumor growth. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), qRT-PCR, Western blot, polysome profiling, luciferase reporter assay, and rescue experiments were performed to explore the regulatory mechanisms of tRF in BC-DM. RESULTS We identified that tRF-Cys-GCA-029 was downregulated in BC-DM tissues and under hyperglycemia conditions in BC cells. Functionally, downregulation of tRF-Cys-GCA-029 promoted BC cell proliferation and migration in a glucose level-dependent manner. tRF-Cys-GCA-029 knockdown also enhanced glycolysis metabolism in BC cells, indicated by increasing lactate/pyruvate production and ECAR levels. Notably, injection of tRF-Cys-GCA-029 mimic significantly suppressed BC tumor growth in diabetic-mice. Mechanistically, tRF-Cys-GCA-029 regulated BC cell malignancy and glycolysis via interacting with PRKCG in two ways: binding to the coding sequence (CDS) of PRKCG mRNA to regulate its transcription and altering polysomal PRKCG mRNA expression to modify its translation. CONCLUSIONS Hyperglycemia-downregulated tRF-Cys-GCA-029 enhances the malignancy and glycolysis of BC cells. tRF-Cys-GCA-029-PRKCG-glycolysis axis may be a potential therapeutic target against BC-DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyi Huang
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Binbin Tan
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qin Xiang
- Department of Cell Biology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qianqian Chen
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yiling Wang
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Wenhan Yang
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jingsong He
- Department of Breast Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, 1120 Lianhua Road, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Duanyang Zhou
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Kaiping Gao
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Duo Zheng
- Department of Cell Biology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Rihong Zhai
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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Wang Q, Huang Q, Ying X, Zhou Y, Duan S. Exploring the regulatory role of tsRNAs in the TNF signaling pathway: Implications for cancer and non-cancer diseases. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 191:1-10. [PMID: 38971324 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), a recently identified subclass of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs), emerge through the cleavage of mature transfer RNA (tRNA) or tRNA precursors mediated by specific enzymes. The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) protein, a signaling molecule produced by activated macrophages, plays a pivotal role in systemic inflammation. Its multifaceted functions include the capacity to eliminate or hinder tumor cells, enhance the phagocytic capabilities of neutrophils, confer resistance against infections, induce fever, and prompt the production of acute phase proteins. Notably, four TNF-related tsRNAs have been conclusively linked to distinct diseases. Examples include 5'tiRNA-Gly in skeletal muscle injury, tsRNA-21109 in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), tRF-Leu-AAG-001 in endometriosis (EMs), and tsRNA-04002 in intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD). These tsRNAs exhibit the ability to suppress the expression of TNF-α. Additionally, KEGG analysis has identified seven tsRNAs potentially involved in modulating the TNF pathway, exerting their influence across a spectrum of non-cancerous diseases. Noteworthy instances include aberrant tiRNA-Ser-TGA-001 and tRF-Val-AAC-034 in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), irregular tRF-Ala-AGC-052 and tRF-Ala-TGC-027 in obesity, and deviant tiRNA-His-GTG-001, tRF-Ser-GCT-113, and tRF-Gln-TTG-035 in irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). This comprehensive review explores the biological functions and mechanisms of tsRNAs associated with the TNF signaling pathway in both cancer and other diseases, offering novel insights for future translational medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qurui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Qinyuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiaowei Ying
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Shiwei Duan
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Xi X, Wang B, Zhang R, Ling C. Serum exosome tRFs as a promising biomarker for active tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis infection. J Microbiol Methods 2024; 222:106944. [PMID: 38705210 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2024.106944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyse the expression profiles of serum exosome tRFs/tiRNAs and to explore their diagnostic value in tuberculosis (TB) activity. METHODS The serum exosome tRF/tiRNA profile was analysed using high-throughput sequencing technology in 5 active tuberculosis (ATB) patients, 5 latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) patients and 5 healthy controls (HCs). Then, serum exosome tRFs/tiRNAs were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and their diagnostic value was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC). Finally, bioinformatics analysis was performed to explore and identify the potential biological pathways induced by tRFs/tiRNAs. RESULTS The sequencing results revealed that serum exosome tRF/tiRNA expression profiles were different among ATB patients, LTBI patients and HCs. Three tRFs (tRF-56:75-Trp-CCA-4, tRF-1:22-chrM.Ser-GCT and tRF-56:76-Val-TAC-1-M2) were selected for qRT-PCR validation. The results demonstrated that the expression level of tRF-1-22-chrM.Ser-GCT was upregulated in ATB patients, while tRF-56-75-Trp-CCA-4 was downregulated, which was consistent with the sequencing data. The AUCs of tRF-56:75-Trp-CCA-4 and tRF-1:22-chrM. Ser-GCT were 0.824 and 1.000, respectively, which have significant values in the diagnosis of ATB patients. Moreover, the expression levels of tRF-56:75-Trp-CCA-4 and tRF-1:22-chrM.Ser-GCT and tRF-56:76-Val-TAC-1-M2 in ATB patients and LTBI were different, which indicated that these three tRFs could effectively distinguish ATB patients and LTBI patients. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that serum exosome tRFs can be used as potential markers for the diagnosis of ATB and LTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Xi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China; Xuzhou Infectious Disease Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Binghua Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruimei Zhang
- Xuzhou Infectious Disease Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunhua Ling
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Wang J, Gao G, Wang D. Developing AAV-delivered nonsense suppressor tRNAs for neurological disorders. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00391. [PMID: 38959711 PMCID: PMC11269797 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy is a clinical stage therapeutic modality for neurological disorders. A common genetic defect in myriad monogenic neurological disorders is nonsense mutations that account for about 11% of all human pathogenic mutations. Stop codon readthrough by suppressor transfer RNA (sup-tRNA) has long been sought as a potential gene therapy approach to target nonsense mutations, but hindered by inefficient in vivo delivery. The rapid advances in AAV delivery technology have not only powered gene therapy development but also enabled in vivo preclinical assessment of a range of nucleic acid therapeutics, such as sup-tRNA. Compared with conventional AAV gene therapy that delivers a transgene to produce therapeutic proteins, AAV-delivered sup-tRNA has several advantages, such as small gene sizes and operating within the endogenous gene expression regulation, which are important considerations for treating some neurological disorders. This review will first examine sup-tRNA designs and delivery by AAV vectors. We will then analyze how AAV-delivered sup-tRNA can potentially address some neurological disorders that are challenging to conventional gene therapy, followed by discussing available mouse models of neurological diseases for in vivo preclinical testing. Potential challenges for AAV-delivered sup-tRNA to achieve therapeutic efficacy and safety will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaming Wang
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Dan Wang
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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Saha S, Mukherjee B, Banerjee P, Das D. The 'Not-So-Famous Five' in tumorigenesis: tRNAs, tRNA fragments, and tRNA epitranscriptome in concert with AARSs and AIMPs. Biochimie 2024; 222:45-62. [PMID: 38401639 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
RNA profiling studies have revealed that ∼75% of the human genome is transcribed to RNA but only a meagre fraction of it is translated to proteins. Majority of transcribed RNA constitute a specialized pool of non-coding RNAs. Human genome contains approximately 506 genes encoding a set of 51 different tRNAs, constituting a unique class of non-coding RNAs that not only have essential housekeeping functions as translator molecules during protein synthesis, but have numerous uncharted regulatory functions. Intriguing findings regarding a variety of non-canonical functions of tRNAs, tRNA derived fragments (tRFs), esoteric epitranscriptomic modifications of tRNAs, along with aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARSs) and ARS-interacting multifunctional proteins (AIMPs), envision a 'peripheral dogma' controlling the flow of genetic information in the backdrop of qualitative information wrung out of the long-live central dogma of molecular biology, to drive cells towards either proliferation or differentiation programs. Our review will substantiate intriguing peculiarities of tRNA gene clusters, atypical tRNA-transcription from internal promoters catalysed by another distinct RNA polymerase enzyme, dynamically diverse tRNA epitranscriptome, intricate mechanism of tRNA-charging by AARSs governing translation fidelity, epigenetic regulation of gene expression by tRNA fragments, and the role of tRNAs and tRNA derived/associated molecules as quantitative determinants of the functional proteome, covertly orchestrating the process of tumorigenesis, through a deregulated tRNA-ome mediating selective codon-biased translation of cancer related gene transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sutapa Saha
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1, College Street, Kolkata, 700073, WB, India.
| | - Biyas Mukherjee
- Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
| | - Proma Banerjee
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1, College Street, Kolkata, 700073, WB, India
| | - Debadrita Das
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1, College Street, Kolkata, 700073, WB, India
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Wu Y, Cao Y, Chen L, Lai X, Zhang S, Wang S. Role of Exosomes in Cancer and Aptamer-Modified Exosomes as a Promising Platform for Cancer Targeted Therapy. Biol Proced Online 2024; 26:15. [PMID: 38802766 PMCID: PMC11129508 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-024-00245-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are increasingly recognized as important mediators of intercellular communication in cancer biology. Exosomes can be derived from cancer cells as well as cellular components in tumor microenvironment. After secretion, the exosomes carrying a wide range of bioactive cargos can be ingested by local or distant recipient cells. The released cargos act through a variety of mechanisms to elicit multiple biological effects and impact most if not all hallmarks of cancer. Moreover, owing to their excellent biocompatibility and capability of being easily engineered or modified, exosomes are currently exploited as a promising platform for cancer targeted therapy. In this review, we first summarize the current knowledge of roles of exosomes in risk and etiology, initiation and progression of cancer, as well as their underlying molecular mechanisms. The aptamer-modified exosome as a promising platform for cancer targeted therapy is then briefly introduced. We also discuss the future directions for emerging roles of exosome in tumor biology and perspective of aptamer-modified exosomes in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Wu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yue Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Li Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Lai
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shenghang Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China.
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China.
| | - Shuiliang Wang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China.
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China.
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10
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Chen Q, Li D, Jiang L, Wu Y, Yuan H, Shi G, Liu F, Wu P, Jiang K. Biological functions and clinical significance of tRNA-derived small fragment (tsRNA) in tumors: Current state and future perspectives. Cancer Lett 2024; 587:216701. [PMID: 38369004 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
A new class of noncoding RNAs, tsRNAs are not only abundant in humans but also have high tissue specificity. Recently, an increasing number of studies have explored the correlations between tsRNAs and tumors, showing that tsRNAs can affect biological behaviors of tumor cells, such as proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis, by modulating protein translation, RNA transcription or posttranscriptional regulation. In addition, tsRNAs are widely distributed and stably expressed, which endows them with broad application prospects in diagnosing and predicting the prognosis of tumors, and they are expected to become new biomarkers. However, notably, the current research on tsRNAs still faces problems that need to be solved. In this review, we describe the characteristics of tsRNAs as well as their unique features and functions in tumors. Moreover, we also discuss the potential opportunities and challenges in clinical applications and research of tsRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Chen
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Danrui Li
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Luyang Jiang
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Yuan
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guodong Shi
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fengyuan Liu
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pengfei Wu
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Kuirong Jiang
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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Gao LJ, Zhu SX, Wei YY, Meng HW, Gu J, Zhang H, Dai LJ. Prognostic, diagnostic and clinicopathological roles of tsRNAs: a meta-analysis in breast cancer. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:35. [PMID: 38185655 PMCID: PMC10773143 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01617-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignancies in women and the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. The newly emerged non-coding RNAs tsRNAs (tRNA-derived small RNAs) play an important role in the occurrence and development of BC. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the prognostic, diagnostic and clinicopathological roles of tsRNAs in BC. Through literature screening, a total of 13 BC-related tsRNA studies were included in this meta-analysis, all of which passed quality assessment. Prognostic studies showed upregulated tsRNAs to be associated with poor survival outcomes (HR = 1.64, 95%CI 1.51-1.77) and downregulated tsRNAs to be associated with better outcomes (HR = 0.58, 95%CI 0.50-0.68). Results of diagnostic studies showed a combined sensitivity of 72% (95%CI 68-76%) and combined specificity of 64% (95%CI 61-67%); the AUC was 0.72 (95%CI 0.68-0.75) and the DOR 4.62 (95%CI 3.76-5.68). Finally, correlation analysis of clinicopathological features showed that downregulation of tsRNAs correlated significantly with age, TNM stage and lymphatic metastasis. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias showed no significant difference. In conclusion, BC-associated tsRNAs are closely related to the prognosis and clinicopathological features of patients with this disease and can be used to assist in early diagnosis of BC. Therefore, tsRNAs are potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu-Jue Gao
- Taicang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Si-Xun Zhu
- Jiangyin Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Jiangyin, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying-Yi Wei
- Taicang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hua-Wei Meng
- Taicang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Gu
- Taicang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Taicang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China.
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Li-Juan Dai
- Taicang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China.
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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12
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Mao M, Chen W, Huang X, Ye D. Role of tRNA-derived small RNAs(tsRNAs) in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumours. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:178. [PMID: 37480078 PMCID: PMC10362710 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01199-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumours area leading cause of death globally, accounting for approximately 13% of all deaths. A detailed understanding of the mechanism(s) of the occurrence and development of malignant tumours and identification of relevant therapeutic targets are therefore key to tumour treatment. tsRNAs(tRNA-derived small RNAs)-also known as TRFs (tRNA-derived fragments), tiRNAs (tRNA-derived stress-induced RNAs), tRNA halves, etc.-are a recently identified class of small noncoding RNAs that are generated from mature tRNA or tRNA precursors through cleavage by enzymes such as angiogenin, Dicer, RNase Z, and RNase P. Several studies have confirmed that dysregulation of tsRNAs is closely related to the tumorigenesis of breast cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, lung cancer, and so on. Furthermore, research indicates that tsRNAs can be used as clinical diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for cancer. In our review, we summarized the recent research progress on the role and clinical application of tsRNAs in tumorigenesis and progression. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingwen Mao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ningbo No.6 Hospital Affiliated Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weina Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Yinzhou Integrated TCM & Western Medicine Hospital, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xingbiao Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Ningbo No.6, Hospital Affiliated Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dong Ye
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China.
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13
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Wu C, Liu D, Zhang L, Wang J, Ding Y, Sun Z, Wang W. 5'-tiRNA-Gln inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma progression by repressing translation through the interaction with eukaryotic initiation factor 4A-I. Front Med 2023; 17:476-492. [PMID: 36973570 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-022-0966-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are novel non-coding RNAs that are involved in the occurrence and progression of diverse diseases. However, their exact presence and function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. Here, differentially expressed tsRNAs in HCC were profiled. A novel tsRNA, tRNAGln-TTG derived 5'-tiRNA-Gln, is significantly downregulated, and its expression level is correlated with progression in patients. In HCC cells, 5'-tiRNA-Gln overexpression impaired the proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and in vivo, while 5'-tiRNA-Gln knockdown yielded opposite results. 5'-tiRNA-Gln exerted its function by binding eukaryotic initiation factor 4A-I (EIF4A1), which unwinds complex RNA secondary structures during translation initiation, causing the partial inhibition of translation. The suppressed downregulated proteins include ARAF, MEK1/2 and STAT3, causing the impaired signaling pathway related to HCC progression. Furthermore, based on the construction of a mutant 5'-tiRNA-Gln, the sequence of forming intramolecular G-quadruplex structure is crucial for 5'-tiRNA-Gln to strongly bind EIF4A1 and repress translation. Clinically, 5'-tiRNA-Gln expression level is negatively correlated with ARAF, MEK1/2, and STAT3 in HCC tissues. Collectively, these findings reveal that 5'-tiRJNA-Gln interacts with EIF4A1 to reduce related mRNA binding through the intramolecular G-quadruplex structure, and this process partially inhibits translation and HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengdong Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Dekai Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Lufei Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Jingjie Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Yuan Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Zhongquan Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Weilin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
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Wu J, Cai X, Lu Y, Shen Y, Shen Z, Lyv Q. Plasma tRF-16-79MP9PD and tRF-28-OB1690PQR304 as potential biomarkers for 4- to 7-year-old children with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1141348. [PMID: 37325347 PMCID: PMC10267831 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1141348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We investigated the expression and the potential value of plasma transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs) of children with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) as screening biomarkers. Methods At first, we randomly selected five plasma samples from the case group and the control group for high-throughput RNA sequencing. Secondly, we screened two tRFs with different expression between the two groups, amplified it by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) on all samples. Then we analyzed the diagnostic value of the tRFs and their correlation with the clinical data. Results A total of 50 OSAHS children and 38 healthy controls were included. Our results demonstrated that the plasma levels of tRF-16-79MP9PD and tRF-28-OB1690PQR304 were significantly down-regulated in OSAHS children. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of tRF-16-79MP9PD and tRF-28-OB1690PQR304 was 0.7945 and 0.8276. In addition, the AUC of the combination reached 0.8303 with 73.46% and 76.42% sensitivity and specificity. Correlation analysis showed that the degree of tonsil enlargement, hemoglobin (Hb) and triglyceride (TG). were related to the expression levels of tRF-16-79MP9PD and tRF-28-OB1690PQR304. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that degree of tonsil enlargement, Hb and TG related to tRF-16-79MP9PD while degree of tonsil enlargement and Hb related to tRF-28-OB1690PQR304. Conclusions The expression levels of tRF-16-79MP9PD and tRF-28-OB1690PQR304 in the plasma of OSAHS children decreased significantly which were closely related to the degree of tonsil enlargement, Hb and TG, may become novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of pediatric OSAHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Wu
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Department of Pediatric, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Xiaohong Cai
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yanbo Lu
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yijing Shen
- Department of Pediatric, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Zhisen Shen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Qin Lyv
- Department of Pediatric, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, Ningbo, China
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15
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Yang M, Mo Y, Ren D, Liu S, Zeng Z, Xiong W. Transfer RNA-derived small RNAs in tumor microenvironment. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:32. [PMID: 36797764 PMCID: PMC9933334 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01742-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs responsible for amino acid translocation during protein synthesis and are ubiquitously found in organisms. With certain modifications and under specific conditions, tRNAs can be sheared and fragmented into small non-coding RNAs, also known as tRNA-derived small RNAs (tDRs). With the development of high-throughput sequencing technologies and bioinformatic strategies, more and more tDRs have been identified and their functions in organisms have been characterized. tRNA and it derived tDRs, have been shown to be essential not only for transcription and translation, but also for regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and immunity. Aberrant expression of tDRs is associated with a wide range of human diseases, especially with tumorigenesis and tumor progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem consisting of various cellular and cell-free components that are mutually compatible with the tumor. It has been shown that tDRs regulate the TME by regulating cancer stem cells, immunity, energy metabolism, epithelial mesenchymal transition, and extracellular matrix remodeling, playing a pro-tumor or tumor suppressor role. In this review, the biogenesis, classification, and function of tDRs, as well as their effects on the TME and the clinical application prospects will be summarized and discussed based on up to date available knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yongzhen Mo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Daixi Ren
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shun Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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Panoutsopoulou K, Magkou P, Dreyer T, Dorn J, Obermayr E, Mahner S, van Gorp T, Braicu I, Magdolen V, Zeillinger R, Avgeris M, Scorilas A. tRNA-derived small RNA 3'U-tRF ValCAC promotes tumour migration and early progression in ovarian cancer. Eur J Cancer 2023; 180:134-145. [PMID: 36599181 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2022.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite recent advances in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) management, the highly heterogenous histological/molecular tumour background and patients' treatment response obstructs personalised prognosis and therapeutics. Herein, we have studied the role and clinical utility of the novel subclass of tRNA-derived small RNA fragments emerging via 3'-trailer processing of pre-tRNAs (3'U-tRFs) in EOC. METHODS SK-OV-3 and OVCAR-3 cells were used for in vitro study. Following transfection, cell growth and migration were assessed by CCK8 and wound healing assays, respectively. 3'U-tRFs levels were assessed by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), following 3'-end RNA polyadenylation. A screening (OVCAD, n = 100) and institutionally independent validation (TU Munich, n = 103) cohorts were employed for survival analysis using disease progression and patients' death as clinical end-points. Bootstrap analysis was performed for internal validation, and decision curve analysis was used to evaluate clinical benefit on disease prognosis. RESULTS Following primary clinical assessment, target prediction and gene ontology analyses, the 3'U-tRFValCAC (derived from pre-tRNAValCAC) was highlighted to regulate cell proliferation and adhesion, and to correlate with inferior patients' outcome. 3'U-tRFValCAC transfection of SK-OV-3 and OVCAR-3 cells resulted in significantly increased cell growth and migration, in a dose-dependent manner. Elevated tumour 3'U-tRFValCAC levels were associated with significantly higher risk for early progression and worse survival following first-line platinum-based chemotherapy, independently of patients' clinicopathological data, chemotherapy response, and residual tumour. Interestingly, 3'U-tRFValCAC-fitted multivariate models improved risk stratification and provided superior clinical net benefit in prediction of treatment outcome compared to disease established markers. CONCLUSIONS 3'U-tRFValCAC promotes tumour cell growth and migration and supports modern risk stratification and prognosis in EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Panoutsopoulou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Magkou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Tobias Dreyer
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Dorn
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Eva Obermayr
- Molecular Oncology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Comprehensive Cancer Center-Gynecologic Cancer Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sven Mahner
- Department of Gynecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Toon van Gorp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven Cancer Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ioana Braicu
- Department of Gynecology, Charité University Medicine, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
| | - Viktor Magdolen
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Robert Zeillinger
- Molecular Oncology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Comprehensive Cancer Center-Gynecologic Cancer Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Margaritis Avgeris
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry - Molecular Diagnostics, Second Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "P. & A. Kyriakou" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | - Andreas Scorilas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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17
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Sun C, Huang X, Li J, Fu Z, Hua Y, Zeng T, He Y, Duan N, Yang F, Liang Y, Wu H, Li W, Zhang Y, Yin Y. Exosome-Transmitted tRF-16-K8J7K1B Promotes Tamoxifen Resistance by Reducing Drug-Induced Cell Apoptosis in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030899. [PMID: 36765853 PMCID: PMC9913720 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tamoxifen resistance remains a challenge in hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer. Recent evidence suggests that transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA)-derived fragments play pivotal roles in the occurrence and development of various tumors. However, the relationship between tRNA-derived fragments and tamoxifen resistance remains unclear. In this study, we found that the expression of tRF-16-K8J7K1B was upregulated in tamoxifen-resistant cells in comparison with tamoxifen-sensitive cells. Higher levels of tRF-16-K8J7K1B were associated with shorter disease-free survival in HR+ breast cancer. Overexpression of tRF-16-K8J7K1B promotes tamoxifen resistance. Moreover, extracellular tRF-16-K8J7K1B could be packaged into exosomes and could disseminate tamoxifen resistance to recipient cells. Mechanistically, exosomal tRF-16-K8J7K1B downregulates the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, such as caspase 3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, by targeting tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand in receptor cells, thereby reducing drug-induced cell apoptosis. Therapeutically, the inhibition of exosomal tRF-16-K8J7K1B increases the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to tamoxifen in vivo. These data demonstrate that exosomal tRF-16-K8J7K1B may be a novel therapeutic target to overcome tamoxifen resistance in HR+ breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiao Sun
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- The First Clinical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xiang Huang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Ziyi Fu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yijia Hua
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- The First Clinical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Tianyu Zeng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- The First Clinical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yaozhou He
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- The First Clinical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Ningjun Duan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Department of Oncology, Sir Run Run Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yuchen Zhang
- The First Clinical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yongmei Yin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (Y.Z.)
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18
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Tong F, Tang G, Wang X. Characteristics of Human and Microbiome RNA Profiles in Saliva. RNA Biol 2023; 20:398-408. [PMID: 37401028 PMCID: PMC10321209 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2023.2229596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Saliva is a convenient non-invasive source of liquid biopsy to monitor human health and diagnose diseases. In particular, extracellular vesicles (EVs) in saliva can potentially reveal clinically relevant information for systemic health. Recent studies have shown that RNA in saliva EVs could be exploited as biomarkers for disease diagnosis. However, there is no standardized protocol for profiling RNA in saliva EV nor clear guideline on selecting saliva fractions for biomarker analysis. To address these issues, we established a robust protocol for small RNA profiling from fractionated saliva. With this method, we performed comprehensive small RNA sequencing of four saliva fractions, including cell-free saliva (CFS), EV-depleted saliva (EV-D), exosome (EXO), and microvesicle (MV) from ten healthy volunteers. By comparing the expression profiles of total RNA from these fractions, we found that MV was most enriched in microbiome RNA (76.2% of total reads on average), whereas EV-D was notably enriched in human RNA (70.3% of total reads on average). As for human RNA composition, CFS and EV-D were both enriched in snoRNA and tRNA compared with the two EV fractions (EXO and MV, P < 0.05). Interestingly, EXO and MV had highly correlated expression profiles for various noncoding RNAs such as miRNA, tRNA, and yRNA. Our study revealed unique characteristics of circulating RNAs in various saliva fractions, which provides a guideline on preparing saliva samples to study specific RNA biomarkers of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangjia Tong
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gongyu Tang
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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Expression profiles of tRNA‑derived fragments in high glucose‑treated tubular epithelial cells. Exp Ther Med 2022; 25:26. [PMID: 36561608 PMCID: PMC9748664 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs), a novel class of small non-coding RNA produced by the cleavage of pre- and mature tRNAs, are involved in various diseases. Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis is a common final pathway in diabetic nephropathy (DN) in which hyperglycemia-induced tubular extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation serves a vital role. The present study aimed to detect and investigate the role of tRFs in the accumulation of tubular ECM. Differentially expressed tRFs were analysed with high-throughput sequencing in primary mouse tubular epithelial cells treated with high glucose (HG). The Gene Ontology (GO) was used to analyze the potential molecular functions of these differentially expressed tRFs, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were used to analyze the associated signaling pathways involved in these differentially expressed tRFs. tRF-1:30-Gln-CTG-4 was overexpressed using tRF-1:30-Gln-CTG-4 mimic, followed by HG treatment. A total of 554 distinct tRFs were detected and 64 differentially expressed tRFs (fold change >2; P<0.05) were identified in tubular epithelial cells following high glucose (HG) treatment, among which 27 were upregulated and 37 were downregulated. Ten selected tRFs with the greatest difference (fold change >2; P<0.05) were verified to be consistent with small RNA-sequencing data, of which tRF-1:30-Gln-CTG-4 showed the most pronounced difference in expression and was significantly decreased in response to HG. GO analysis indicated that the differentially expressed tRFs were associated with 'cellular process', 'biological regulation' and 'metabolic process'. An analysis of the KEGG database suggested that these differentially expressed tRFs were involved in 'autophagy' and signaling pathways for 'forkhead box O', 'the mammalian target of rapamycin' and 'mitogen-activated protein kinase'. Finally, the overexpression of tRF-1:30-Gln-CTG-4 ameliorated HG-induced ECM accumulation in tubular epithelial cells. Therefore, the present study demonstrated that there may be a significant association between tRFs and HG-induced ECM accumulation in tubular epithelial cells; these differentially expressed tRFs warrant further study to explore the pathogenesis of DN.
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Gao Z, Jijiwa M, Nasu M, Borgard H, Gong T, Xu J, Chen S, Fu Y, Chen Y, Hu X, Huang G, Deng Y. Comprehensive landscape of tRNA-derived fragments in lung cancer. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 26:207-225. [PMID: 35892120 PMCID: PMC9307607 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived fragment (tRDF) is a novel small non-coding RNA that presents in different types of cancer. The comprehensive understanding of tRDFs in non-small cell lung cancer remains largely unknown. In this study, 1,550 patient samples of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were included, and 52 tRDFs with four subtypes were identified. Six tRDFs were picked as diagnostic signatures based on the tRDFs expression patterns, and area under the curve (AUC) in independent validations is up to 0.90. Two signatures were validated successfully in plasma samples, and six signatures confirmed the consistency of distinguished expression in NSCLC cell lines. Ten tRDFs along with independent risk scores can be used to predict survival outcomes by stages; 5a_tRF-Ile-AAT/GAT can be a prognosis biomarker for early stage. Association analysis of tRDFs-signatures-correlated mRNAs and microRNA (miRNA) were targeted to the cell cycle and oocyte meiosis signaling pathways. Five tRDFs were assessed to associate with PD-L1 immune checkpoint and correlated with the genes that target in PD-L1 checkpoint signaling pathway. Our study is the first to provide a comprehensive analysis of tRDFs in lung cancer, including four subtypes of tRDFs, investigating the diagnostic and prognostic values, and demonstrated their biological function and transcriptional role as well as potential immune therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zitong Gao
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
- Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering Program, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Mayumi Jijiwa
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Masaki Nasu
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Heather Borgard
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Ting Gong
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
- Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering Program, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Jinwen Xu
- School of Geosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Shaoqiu Chen
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
- Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering Program, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Fu
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
- Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering Program, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Xiamin Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Gang Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Youping Deng
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
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21
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Chen M, Lei N, Tian W, Li Y, Chang L. Recent advances of non-coding RNAs in ovarian cancer prognosis and therapeutics. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2022; 14:17588359221118010. [PMID: 35983027 PMCID: PMC9379276 DOI: 10.1177/17588359221118010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the third most common gynecological malignancy with the highest mortality worldwide. OC is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, and the standard treatment is surgery combined with platinum or paclitaxel chemotherapy. However, chemoresistance inevitably appears coupled with the easy recurrence and poor prognosis. Thus, early diagnosis, predicting prognosis, and reducing chemoresistance are of great significance for controlling the progression and improving treatment effects of OC. Recently, much insight has been gained into the non-coding RNA (ncRNA) that is employed for RNAs but does not encode a protein, and many types of ncRNAs have been characterized including long-chain non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, and circular RNAs. Accumulating evidence indicates these ncRNAs play very active roles in OC progression and metastasis. In this review, we briefly discuss the ncRNAs as biomarkers for OC prognosis. We focus on the recent advances of ncRNAs as therapeutic targets in preventing OC metastasis, chemoresistance, immune escape, and metabolism. The novel strategies for ncRNAs-targeted therapy are also exploited for improving the survival of OC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ningjing Lei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wanjia Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yong Li
- Cancer Care Centre, St George Hospital, Level 2, Research and Education Centre, 4-10 South Street, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia
| | - Lei Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 East Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China
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22
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Zhang G, Kang L, Li P, Ran Q, Chen X, Ji M, Guan H. Genome-wide repertoire of transfer RNA-derived fragments in a mouse model of age-related cataract. Curr Eye Res 2022; 47:1397-1404. [PMID: 35930684 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2022.2110263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the roles of tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) containing transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs) and tRNA halves in age-related cataract (ARC). Methods: Lens capsule tissue from Emory mice at 3 months and 8 months of age were dissected for integrated tsRNA and gene transcriptome sequencing. Quantitative real-time PCR assay (qRT-PCR) was perform for validating sequencing results. Bioinformatics analysis was constructed to reveal the roles of tsRNAs. Results: A total of 422 DE tsRNAs were changed, in which 156 were elevated while 266 were declined in 8-month-old mice. Subsequently, the gene sequencing data exhibited 375 upregulated and 456 downregulated DE genes. Validation by qRT-PCR in 5 selected upregulated tRFs was consistent with tsRNAs sequencing results. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis identified 25 downregulated target genes of the 5 validated tRFs. Furthermore, GO analysis revealed that these target genes were mainly enriched in camera-type eye development, sensory organ development and so on. Conclusion: Our study provide a novel perspective for the role of tsRNAs in pathogenesis of ARC, and thus therapeutic potential targets for ARC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guowei Zhang
- Eye Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lihua Kang
- Eye Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pengfei Li
- Eye Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiliang Ran
- Eye Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Ji
- Eye Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huaijin Guan
- Eye Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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23
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Azzarito G, Visentin M, Leeners B, Dubey RK. Transcriptomic and Functional Evidence for Differential Effects of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell-Secretome on Vascular and Lymphatic Endothelial Cell Growth. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137192. [PMID: 35806196 PMCID: PMC9266834 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular and lymphatic vessels drive breast cancer (BC) growth and metastasis. We assessed the cell growth (proliferation, migration, and capillary formation), gene-, and protein-expression profiles of Vascular Endothelial Cells (VECs) and Lymphatic Endothelial Cells (LECs) exposed to a conditioned medium (CM) from estrogen receptor-positive BC cells (MCF-7) in the presence or absence of Estradiol. We demonstrated that MCF-7-CM stimulated growth and capillary formation in VECs but inhibited LEC growth. Consistently, MCF-7-CM induced ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation in VECs and inhibited them in LECs. Gene expression analysis revealed that the LECs were overall (≈10-fold) more sensitive to MCF-7-CM exposure than VECs. Growth/angiogenesis and cell cycle pathways were upregulated in VECs but downregulated in LECs. An angiogenesis proteome array confirmed the upregulation of 23 pro-angiogenesis proteins in VECs. In LECs, the expression of genes related to ATP synthesis and the ATP content were reduced by MCF-7-CM, whereas MTHFD2 gene, involved in folate metabolism and immune evasion, was upregulated. The contrasting effect of MCF-7-CM on the growth of VECs and LECs was reversed by inhibiting the TGF-β signaling pathway. The effect of MCF-7-CM on VEC growth was also reversed by inhibiting the VEGF signaling pathway. In conclusion, BC secretome may facilitate cancer cell survival and tumor growth by simultaneously promoting vascular angiogenesis and inhibiting lymphatic growth. The differential effects of BC secretome on LECs and VECs may be of pathophysiological relevance in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Azzarito
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (G.A.); (B.L.)
| | - Michele Visentin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Brigitte Leeners
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (G.A.); (B.L.)
| | - Raghvendra K. Dubey
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (G.A.); (B.L.)
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- Correspondence:
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24
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Role of the Ribonuclease ONCONASE in miRNA Biogenesis and tRNA Processing: Focus on Cancer and Viral Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126556. [PMID: 35742999 PMCID: PMC9223570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of transcribed RNAs do not codify for proteins, nevertheless they display crucial regulatory functions by affecting the cellular protein expression profile. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are effectors of interfering mechanisms, so that their biogenesis is a tightly regulated process. Onconase (ONC) is an amphibian ribonuclease known for cytotoxicity against tumors and antiviral activity. Additionally, ONC administration in patients resulted in clinical effectiveness and in a well-tolerated feature, at least for lung carcinoma and malignant mesothelioma. Moreover, the ONC therapeutic effects are actually potentiated by cotreatment with many conventional antitumor drugs. This review not only aims to describe the ONC activity occurring either in different tumors or in viral infections but also to analyze the molecular mechanisms underlying ONC pleiotropic and cellular-specific effects. In cancer, data suggest that ONC affects malignant phenotypes by generating tRNA fragments and miRNAs able to downregulate oncogenes expression and upregulate tumor-suppressor proteins. In cells infected by viruses, ONC hampers viral spread by digesting the primer tRNAs necessary for viral DNA replication. In this scenario, new therapeutic tools might be developed by exploiting the action of ONC-elicited RNA derivatives.
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25
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Gupta T, Malkin MG, Huang S. tRNA Function and Dysregulation in Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:886642. [PMID: 35721477 PMCID: PMC9198291 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.886642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Transfer RNA (tRNA) is a central component of protein synthesis and plays important roles in epigenetic regulation of gene expression in tumors. tRNAs are also involved in many cell processes including cell proliferation, cell signaling pathways and stress response, implicating a role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. The complex role of tRNA in cell regulation implies that an understanding of tRNA function and dysregulation can be used to develop treatments for many cancers including breast cancer, colon cancer, and glioblastoma. Moreover, tRNA modifications including methylation are necessary for tRNA folding, stability, and function. In response to certain stress conditions, tRNAs can be cleaved in half to form tiRNAs, or even shorter tRNA fragments (tRF). tRNA structure and modifications, tiRNA induction of stress granule formation, and tRF regulation of gene expression through the repression of translation can all impact a cell’s fate. This review focuses on how these functions of tRNAs, tiRNA, and tRFs can lead to tumor development and progression. Further studies focusing on the specific pathways of tRNA regulation could help identify tRNA biomarkers and therapeutic targets, which might prevent and treat cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Gupta
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Mark G. Malkin
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Suyun Huang
- VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Suyun Huang,
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26
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A 5’-tiRNA fragment that inhibits proliferation and migration of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting PIK3CD. Genomics 2022; 114:110392. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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27
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Wilson B, Dutta A. Function and Therapeutic Implications of tRNA Derived Small RNAs. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:888424. [PMID: 35495621 PMCID: PMC9043108 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.888424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
tRNA derived small RNAs are mainly composed of tRNA fragments (tRFs) and tRNA halves (tiRs). Several functions have been attributed to tRFs and tiRs since their initial characterizations, spanning all aspects of regulation of the Central Dogma: from nascent RNA silencing, to post-transcriptional gene silencing, and finally, to translational regulation. The length distribution, sequence diversity, and multifaceted functions of tRFs and tiRs positions them as attractive new models for small RNA therapeutics. In this review, we will discuss the principles of tRF biogenesis and function in order to highlight their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana Wilson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Anindya Dutta
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, United States
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28
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Sui S, Wang Z, Cui X, Jin L, Zhu C. The biological behavior of tRNA-derived fragment tRF-Leu-AAG in pancreatic cancer cells. Bioengineered 2022; 13:10617-10628. [PMID: 35442152 PMCID: PMC9161985 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2064206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a life-threatening cancer with increasing incidence in developed countries. Reports indicate that tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are possible therapeutic targets and biomarkers for cancer treatment. Nonetheless, the effect of tRF-Leu-AAG on PC is unclear. This study aims to explore the role of tRF-Leu-AAG and upstream frameshift mutant 1 (UPF1) in the development of PC and its potential underlying mechanisms. High-throughput second-generation sequencing techniques were used to detect the expression of tRFs in cancerous and adjacent normal tissues from PC patients. The role of tRF-Leu-AAG proliferation in PC cells was investigated via the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay. The effect of tRF-Leu-AAG on the invasion and migration ability of PC cells was also determined by the transwell assay. Thereafter, the downstream target genes of tRF-Leu-AAG were comprehensively predicted using bioinformatics analysis databases. We also used the Dual-Luciferase Reporter assay to assess the nexus between tRF-Leu-AAG and UPF1. Eventually, Western Blot was used to validate the expression of UPF1 in PC cells. A total of 33 tRF expressions significantly varied from PC patients. RT-qPCR confirmed that the expression of tRF-Leu-AAG was observably up-regulated in PC cells as compared to the control cells. Importantly, knockdown of tRF-Leu-AAG observably inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, according to the predicted frameshift database results, the UPF1 acted as downstream target genes for tRF-Leu-AAG and significantly down-regulated UPF1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizhen Sui
- Graduate School of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhihuai Wang
- Graduate School of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaohan Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunfu Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
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29
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Lu Z, Su K, Wang X, Zhang M, Ma S, Li H, Qiu Y. Expression Profiles of tRNA-Derived Small RNAs and Their Potential Roles in Primary Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:780621. [PMID: 34988117 PMCID: PMC8722782 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.780621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs, are divided into two categories: tRNA-related fragments (tRFs) and tRNA halves (tiRNAs). Abnormal expression of tsRNAs has been found in diverse cancers, which indicates that further understanding of the function of tsRNAs will help identify new biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. Until now, the underlying roles of tsRNAs in primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) are still unknown. Methods: tRF and tiRNA sequencing was performed on four pairs of NPC tissues and healthy controls. Thirty pairs of NPC samples were used for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) verification, and the ROC analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency initially. Target prediction and bioinformatics analysis of validated tRFs and tiRNAs were conducted to explore the mechanisms of tsRNAs in NPC’s pathogenesis. Results: A total of 158 differentially expressed tRFs and tiRNAs were identified, of which 88 are upregulated and 70 are downregulated in NPC. Three validated tRFs in the results of qRT-PCR were consistent with the sequencing data: two upregulations (tRF-1:28-Val-CAC-2 and tRF-1:24-Ser-CGA-1-M3) and one downregulation (tRF-55:76-Arg-ACG-1-M2). The GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the potential target genes of validated tRFs are widely enriched in cancer pathways. The related modules may play an essential role in the pathogenesis of NPC. Conclusions: The tsRNAs may become a novel class of biological diagnostic indicators and possible targets for NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyi Lu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Kai Su
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Mingjie Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Shiyin Ma
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yuanzheng Qiu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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tRNA GlyGCC-Derived Internal Fragment (i-tRF-GlyGCC) in Ovarian Cancer Treatment Outcome and Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010024. [PMID: 35008188 PMCID: PMC8750938 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains a highly-lethal gynecological malignancy, characterized by frequent recurrence, chemotherapy resistance and poor 5-year survival. Identifying novel predictive molecular markers remains an overdue challenge in the disease's clinical management. Herein, in silico analysis of TCGA-OV highlighted the tRNA-derived internal fragment (i-tRF-GlyGCC) among the most abundant tRFs in ovarian tumors, while target prediction and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis predicted its implication in key biological processes. Thereafter, i-tRF-GlyGCC levels were quantified in a screening EOC (n = 98) and an institutionally-independent serous ovarian cancer (SOC) validation cohort (n = 100, OVCAD multicenter study). Disease progression and patient death were used as clinical endpoints for the survival analysis. Internal validation was performed by bootstrap analysis and the clinical net benefit was estimated by decision curve analysis. The analysis highlighted the significant association of i-tRF-GlyGCC with advanced FIGO stages, suboptimal debulking and most importantly, with early progression and poor overall survival of EOC patients. The OVCAD validation cohort corroborated the unfavorable predictive value of i-tRF-GlyGCC in EOC. Ultimately, evaluation of i-tRF-GlyGCC with the established/clinically used prognostic markers offered superior patient risk-stratification and enhanced clinical benefit in EOC prognosis. In conclusion, i-tRF-GlyGCC assessment could aid towards personalized prognosis and support precision medicine decisions in EOC.
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tRNA Derivatives in Multiple Myeloma: Investigation of the Potential Value of a tRNA-Derived Molecular Signature. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121811. [PMID: 34944627 PMCID: PMC8698603 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy arising from the clonal proliferation of malignant plasma cells. tRNA-derived RNA fragments (tRFs) constitute a class of small non-coding RNAs, deriving from specific enzymatic cleavage of tRNAs. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of few studies to uncover the potential clinical significance of tRFs in MM. Total RNA was extracted from CD138+ plasma cells of MM and smoldering MM patients, and in vitro polyadenylated. First-strand cDNA synthesis was performed, priming from an oligo-dT-adaptor sequence. Next, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays were developed for the quantification of six tRFs. Biostatistical analysis was performed to assess the results and in silico analysis was conducted to predict the function of one of the tRFs. Our results showed that elevated levels of five out of six tRFs are indicators of favorable prognosis in MM, predicting prolonged overall survival (OS), while two of them constitute potential molecular biomarkers of favorable prognosis in terms of disease progression. Moreover, three tRFs could be used as surrogate prognostic biomarkers along with the R-ISS staging system to predict OS. In conclusion, tRFs show molecular biomarker utility in MM, while their mechanisms of function merit further investigation.
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Micheel J, Safrastyan A, Wollny D. Advances in Non-Coding RNA Sequencing. Noncoding RNA 2021; 7:70. [PMID: 34842804 PMCID: PMC8628893 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna7040070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) comprise a set of abundant and functionally diverse RNA molecules. Since the discovery of the first ncRNA in the 1960s, ncRNAs have been shown to be involved in nearly all steps of the central dogma of molecular biology. In recent years, the pace of discovery of novel ncRNAs and their cellular roles has been greatly accelerated by high-throughput sequencing. Advances in sequencing technology, library preparation protocols as well as computational biology helped to greatly expand our knowledge of which ncRNAs exist throughout the kingdoms of life. Moreover, RNA sequencing revealed crucial roles of many ncRNAs in human health and disease. In this review, we discuss the most recent methodological advancements in the rapidly evolving field of high-throughput sequencing and how it has greatly expanded our understanding of ncRNA biology across a large number of different organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Damian Wollny
- RNA Bioinformatics/High Throughput Analysis, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany; (J.M.); (A.S.)
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Sun B, Chen Z, Chi Q, Zhang Y, Gao B. Endogenous tRNA-derived small RNA (tRF3-Thr-AGT) inhibits ZBP1/NLRP3 pathway-mediated cell pyroptosis to attenuate acute pancreatitis (AP). J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:10441-10453. [PMID: 34643045 PMCID: PMC8581331 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous transfer RNA‐derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are newly identified RNAs that are closely associated with the pathogenesis of multiple diseases, but the involvement of tsRNAs in regulating acute pancreatitis (AP) development has not been reported. In this study, we screened out a novel tsRNA, tRF3‐Thr‐AGT, that was aberrantly downregulated in the acinar cell line AR42J treated with sodium taurocholate (STC) and the pancreatic tissues of STC‐induced AP rat models. In addition, STC treatment suppressed cell viability, induced pyroptotic cell death and cellular inflammation in AP models in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of tRF3‐Thr‐AGT partially reversed STC‐induced detrimental effects on the AR42J cells. Next, Z‐DNA‐binding protein 1 (ZBP1) was identified as the downstream target of tRF3‐Thr‐AGT. Interestingly, upregulation of tRF3‐Thr‐AGT suppressed NOD‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)‐mediated pyroptotic cell death in STC‐treated AR42J cells via degrading ZBP1. Moreover, the effects of tRF3‐Thr‐AGT overexpression on cell viability and inflammation in AR42J cells were abrogated by upregulating ZBP1 and NLRP3. Collectively, our data indicated that tRF3‐Thr‐AGT suppressed ZBP1 expressions to restrain NLRP3‐mediated pyroptotic cell death and inflammation in AP models. This study, for the first time, identified the role and potential underlying mechanisms by which tRF3‐Thr‐AGT regulated AP pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boshi Sun
- The 3rd Department of General Surgery, The 2ndAffiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zhuomiaoyu Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Chi
- The 3rd Department of General Surgery, The 2ndAffiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
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Dou R, Zhang X, Xu X, Wang P, Yan B. Mesenchymal stem cell exosomal tsRNA-21109 alleviate systemic lupus erythematosus by inhibiting macrophage M1 polarization. Mol Immunol 2021; 139:106-114. [PMID: 34464838 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with M1-type macrophage activation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapies have shown promise in models of pathologies relevant to SLE, while the function and mechanism of MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-exo) were still unclear. We aimed to interrogate the effect of MSC-exo on M1-type polarization of macrophage and investigate mechanisms underlying MSC-exo. Exosomes were isolated from MSC and the effect of MSC-exo on macrophage polarization was evaluated. The key tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) carried by exosomes were identified by small RNA sequencing and verified in clinical samples. The effect of exosomal-tRFs on macrophage polarization was examined. In this study, MSC-exo dramatically suppressed expression of M1 markers, and reduced the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, while increased M2 markers in macrophages. A total of 243 differently expressed tRFs (DEtRFs) were identified between MSC-exo treated and untreated macrophage, among which 103 DEtRFs were up-regulated in response to MSC-exo treatment, including tsRNA-21109. The target genes of tsRNA-21109 were mainly enriched in DNA transcription-related GO function, and mainly involved in inflammatory-related pathways, including Rap1, Ras, Hippo, Wnt, MAPK, TGF-beta signaling pathway. The tsRNA-21109 was lowly expressed in clinical samples and was associated with the patient data in SLE. Compared to the normal MSC-exo, the tsRNA-21109-privative MSC-exo up-regulated M1 marker (CD80, NOS2, MCP1) and down-regulated M2 marker (CD206, ARG1, MRC2), also increased the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in macrophages. Western blot and immunofluorescence confirmed that the proportion of CD80/ARG-1 was increased in macrophages treated with tsRNA-21109-privatived MSC-exo compared to that with control MSC-exo. In conclusion, MSC-exo inhibited the M1-type polarization of macrophages, possibly through transferring tsRNA-21109, which may develop as a novel therapeutic target for SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Dou
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, Henan Province, China.
| | - Xiulei Zhang
- Department of Microbiome Laboratory, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, Henan Province, China.
| | - Xiangdong Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Pei Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, Henan Province, China.
| | - Beizhan Yan
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, Henan Province, China.
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Yuan Y, Li J, He Z, Fan X, Mao X, Yang M, Yang D. tRNA-derived fragments as New Hallmarks of Aging and Age-related Diseases. Aging Dis 2021; 12:1304-1322. [PMID: 34341710 PMCID: PMC8279533 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2021.0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs), which are non-coding RNAs produced via tRNA cleavage with lengths of 14 to 50 nucleotides, originate from precursor tRNAs or mature tRNAs and exist in a wide range of organisms. tRFs are produced not by random fracture of tRNAs but by specific mechanisms. Considerable evidence shows that tRFs are detectable in model organisms of different ages and are associated with age-related diseases in humans, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. In this literature review, the origin and classification of tRFs and the regulatory mechanisms of tRFs in aging and age-related diseases are summarized. We also describe the available tRF databases and research techniques and lay a foundation for the exploration of tRFs as biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of aging and age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Yuan
- 1Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiamei Li
- 1Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhi He
- 1Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaolan Fan
- 1Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China.,2Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Xueping Mao
- 1Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China.,2Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingyao Yang
- 1Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China.,2Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Deying Yang
- 1Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China.,2Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
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Tao EW, Wang HL, Cheng WY, Liu QQ, Chen YX, Gao QY. A specific tRNA half, 5'tiRNA-His-GTG, responds to hypoxia via the HIF1α/ANG axis and promotes colorectal cancer progression by regulating LATS2. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:67. [PMID: 33588913 PMCID: PMC7885485 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01836-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Currently, tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are recognized as a novel and potential type of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which participate in various cellular processes and play an essential role in cancer progression. However, tsRNAs involvement in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression remains unclear. Methods Sequencing analyses were performed to explore the tsRNAs with differential expression in CRC. Gain- and loss-of functions of 5’tiRNA-His-GTG were performed in CRC cells and xenograft tumor to discover its role in the progression of CRC. Hypoxia culture and hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1α) inhibitors were performed to uncover the biogenesis of 5’tiRNA-His-GTG. The regulation of 5’tiRNA-His-GTG for large tumor suppressor kinase 2 (LATS2) were identified by luciferase reporter assay, western blot, and rescue experiments. Results Here, our study uncovered the profile of tsRNAs in human CRC tissues and confirmed a specific tRNA half, 5’tiRNA-His-GTG, is upregulated in CRC tissues. Then, in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed the oncogenic role of 5’tiRNA-His-GTG in CRC and found that targeting 5’tiRNA-His-GTG can induce cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, the generation of 5’tiRNA-His-GTG seems to be a responsive process of tumor hypoxic microenvironment, and it is regulated via the HIF1α/angiogenin (ANG) axis. Remarkably, LATS2 was found to be an important and major target of 5’tiRNA-His-GTG, which renders 5’tiRNA-His-GTG to “turn off” hippo signaling pathway and finally promotes the expression of pro-proliferation and anti-apoptosis related genes. Conclusions In summary, the findings revealed a specific 5’tiRNA-His-GTG-engaged pathway in CRC progression and provided clues to design a novel therapeutic target in CRC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-01836-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- En-Wei Tao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Ren-Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, 145 Middle Shandong Road, 200001, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao-Lian Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Ren-Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, 145 Middle Shandong Road, 200001, Shanghai, China
| | - Wing Yin Cheng
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Qian-Qian Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Ren-Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, 145 Middle Shandong Road, 200001, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying-Xuan Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Ren-Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, 145 Middle Shandong Road, 200001, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qin-Yan Gao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Ren-Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, 145 Middle Shandong Road, 200001, Shanghai, China.
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Shan S, Wang Y, Zhu C. A comprehensive expression profile of tRNA-derived fragments in papillary thyroid cancer. J Clin Lab Anal 2020; 35:e23664. [PMID: 33332661 PMCID: PMC7957983 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.23664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The incidence of thyroid cancer has been on a rise. Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common type of malignant thyroid tumor and accounts for approximately 85% of thyroid cancer cases. Although the genetic background of PTC has been studied extensively, relatively little is known about the role of small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) in PTC. tRNA‐derived fragments (tRFs) represent a newly discovered class of sncRNAs that exist in many species and play key roles in various biological processes. Methods In this study, we used high‐throughput next‐generation sequencing technology to analyze the expression of tRFs in samples from PTC tissues and normal tissues. We selected four tRFs to perform qPCR to determine the expression levels of these molecules and make bioinformatic predictions. Results We identified 53 unique tRFs and transfer RNA halves (tsRNAs). The 10 most upregulated tRFs and tsRNAs were tRF‐39‐I6D3887S1RMH5MI2, tRF‐21‐2E489B3RB, tRF‐18‐JMRPFQDY, tRF‐17‐202L2YF, tRF‐17‐VBY9PYJ, tRF‐18‐YRRHQFD2, tRF‐21‐WE884U1DD, tRF‐41‐EX2Z10I9BZBZOS4YB, tRF‐39‐HPDEXK7S1RNS9MI2, and tRF‐20‐1SS2P46I. The 10 most downregulated tRFs and tsRNAs were tRF‐31‐HQ9M739P8WQ0B, tRF‐43‐5YXENDBP1IUUK7VZV, tRF‐38‐RZYQHQ9M739P8WD8, tRF‐25‐9M739P8WQ0, tRF‐33‐V6Z3M8ZLSSXUD6, tRF‐27‐MY73H3RXPLM, tRF‐26‐DBNIB9I1KQ0, tRF‐38‐Z9HMI8W47W1R7HX, tRF‐40‐Z6V6Z3M8ZLSSXUOL, and tRF‐39‐YQHQ9M739P8WQ0EB. qPCR verification of cell lines and tissue samples yielded results consistent with the sequencing analysis. As tRF‐39 expression showed the maximum difference between PTC cells and normal cells, we chose this tRF to predict targets and perform functional tRF and tsRNA enrichment analysis. Conclusion In this study, we provided a comprehensive catalog of tRFs involved in PTC and assessed the abnormal expression of these fragments. Through qPCR verification, tRF‐39‐0VL8K87SIRMM12E2 was found to be the most significantly upregulated tRF. Further tRF and enrichment analysis revealed that tRF‐39 was mostly enriched in the “metabolic pathways.” These preliminary findings can be used as the basis for further research studies based on the functional role of tRFs in patients with PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiting Shan
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China.,Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Chunfu Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
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Mechanisms of tRNA-derived fragments and tRNA halves in cancer treatment resistance. Biomark Res 2020; 8:52. [PMID: 33072328 PMCID: PMC7559774 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-020-00233-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) and tRNA halves (tiRNAs) are newly discovered noncoding RNAs in recent years. They are derived from specific cleavage of mature and pre-tRNAs and expressed in various cancers. They enhance cell proliferation and metastasis or inhibit cancer progression. Many studies have investigated their roles in the diagnosis, progression, metastasis, and prognosis of various cancers, but the mechanisms through which they are involved in resistance to cancer treatment are unclear. This review outlines the classification of tRFs and tiRNAs and their mechanisms in cancer drug resistance, thus providing new ideas for cancer treatment.
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