1
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Mao C, Yuan W, Fang R, Wu Y, Zhang Z, Cong H. Transfer RNA‑derived small RNAs: A class of potential biomarkers in multiple cancers (Review). Oncol Lett 2024; 28:293. [PMID: 38737976 PMCID: PMC11082847 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Transfer (t)RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are a class of novel non-coding small RNAs that are created via precise cleavage of tRNAs or tRNA precursors by different enzymes. tsRNAs are specific biological molecules that serve essential roles in cell proliferation, apoptosis, transcriptional regulation, post-transcriptional modification and translational regulation. Additionally, tsRNAs participate in the pathogenesis of several diseases, particularly in the development of malignant tumors. At present, the process of discovering and understanding the functions of tsRNAs is still in its early stages. The present review introduces the known biological functions and mechanisms of tsRNAs, and discusses the tsRNAs progression in several types of cancers as well as the possibility of tsRNAs becoming novel tumor biomarkers. Furthermore, tsRNAs may promote and hinder tumor formation according to different mechanisms and act as oncogenic or oncostatic molecules. Therefore, tsRNAs may be future potential tumor biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Mao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Wentao Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Ronghua Fang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Zhihan Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Hui Cong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
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2
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Velázquez-Flores MÁ, Ruiz Esparza-Garrido R. Fragments derived from non-coding RNAs: how complex is genome regulation? Genome 2024. [PMID: 38684113 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2023-0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The human genome is highly dynamic and only a small fraction of it codes for proteins, but most of the genome is transcribed, highlighting the importance of non-coding RNAs on cellular functions. In addition, it is now known the generation of non-coding RNA fragments under particular cellular conditions and their functions have revealed unexpected mechanisms of action, converging, in some cases, with the biogenic pathways and action machineries of microRNAs or Piwi-interacting RNAs. This led us to the question why the cell produces so many apparently redundant molecules to exert similar functions and regulate apparently convergent processes? However, non-coding RNAs fragments can also function similarly to aptamers, with secondary and tertiary conformations determining their functions. In the present work, it was reviewed and analyzed the current information about the non-coding RNAs fragments, describing their structure and biogenic pathways, with special emphasis on their cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ángel Velázquez-Flores
- Laboratorio de RNAs No Codificantes de la Unidad de Investigación Médica en Genética Humana, Hospital de Pediatría del Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), CDMX, México
| | - Ruth Ruiz Esparza-Garrido
- Investigadora por México, Laboratorio de RNAs No Codificantes de la Unidad de Investigación Médica en Genética Humana, Hospital de Pediatría del Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), CDMX, México
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3
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Zhou M, He X, Zhang J, Mei C, Zhong B, Ou C. tRNA-derived small RNAs in human cancers: roles, mechanisms, and clinical application. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:76. [PMID: 38622694 PMCID: PMC11020452 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01992-2] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are a new type of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) produced by the specific cleavage of precursor or mature tRNAs. tsRNAs are involved in various basic biological processes such as epigenetic, transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translation regulation, thereby affecting the occurrence and development of various human diseases, including cancers. Recent studies have shown that tsRNAs play an important role in tumorigenesis by regulating biological behaviors such as malignant proliferation, invasion and metastasis, angiogenesis, immune response, tumor resistance, and tumor metabolism reprogramming. These may be new potential targets for tumor treatment. Furthermore, tsRNAs can exist abundantly and stably in various bodily fluids (e.g., blood, serum, and urine) in the form of free or encapsulated extracellular vesicles, thereby affecting intercellular communication in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Meanwhile, their abnormal expression is closely related to the clinicopathological features of tumor patients, such as tumor staging, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis of tumor patients; thus, tsRNAs can be served as a novel type of liquid biopsy biomarker. This review summarizes the discovery, production, and expression of tsRNAs and analyzes their molecular mechanisms in tumor development and potential applications in tumor therapy, which may provide new strategies for early diagnosis and targeted therapy of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manli Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Xiaoyun He
- Departments of Ultrasound Imaging, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Cheng Mei
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Xiangya Hospital, Clinical Transfusion Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Baiyun Zhong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Chunlin Ou
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
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4
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Zhang Q, Zhao X, Sun M, Dong D. Novel insights into transfer RNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA) in cardio-metabolic diseases. Life Sci 2024; 341:122475. [PMID: 38309576 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122475] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Cardio-metabolic diseases, including a cluster of metabolic disorders and their secondary affections on cardiovascular physiology, are gradually brought to the forefront by researchers due to their high prevalence and mortality, as well as an unidentified pathogenesis. tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), cleaved by several specific enzymes and once considered as some "metabolic junks" in the past, have been proved to possess numerous functions in human bodies. More interestingly, such a potential also seems to influence the progression of cardio-metabolic diseases to some extent. In this review, the biogenesis, classification and mechanisms of tsRNAs will be discussed based on some latest studies, and their relations with several cardio-metabolic diseases will be highlighted in sequence. Lastly, some future prospects, such as their clinical applications as biomarkers and therapeutic targets will also be mentioned, in order to provide researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the research status of tsRNAs as well as its association with cardio-metabolic diseases, thus presenting as a beacon to indicate directions for the next stage of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingya Zhang
- Innovation Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaopeng Zhao
- College of Exercise and Health, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang 110102, Liaoning, China
| | - Mingli Sun
- College of Exercise and Health, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang 110102, Liaoning, China
| | - Dan Dong
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China.
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5
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Salehi M, Kamali MJ, Rajabzadeh A, Minoo S, Mosharafi H, Saeedi F, Daraei A. tRNA-derived fragments: Key determinants of cancer metastasis with emerging therapeutic and diagnostic potentials. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 753:109930. [PMID: 38369227 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109930] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis is a significant clinical challenge responsible for cancer mortality and non-response to treatment. However, the molecular mechanisms driving metastasis remain unclear, limiting the development of efficient diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Recent breakthroughs in cancer biology have discovered a group of small non-coding RNAs called tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs), which play a critical role in the metastatic behavior of various tumors. tRFs are produced from cleavage modifications of tRNAs and have different functional classes based on the pattern of these modifications. They perform post-transcriptional regulation through microRNA-like functions, displacing RNA-binding proteins, and play a role in translational regulation by inducing ribosome synthesis, translation initiation, and epigenetic regulation. Tumor cells manipulate tRFs to develop and survive the tumor mass, primarily by inducing metastasis. Multiple studies have demonstrated the potential of tRFs as therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic targets for tumor metastasis. This review discusses the production and function of tRFs in cells, their aberrant molecular contributions to the metastatic environment, and their potential as promising targets for anti-metastasis treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Salehi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Kamali
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Aliakbar Rajabzadeh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Shima Minoo
- Department of Dentistry, Khorasgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Fatemeh Saeedi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Abdolreza Daraei
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
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6
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Zhang Y, Gu X, Li Y, Huang Y, Ju S. Multiple regulatory roles of the transfer RNA-derived small RNAs in cancers. Genes Dis 2024; 11:597-613. [PMID: 37692525 PMCID: PMC10491922 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.02.053] [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: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
With the development of sequencing technology, transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) have received extensive attention as a new type of small noncoding RNAs. Based on the differences in the cleavage sites of nucleases on tRNAs, tsRNAs can be divided into two categories, tRNA halves (tiRNAs) and tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs), each with specific subcellular localizations. Additionally, the biogenesis of tsRNAs is tissue-specific and can be regulated by tRNA modifications. In this review, we first elaborated on the classification and biogenesis of tsRNAs. After summarizing the latest mechanisms of tsRNAs, including transcriptional gene silencing, post-transcriptional gene silencing, nascent RNA silencing, translation regulation, rRNA regulation, and reverse transcription regulation, we explored the representative biological functions of tsRNAs in tumors. Furthermore, this review summarized the clinical value of tsRNAs in cancers, thus providing theoretical support for their potential as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Xinliang Gu
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Yang Li
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Yuejiao Huang
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Shaoqing Ju
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
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7
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Shi J, Xu J, Ma J, He F. tRNA-derived small RNAs are embedded in the gene regulatory network instructing Drosophila metamorphosis. Genome Res 2023; 33:2119-2132. [PMID: 37973194 PMCID: PMC10760521 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278128.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
A class of noncoding RNAs, referred to as tsRNAs, is emerging with a potential to exert a new layer in gene regulation. These RNAs are breakdown products of tRNAs, either through active processing or passive cleavage or both. Since tRNAs are part of the general machinery for translation, their expression levels and activities are tightly controlled, raising the possibility that their breakdown products, tsRNAs, may provide a link between the overall translational status of a cell to specific changes in gene regulatory network. We hypothesize that Drosophila pupation, being a special developmental stage during which there is a global limitation of nutrients, represents a system in which such a link may readily reveal itself. We show that specific tsRNAs indeed show a dynamic accumulation upon entering the pupal stage. We describe experiments to characterize the mode of tsRNA action and, through the use of such gained knowledge, conduct a genome-wide analysis to assess the functions of dynamically expressed tsRNAs. Our results show that the predicted target genes are highly enriched in biological processes specific to this stage of development including metamorphosis. We further show that tsRNA action is required for successful pupation, providing direct support to the hypothesis that tsRNAs accumulated during this stage are critical to the gene expression program at this stage of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junling Shi
- Center for Genetic Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Jiaqi Xu
- Center for Genetic Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Center for Genetic Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China;
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University International School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic and Developmental Disorder, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Feng He
- Center for Genetic Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China;
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University International School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic and Developmental Disorder, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
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8
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Kuhle B, Chen Q, Schimmel P. tRNA renovatio: Rebirth through fragmentation. Mol Cell 2023; 83:3953-3971. [PMID: 37802077 PMCID: PMC10841463 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
tRNA function is based on unique structures that enable mRNA decoding using anticodon trinucleotides. These structures interact with specific aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and ribosomes using 3D shape and sequence signatures. Beyond translation, tRNAs serve as versatile signaling molecules interacting with other RNAs and proteins. Through evolutionary processes, tRNA fragmentation emerges as not merely random degradation but an act of recreation, generating specific shorter molecules called tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs). These tsRNAs exploit their linear sequences and newly arranged 3D structures for unexpected biological functions, epitomizing the tRNA "renovatio" (from Latin, meaning renewal, renovation, and rebirth). Emerging methods to uncover full tRNA/tsRNA sequences and modifications, combined with techniques to study RNA structures and to integrate AI-powered predictions, will enable comprehensive investigations of tRNA fragmentation products and new interaction potentials in relation to their biological functions. We anticipate that these directions will herald a new era for understanding biological complexity and advancing pharmaceutical engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Kuhle
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Qi Chen
- Molecular Medicine Program, Department of Human Genetics, and Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Paul Schimmel
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Chen Q, Zhou T. Emerging functional principles of tRNA-derived small RNAs and other regulatory small RNAs. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105225. [PMID: 37673341 PMCID: PMC10562873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in small RNA sequencing have unveiled a previously hidden world of regulatory small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) that extend beyond the well-studied small interfering RNAs, microRNAs, and piwi-interacting RNAs. This exploration, starting with tRNA-derived small RNAs, has led to the discovery of a diverse universe of sncRNAs derived from various longer structured RNAs such as rRNAs, small nucleolar RNAs, small nuclear RNAs, Y RNAs, and vault RNAs, with exciting uncharted functional possibilities. In this perspective, we discuss the emerging functional principles of sncRNAs beyond the well-known RNAi-like mechanisms, focusing on those that operate independent of linear sequence complementarity but rather function in an aptamer-like fashion. Aptamers use 3D structure for specific interactions with ligands and are modulated by RNA modifications and subcellular environments. Given that aptamer-like sncRNA functions are widespread and present in species lacking RNAi, they may represent an ancient functional principle that predates RNAi. We propose a rethinking of the origin of RNAi and its relationship with these aptamer-like functions in sncRNAs and how these complementary mechanisms shape biological processes. Lastly, the aptamer-like function of sncRNAs highlights the need for caution in using small RNA mimics in research and therapeutics, as their specificity is not restricted solely to linear sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Chen
- Molecular Medicine Program, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
| | - Tong Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA.
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10
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Anastassiadis T, Köhrer C. Ushering in the era of tRNA medicines. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105246. [PMID: 37703991 PMCID: PMC10583094 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Long viewed as an intermediary in protein translation, there is a growing awareness that tRNAs are capable of myriad other biological functions linked to human health and disease. These emerging roles could be tapped to leverage tRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers, therapeutic targets, or even as novel medicines. Furthermore, the growing array of tRNA-derived fragments, which modulate an increasingly broad spectrum of cellular pathways, is expanding this opportunity. Together, these molecules offer drug developers the chance to modulate the impact of mutations and to alter cell homeostasis. Moreover, because a single therapeutic tRNA can facilitate readthrough of a genetic mutation shared across multiple genes, such medicines afford the opportunity to define patient populations not based on their clinical presentation or mutated gene but rather on the mutation itself. This approach could potentially transform the treatment of patients with rare and ultrarare diseases. In this review, we explore the diverse biology of tRNA and its fragments, examining the past and present challenges to provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecules and their therapeutic potential.
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11
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Abstract
The study of eukaryotic tRNA processing has given rise to an explosion of new information and insights in the last several years. We now have unprecedented knowledge of each step in the tRNA processing pathway, revealing unexpected twists in biochemical pathways, multiple new connections with regulatory pathways, and numerous biological effects of defects in processing steps that have profound consequences throughout eukaryotes, leading to growth phenotypes in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and to neurological and other disorders in humans. This review highlights seminal new results within the pathways that comprise the life of a tRNA, from its birth after transcription until its death by decay. We focus on new findings and revelations in each step of the pathway including the end-processing and splicing steps, many of the numerous modifications throughout the main body and anticodon loop of tRNA that are so crucial for tRNA function, the intricate tRNA trafficking pathways, and the quality control decay pathways, as well as the biogenesis and biology of tRNA-derived fragments. We also describe the many interactions of these pathways with signaling and other pathways in the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M Phizicky
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York 14642, USA
| | - Anita K Hopper
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Center for RNA Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43235, USA
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12
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Aygün I, Rzepczak A, Miki TS. A germline-targeted genetic screen for xrn-2 suppressors identifies a novel gene C34C12.2 in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genet Mol Biol 2023; 46:e20220328. [PMID: 37216322 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2022-0328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
XRN2 is an evolutionarily conserved 5'-to-3' exoribonuclease, which degrades or trims various types of RNA in the nucleus. Although XRN-2 is essential for embryogenesis, larval development and reproduction in Caenorhabditis elegans, relevant molecular pathways remain unidentified. Here we create a germline-specific xrn-2 conditional mutant and perform a mutagenesis screen for suppressors of sterility. Loss-of-function alleles of dpy-10, osr-1, ptr-6 and C34C12.2 genes are identified. Depletion of DPY-10, OSR-1 or PTR-6 increases expression of gpdh-1 that encodes a glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, thereby elevates glycerol accumulation to suppress sterility of the mutant. The C34C12.2 protein is predominantly localized in the nucleolus of germ cells and shows a similarity to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Net1, which is involved in rDNA silencing. Depletion of NRDE-2, a putative interacting partner of C34C12.2 and a component of the nuclear RNAi machinery, restores fertility to the xrn-2 conditional mutant. These results may help to identify an essential role of XRN-2 in germline development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilkin Aygün
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Department of Developmental Biology, Poznań, Poland
| | - Alicja Rzepczak
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Department of Developmental Biology, Poznań, Poland
| | - Takashi S Miki
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Department of Developmental Biology, Poznań, Poland
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13
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Di Fazio A, Gullerova M. An old friend with a new face: tRNA-derived small RNAs with big regulatory potential in cancer biology. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:1625-1635. [PMID: 36759729 PMCID: PMC10133234 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02191-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) essential for protein translation. Emerging evidence suggests that tRNAs can also be processed into smaller fragments, tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), a novel class of sncRNAs with powerful applications and high biological relevance to cancer. tsRNAs biogenesis is heterogeneous and involves different ribonucleases, such as Angiogenin and Dicer. For many years, tsRNAs were thought to be just degradation products. However, accumulating evidence shows their roles in gene expression: either directly via destabilising the mRNA or the ribosomal machinery, or indirectly via regulating the expression of ribosomal components. Furthermore, tsRNAs participate in various biological processes linked to cancer, including apoptosis, cell cycle, immune response, and retroviral insertion into the human genome. It is emerging that tsRNAs have significant therapeutic potential. Endogenous tsRNAs can be used as cancer biomarkers, while synthetic tsRNAs and antisense oligonucleotides can be employed to regulate gene expression. In this review, we are recapitulating the regulatory roles of tsRNAs, with a focus on cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Di Fazio
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Monika Gullerova
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK.
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14
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U A, Viswam P, Kattupalli D, Eppurathu Vasudevan S. Elucidation of transfer RNAs as stress regulating agents and the experimental strategies to conceive the functional role of tRNA-derived fragments in plants. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2023; 43:275-292. [PMID: 35382663 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2022.2026288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In plants, the transfer RNAs (tRNAs) exhibit their profound influence in orchestrating diverse physiological activities like cell growth, development, and response to several surrounding stimuli. The tRNAs, which were known to restrict their function solely in deciphering the codons, are now emerging as frontline defenders in stress biology. The plants that are constantly confronted with a huge panoply of stresses rely on tRNA-mediated stress regulation by altering the tRNA abundance, curbing the transport of tRNAs, fragmenting the mature tRNAs during stress. Among them, the studies on the generation of transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs) and their biological implication in stress response have attained huge interest. In plants, the tRFs hold stable expression patterns and regulate biological functions under diverse environmental conditions. In this review, we discuss the fate of plant tRNAs upon stress and thereafter how the tRFs are metamorphosed into sharp ammunition to wrestle with stress. We also address the various methods developed to date for uncovering the role of tRFs and their function in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswathi U
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Transdisciplinary Biology Laboratory, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Pooja Viswam
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Transdisciplinary Biology Laboratory, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Divya Kattupalli
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Transdisciplinary Biology Laboratory, Thiruvananthapuram, India
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15
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Fu M, Gu J, Wang M, Zhang J, Chen Y, Jiang P, Zhu T, Zhang X. Emerging roles of tRNA-derived fragments in cancer. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:30. [PMID: 36782290 PMCID: PMC9926655 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01739-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are an emerging category of small non-coding RNAs that are generated from cleavage of mature tRNAs or tRNA precursors. The advance in high-throughput sequencing has contributed to the identification of increasing number of tRFs with critical functions in distinct physiological and pathophysiological processes. tRFs can regulate cell viability, differentiation, and homeostasis through multiple mechanisms and are thus considered as critical regulators of human diseases including cancer. In addition, increasing evidence suggest the extracellular tRFs may be utilized as promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for cancer liquid biopsy. In this review, we focus on the biogenesis, classification and modification of tRFs, and summarize the multifaceted functions of tRFs with an emphasis on the current research status and perspectives of tRFs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Fu
- grid.452247.2Institute of Digestive Diseases, The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212002 Jiangsu China ,grid.440785.a0000 0001 0743 511XJiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013 Jiangsu China
| | - Jianmei Gu
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Departmemt of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Nantong Tumor Hospital/Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226361 Jiangsu China
| | - Maoye Wang
- grid.440785.a0000 0001 0743 511XJiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013 Jiangsu China
| | - Jiahui Zhang
- grid.440785.a0000 0001 0743 511XJiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013 Jiangsu China
| | - Yanke Chen
- grid.440785.a0000 0001 0743 511XJiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013 Jiangsu China
| | - Pengcheng Jiang
- grid.452247.2Institute of Digestive Diseases, The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212002 Jiangsu China
| | - Taofeng Zhu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Yixing Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Yixing, 214200, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xu Zhang
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212002, Jiangsu, China. .,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China.
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16
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Zhang S, Yu X, Xie Y, Ye G, Guo J. tRNA derived fragments:A novel player in gene regulation and applications in cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1063930. [PMID: 36761955 PMCID: PMC9904238 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1063930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The heterogeneous species of tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) with specific biological functions was recently identified. Distinct roles of tRFs in tumor development and viral infection, mediated through transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, has been demonstrated. In this review, we briefly summarize the current literatures on the classification of tRFs and the effects of tRNA modification on tRF biogenesis. Moreover, we highlight the tRF repertoire of biological roles such as gene silencing, and regulation of translation, cell apoptosis, and epigenetics. We also summarize the biological roles of various tRFs in cancer development and viral infection, their potential value as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for different types of cancers, and their potential use in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangshuang Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xiuchong Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yaoyao Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Guoliang Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China,Institute of Digestive Diseases, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Junming Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China,Institute of Digestive Diseases, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China,*Correspondence: Junming Guo,
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17
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Hou J, Li Q, Wang J, Lu W. tRFs and tRNA Halves: Novel Cellular Defenders in Multiple Biological Processes. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:5949-5962. [PMID: 36547066 PMCID: PMC9777342 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44120405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
tRNA fragments derived from angiogenin or Dicer cleavage are referred to as tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) and tRNA halves. tRFs and tRNA halves have been identified in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes and are precisely cleaved at specific sites on either precursor or mature tRNA transcripts rather than via random degradation. tRFs and tRNA halves are highly involved in regulating transcription and translation in a canonical or non-canonical manner in response to cellular stress. In this review, we summarize the biogenesis and types of tRFs and tRNA halves, clarify the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of tRNA fragments in both physiological and pathological processes with a particular focus on their cytoprotective roles in defending against oxidation and apoptosis, and highlight their potential application as biomarkers in determining cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Hou
- Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center of Animal Breeding & Reproduction Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
- Key Lab of the Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Qianqing Li
- Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center of Animal Breeding & Reproduction Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
- Key Lab of the Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center of Animal Breeding & Reproduction Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
- Key Lab of the Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
- Correspondence: (J.W.); (W.L.); Tel.: +86-0431-84533525; Fax: +861-0431-84533525
| | - Wenfa Lu
- Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center of Animal Breeding & Reproduction Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
- Key Lab of the Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
- Correspondence: (J.W.); (W.L.); Tel.: +86-0431-84533525; Fax: +861-0431-84533525
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18
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Characteristics of tRNA-Derived Small RNAs and microRNAs Associated with Immunocompromise in an Intrauterine Growth-Restricted Pig Model. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162102. [PMID: 36009692 PMCID: PMC9404909 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to the slow growth and development of an embryo or fetus in the uterus of mammals. IUGR newborns commonly present with slow growth and the development of the body and organs accompany increased risks of infection during the early life period. IUGR remains a significant global public health issue, particularly in developing countries. In this work, we investigated the transfer RNA-derived small RNA and microRNA expression profiles in the spleen using pigs as an IUGR model. These results uncover an important potential regulator network involved in immunocompromise caused by IUGR. The present studies provide a novel perspective on the molecular regulatory mechanism of IUGR and a reference for prevention and treatment. Abstract Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is an important cause of newborn morbidity and mortality in mammals. Transfer RNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA) has become an emerging non-coding RNA in recent years. tsRNA and microRNAs (miRNAs) share similar mechanisms, which are involved in various biological processes. In this study, the pig was used as a model of IUGR, and the tsRNA and miRNA expression profile in the spleen was characterized by RNA sequencing. A total of 361 miRNAs and 620 tsRNAs were identified, of which 22 were differentially expressed miRNA (DEM) and 25 differentially expressed tsRNA (DET). tRF-5c were the primary tsRNA type making up more than 90%, and the most abundantly expressed tsRNAs are from tRNA-Gly-GCC. Functional enrichment analysis found that those DETs and DEMs have been implicated in the immune system process. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis revealed ssc-miR-370, ssc-miR-206, tiRNA-Ser-TGA-001 and tRF-Val-AAC-034 could be major regulators. TNF, TLR4, CD44, MAPK1 and STAT1 were predicted hub target genes. Those DETs and DEMs may regulate the T-cell receptor signaling pathway and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway to mediate the immunocompromise caused by IUGR. The results discussed in this article uncover the potential role of tsRNAs and miRNAs in IUGR porcine spleen.
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Gu X, Zhang Y, Qin X, Ma S, Huang Y, Ju S. Transfer RNA-derived small RNA: an emerging small non-coding RNA with key roles in cancer. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:35. [PMID: 35658952 PMCID: PMC9164556 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00290-1] [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: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) promote protein translation by binding to the corresponding amino acids and transporting them to the ribosome, which is essential in protein translation. tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are derived fragments of tRNAs that are cleaved explicitly under certain conditions. An increasing amount of research has demonstrated that tsRNAs have biological functions rather than just being degradation products. tsRNAs can exert functions such as regulating gene expression to influence cancer progression. Their dysregulation is closely associated with various cancers and can serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for cancer. This review summarizes the generation, classification, and biological functions of tsRNAs, and highlights the roles of tsRNAs in different cancers and their applications as tumor markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinliang Gu
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road, No. 20, Nantong, China.,Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road, No. 20, Nantong, China.,Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xinyue Qin
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road, No. 20, Nantong, China.,Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Shuo Ma
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road, No. 20, Nantong, China.,Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yuejiao Huang
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China. .,Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road, No. 20, Nantong, China.
| | - Shaoqing Ju
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road, No. 20, Nantong, China.
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20
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Fu BF, Xu CY. Transfer RNA-Derived Small RNAs: Novel Regulators and Biomarkers of Cancers. Front Oncol 2022; 12:843598. [PMID: 35574338 PMCID: PMC9096126 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.843598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are conventional non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) with a length between18 and 40 nucleotides (nt) playing a crucial role in treating various human diseases including tumours. Nowadays, with the use of high-throughput sequencing technologies, it has been proven that certain tsRNAs are dysregulated in multiple tumour tissues as well as in the blood serum of cancer patients. Meanwhile, data retrieved from the literature show that tsRNAs are correlated with the regulation of the hallmarks of cancer, modification of tumour microenvironment, and modulation of drug resistance. On the other side, the emerging role of tsRNAs as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis is promising. In this review, we focus on the specific characteristics and biological functions of tsRNAs with a focus on their impact on various tumours and discuss the possibility of tsRNAs as novel potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi-Fei Fu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Chao-Yang Xu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
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21
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Tian H, Hu Z, Wang C. The Therapeutic Potential of tRNA-derived Small RNAs in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Aging Dis 2022; 13:389-401. [PMID: 35371602 PMCID: PMC8947841 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2021.0903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expressions and functions at various levels, namely post-transcriptional, transcriptional, and epigenetic, can be regulated by transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), which are as well-established as tRNA fragments or tRFs. This regulation occurs when tsRNAs are created through the special endonuclease-mediated cleavage of mature or precursor tRNAs. However, tsRNAs are newly discovered entities, and molecular functions associated with tsRNAs are still not clearly understood. There is increasingly robust evidence suggesting that specific tsRNAs perform fundamental tasks in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and neurobehavioral disorders. Indeed, the patterns of tsRNA expression are uncertain and could be altered in patients suffering from Parkinson's disease, pontocerebellar hypoplasia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders. In the present article, a review is conducted of recent domestic and international progress in research on the potential cellular and molecular mechanisms of tsRNA biogenesis. We also describe endogenous tsRNAs during neuronal development and neurodegenerative disorders, thereby providing theoretical support and guidance for further revealing the therapeutic potential of tsRNAs in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haihua Tian
- 1Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.,2Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.,3Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.,4Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhenyu Hu
- 5Department of Child Psychiatry, Ningbo Kanning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chuang Wang
- 1Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.,2Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.,3Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
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22
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Luo K, Li S, Zheng Z, Lai X, Ju M, Li C, Wan X. tsRNAs及其对植物响应非生物胁迫时基因表达的调控. CHINESE SCIENCE BULLETIN-CHINESE 2022. [DOI: 10.1360/tb-2022-0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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23
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Li K, Lin Y, Luo Y, Xiong X, Wang L, Durante K, Li J, Zhou F, Guo Y, Chen S, Chen Y, Zhang D, Yeung SCJ, Zhang H. A signature of saliva-derived exosomal small RNAs as predicting biomarker for esophageal carcinoma: a multicenter prospective study. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:21. [PMID: 35042519 PMCID: PMC8764835 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01499-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are produced in a nuclease-dependent manner in responses to variety of stresses that are common in cancers. We focus on a cancer-enriched tsRNA signature to develop a salivary exosome-based non-invasive biomarker for human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS Cancer-enriched small RNAs were identified by RNA sequencing of salivary exosomes obtained from ESCC patients (n = 3) and healthy controls (n = 3) in a pilot study and further validated in discovery cohort (n = 66). A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted in two ESCC high-incidence regions (n = 320 and 200, respectively) using the newly developed biomarker signature. RESULTS The tsRNA (tRNA-GlyGCC-5) and a previously undocumented small RNA were specifically enriched in salivary exosomes of ESCC patients, ESCC tissues and ESCC cells. The bi-signature composed of these small RNAs was able to discriminate ESCC patients from the controls with high sensitivity (90.50%) and specificity (94.20%). Based on the bi-signature Risk Score for Prognosis (RSP), patients with high-RSP have both shorter overall survival (OS) (HR 4.95, 95%CI 2.90-8.46) and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR 3.69, 95%CI 2.24-6.10) than those with low-RSP. In addition, adjuvant therapy improved OS (HR 0.47, 95%CI 0.29-0.77) and PFS (HR 0.36, 95%CI 0.21-0.62) only for patients with high but not low RSP. These findings are consistent in both training and validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS The tsRNA-based signature not only has the potential for diagnosis and prognosis but also may serve as a pre-operative biomarker to select patients who would benefit from adjuvant therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION A prospective study of diagnosis biomarkers of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, ChiCTR2000031507 . Registered 3 April 2016 - Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- Institute of Precision Cancer Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, and Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yusheng Lin
- Institute of Precision Cancer Medicine and Pathology, Jinan University Medical College, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Graduate School, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yichen Luo
- Institute of Precision Cancer Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, and Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao Xiong
- Institute of Precision Cancer Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, and Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Institute of Precision Cancer Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, and Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kameron Durante
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, 4170 City Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19131, USA
| | - Junkuo Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Anyang Tumor Hospital, Anyang, Henan, China
| | - Fuyou Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Anyang Tumor Hospital, Anyang, Henan, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Endoscopy Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaobin Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuping Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dianzheng Zhang
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, 4170 City Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19131, USA
| | - Sai-Ching Jim Yeung
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, and Institute of Precision Cancer Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, Jinan University Medical College, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
- Minister of Education Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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24
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Zhou Y, Cui Q, Zhou Y. Screening and Comprehensive Analysis of Cancer-Associated tRNA-Derived Fragments. Front Genet 2022; 12:747931. [PMID: 35095997 PMCID: PMC8795687 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.747931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) constitute a novel class of small non-coding RNA cleaved from tRNAs. In recent years, researches have shown the regulatory roles of a few tRFs in cancers, illuminating a new direction for tRF-centric cancer researches. Nonetheless, more specific screening of tRFs related to oncogenesis pathways, cancer progression stages and cancer prognosis is continuously demanded to reveal the landscape of the cancer-associated tRFs. In this work, by combining the clinical information recorded in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the tRF expression profiles curated by MINTbase v2.0, we systematically screened 1,516 cancer-associated tRFs (ca-tRFs) across seven cancer types. The ca-tRF set collectively combined the differentially expressed tRFs between cancer samples and control samples, the tRFs significantly correlated with tumor stage and the tRFs significantly correlated with patient survival. By incorporating our previous tRF-target dataset, we found the ca-tRFs tend to target cancer-associated genes and onco-pathways like ATF6-mediated unfolded protein response, angiogenesis, cell cycle process regulation, focal adhesion, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, cellular senescence and FoxO signaling pathway across multiple cancer types. And cell composition analysis implies that the expressions of ca-tRFs are more likely to be correlated with T-cell infiltration. We also found the ca-tRF expression pattern is informative to prognosis, suggesting plausible tRF-based cancer subtypes. Together, our systematic analysis demonstrates the potentially extensive involvements of tRFs in cancers, and provides a reasonable list of cancer-associated tRFs for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Zhou
- MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qinghua Cui
- MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yuan Zhou,
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25
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Qiu Z, Wang Q, Liu L, Li G, Hao Y, Ning S, Zhang L, Zhang X, Chen Y, Wu J, Wang X, Yang S, Lin Y, Xu S. Riddle of the Sphinx: Emerging Role of Transfer RNAs in Human Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:794986. [PMID: 34975491 PMCID: PMC8714751 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.794986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The dysregulation of transfer RNA (tRNA) expression contributes to the diversity of proteomics, heterogeneity of cell populations, and instability of the genome, which may be related to human cancer susceptibility. However, the relationship between tRNA dysregulation and cancer susceptibility remains elusive because the landscape of cancer-associated tRNAs has not been portrayed yet. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms of tRNAs involved in tumorigenesis and cancer progression have not been systematically understood. In this review, we detail current knowledge of cancer-related tRNAs and comprehensively summarize the basic characteristics and functions of these tRNAs, with a special focus on their role and involvement in human cancer. This review bridges the gap between tRNAs and cancer and broadens our understanding of their relationship, thus providing new insights and strategies to improve the potential clinical applications of tRNAs for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilin Qiu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Guozheng Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yi Hao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Shipeng Ning
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yihai Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Jiale Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Xinheng Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Shuai Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yaoxin Lin
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yaoxin Lin, ; Shouping Xu,
| | - Shouping Xu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Yaoxin Lin, ; Shouping Xu,
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Aygün I, Miki TS. Nuclear RNA Regulation by XRN2 and XTBD Family Proteins. Cell Struct Funct 2021; 46:73-78. [PMID: 34483148 PMCID: PMC10511037 DOI: 10.1247/csf.21041] [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: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
XRN2 is a 5'-to-3' exoribonuclease that is predominantly localized in the nucleus. By degrading or trimming various classes of RNA, XRN2 contributes to essential processes in gene expression such as transcription termination and ribosome biogenesis. Despite limited substrate specificity in vitro, XRN2 targets a specific subset of RNA by interacting with other proteins in cells. Here we review the functions of proteins that have an evolutionarily conserved XRN2-binding domain, XTBD. These proteins modulate activity of XRN2 by stabilizing it, controlling its subcellular localization or recruiting it to specific RNA targets, and thereby impact on various cellular processes.Key words: RNA regulation, XRN2, XTBD, ribosome biogenesis, subcellular localization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilkin Aygün
- Department of Developmental Biology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Takashi S. Miki
- Department of Developmental Biology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Lu H, Liu L, Han S, Wang B, Qin J, Bu K, Zhang Y, Li Z, Ma L, Tian J, Zhang K, Li T, Cui H, Liu X. Expression of tiRNA and tRF in APP/PS1 transgenic mice and the change of related proteins expression. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1457. [PMID: 34734009 PMCID: PMC8506760 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-4318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Transcriptomics, such as that of non-coding RNA (ncRNA), which include microRNA (miRNA), circular RNA, and the transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived fragments (tiRNA and tRF) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) have attracted much attention recently. The tiRNA and tRFs are produced when the tRNA splits at specific sites. The expression change and related function of tiRNA and tRFs in AD has not been fully investigated. Methods In our study, APP/PS1 transgenic mice (AD mice model) and healthy control mice were used to discover the differentially expressed tiRNA and tRFs with high-throughput sequencing. Among the differentially expressed tiRNA and tRFs, we chose two tRFs (tRF-Thr-CGT-003 and tRF-Leu-CAA-004) and predicted the target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) with miRanda and Target Scan. The target mRNAs of tRF-related function and pathways were analyzed, then we performed quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot to validate the related target mRNAs and pathways. Results A total of 27 significantly different tiRNA and tRFs were detected between wild type (WT) and APP/PS1 groups, including 14 up-regulated and 13 down-regulated. Through analyzing the target mRNAs of all differentially expressed tiRNA and tRFs with GO enrichment, we found the target mRNAs could take part in the learning and memory biological process, synapse organization, cognition biological process, synaptic transmission, amyloid-β (Aβ) metabolic process, and so on. We then chose three differentially expressed tRFs for further qPCR validation and passed two tRFs: tRF-Thr-CGT-003 and tRF-Leu-CAA-004, that were found to regulate the calcium regulation-related proteins (the voltage-gated calcium channel γ2 subunit and the RYR1 endoplasmic reticulum calcium released protein) and the retinol metabolism-related proteins (retinoic acid metabolic enzymes CYP2S1, CYP2C68, CYP2S1). Conclusions The APP expression and presenilin mutation in APP/PS1 mice could cause tiRNA and tRFs expression change. Among the differentially expressed tiRNA and tRFs, we found some tRFs took part in the voltage-gated calcium channel γ2 subunit expression and regulation, influencing the neuron calcium homeostasis. Moreover, we also found the tRFs may participate in the regulation of retinol metabolism. Our findings suggest that the dysregulated tiRNA and tRFs may be beneficially exploited as potential diagnostic biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglin Lu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shu Han
- Department of Electrocardiogram, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Binbin Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jin Qin
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Kailin Bu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yingzhen Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhongzhong Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lina Ma
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jing Tian
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Tong Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Huixian Cui
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaoyun Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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28
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Gu H, Lian B, Yuan Y, Kong C, Li Y, Liu C, Qi Y. A 5' tRNA-Ala-derived small RNA regulates anti-fungal defense in plants. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2021; 65:1-15. [PMID: 34705222 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-2017-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Apart from their primordial role in protein synthesis, tRNAs can be cleaved to produce tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs). The biological functions of tsRNAs in plants remain largely unknown. In this study, we developed RtcB ligation-based small RNA (sRNA) sequencing, a method that captures and distinguishes between 3'-2',3'-cyclic-phosphate (cP)/phosphate (P)-terminated sRNAs and 3'-OH-terminated sRNAs, and profiled 5' tsRNAs and 5' tRNA halves in Arabidopsis thaliana. We found that Arabidopsis 5' tsRNAs and 5' tRNA halves predominantly contain a cP at the 3' end and require S-like RNase 1 (RNS1) and RNS3 for their production. One of the most abundant 5' tsRNAs, 5' tsR-Ala, by associating with AGO1, negatively regulates Cytochrome P450 71A13 (CYP71A13) expression and camalexin biosynthesis to repress anti-fungal defense. Interestingly, 5' tsR-Ala is downregulated upon fungal infection. Our study provides a global view of 5' tsRNAs and 5' tRNA halves in Arabidopsis and unravels an important role of a 5' tsRNA in regulating anti-fungal defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanqing Gu
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Bi Lian
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yuxiang Yuan
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Ci Kong
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yan Li
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yijun Qi
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China. .,Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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Chen Q, Zhang X, Shi J, Yan M, Zhou T. Origins and evolving functionalities of tRNA-derived small RNAs. Trends Biochem Sci 2021; 46:790-804. [PMID: 34053843 PMCID: PMC8448906 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are among the most ancient small RNAs in all domains of life and are generated by the cleavage of tRNAs. Emerging studies have begun to reveal the versatile roles of tsRNAs in fundamental biological processes, including gene silencing, ribosome biogenesis, retrotransposition, and epigenetic inheritance, which are rooted in tsRNA sequence conservation, RNA modifications, and protein-binding abilities. We summarize the mechanisms of tsRNA biogenesis and the impact of RNA modifications, and propose how thinking of tsRNA functionality from an evolutionary perspective urges the expansion of tsRNA research into a wider spectrum, including cross-tissue/cross-species regulation and harnessing of the 'tsRNA code' for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Chen
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
| | - Xudong Zhang
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Junchao Shi
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Menghong Yan
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Tong Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA.
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30
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Guan L, Grigoriev A. Computational meta-analysis of ribosomal RNA fragments: potential targets and interaction mechanisms. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:4085-4103. [PMID: 33772581 PMCID: PMC8053083 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The most abundant cellular RNA species, ribosomal RNA (rRNA), appears to be a source of massive amounts of non-randomly generated fragments. We found rRNA fragments (rRFs) in immunoprecipitated Argonaute (Ago-IP) complexes in human and mouse cells and in small RNA sequencing datasets. In human Ago1-IP, guanine-rich rRFs were preferentially cut in single-stranded regions of mature rRNAs between pyrimidines and adenosine, and non-randomly paired with cellular transcripts in crosslinked chimeras. Numerous identical rRFs were found in the cytoplasm and nucleus in mouse Ago2-IP. We report specific interaction motifs enriched in rRF-target pairs. Locations of such motifs on rRFs were compatible with the Ago structural features and patterns of the Ago-RNA crosslinking in both species. Strikingly, many of these motifs may bind to double-stranded regions on target RNAs, suggesting a potential pathway for regulating translation by unwinding mRNAs. Occurring on either end of rRFs and matching intronic, untranslated or coding regions in targets, such interaction sites extend the concept of microRNA seed regions. Targeting both borders of certain short introns, rRFs may be involved in their biogenesis or function, facilitated by Ago. Frequently dismissed as noise, rRFs are poised to greatly enrich the known functional spectrum of small RNA regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Guan
- Department of Biology, Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ 08102, USA
| | - Andrey Grigoriev
- Department of Biology, Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ 08102, USA
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31
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Krishna S, Raghavan S, DasGupta R, Palakodeti D. tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs): establishing their turf in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:2607-2619. [PMID: 33388834 PMCID: PMC11073306 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03720-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived fragments (tRFs) are an emerging class of conserved small non-coding RNAs that play important roles in post-transcriptional gene regulation. High-throughput sequencing of multiple biological samples have identified heterogeneous species of tRFs with distinct functionalities. These small RNAs have garnered a lot of scientific attention due to their ubiquitous expression and versatility in regulating various biological processes. In this review, we highlight our current understanding of tRF biogenesis and their regulatory functions. We summarize the diverse modes of biogenesis through which tRFs are generated and discuss the mechanism through which different tRF species regulate gene expression and the biological implications. Finally, we conceptualize research areas that require focus to strengthen our understanding of the biogenesis and function of tRFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srikar Krishna
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
- SASTRA University, Thirumalaisamudram, Thanjavur, India
| | - Srikala Raghavan
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India.
| | - Ramanuj DasGupta
- Precision Oncology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore.
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32
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Zong T, Yang Y, Zhao H, Li L, Liu M, Fu X, Tang G, Zhou H, Aung LHH, Li P, Wang J, Wang Z, Yu T. tsRNAs: Novel small molecules from cell function and regulatory mechanism to therapeutic targets. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e12977. [PMID: 33507586 PMCID: PMC7941233 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
tsRNAs are small fragments of RNAs with specific lengths that are generated by particular ribonucleases, such as dicer and angiogenin (ANG), clipping on the rings of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) in specific cells and tissues under specific conditions. Depending on where the splicing site is, tsRNAs can be segmented into two main types, tRNA‐derived stress‐induced RNAs (tiRNAs) and tRNA‐derived fragments (tRFs). Many studies have shown that tsRNAs are functional molecules, not the random degradative products of tRNAs. Notably, due to their regulatory mechanism in regulating mRNA stability, transcription, ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis and RNA reverse transcription, tsRNAs are significantly involved in the cell function, such as cell proliferation, migration, cycle and apoptosis, as well as the occurrence and development of a variety of diseases. In addition, tsRNAs may represent a new generation of clinical biomarkers or therapeutic targets because of their stable structures, high conservation and widely distribution, particularly in the peripheral tissues, bodily fluids and exosomes. In this review, we describe the generation, function and mechanism of tsRNAs and illustrate the current research progress of tsRNAs in various diseases, highlight their potentials as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in clinical application. Although our understanding of tsRNAs is still in infancy, the application prospects shown in this field deserve further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingyu Zong
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanyan Yang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Vascular surgery, Qingdao Hiser Medical Center, Qingdao, China
| | - Meixin Liu
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiuxiu Fu
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guozhang Tang
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lynn Htet Htet Aung
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Peifeng Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jianxun Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhibin Wang
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Tao Yu
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Zhu XL, Li T, Cao Y, Yao QP, Liu X, Li Y, Guan YY, Deng JJ, Jiang R, Jiang J. tRNA-derived fragments tRF GlnCTG induced by arterial injury promote vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 23:603-613. [PMID: 33552681 PMCID: PMC7819823 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) and tRNA halves (tiRNAs) are originated from the specific cleavage of endogenous tRNAs or their precursors and regulate gene expression when the cells are in stressful circumstances. Here, we replicated the rat common carotid artery (CCA) intimal hyperplasia model and investigated the expression of tRFs/tiRNAs in the artery. The normal and the balloon-injured rat CCAs were subjected to small RNA sequencing, and then the differentially expressed tRFs/tiRNAs were identified and analyzed. The expression profiles of tRFs/tiRNAs in the healthy and injured CCAs were remarkably different. tRNAGlnCTG-derived fragments (tRFGlnCTG) were found to be overexpressed with a high abundance in the injured CCA. In in vitro experiments, the synthetic tRFGlnCTG mimetics elevated the proliferation and migration of rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Through bioinformatics analysis and an overexpression experiment, tRFGlnCTG was found to negatively regulate the expression of FAS cell surface death receptor (FAS). This study revealed that tRFGlnCTG is a crucial regulator in promoting VSMC proliferation. The investigation of the roles of tRFs/tiRNAs is of significance for understanding the mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of intimal hyperplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ling Zhu
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Tao Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease of Sichuan Province, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qing-Ping Yao
- Institute of Mechanobiology & Medical Engineering, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yang-Yang Guan
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Ji-Jun Deng
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Rui Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Corresponding author: Rui Jiang, Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan Province, China.
| | - Jun Jiang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease of Sichuan Province, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Corresponding author: Jun Jiang, Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan Province, China.
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Ding L, Jiang M, Wang R, Shen D, Wang H, Lu Z, Zheng Q, Wang L, Xia L, Li G. The emerging role of small non-coding RNA in renal cell carcinoma. Transl Oncol 2020; 14:100974. [PMID: 33395751 PMCID: PMC7719974 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
SncRNAs contribute to the progress of renal cell carcinoma. SncRNAs are promising biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma. Despite the potential of sncRNA-based cancer therapy, some obstacles remain, including several severe adverse effect.
Noncoding RNAs are transcribed in the most regions of the human genome, divided into small noncoding RNAs (less than 200 nt) and long noncoding RNAs (more than 200 nt) according to their size. Compelling evidences suggest that small noncoding RNAs play critical roles in tumorigenesis and tumor progression, especially in renal cell carcinoma. MiRNA, the most famous small noncoding RNA, has been comprehensively explored for its fundamental role in cancer. And several miRNA-based therapeutic strategies have been applied to several ongoing clinical trials. However, piRNAs and tsRNAs, have not received as much research attention, because of several technological limitations. Nevertheless, some studies have revealed the presence of aberration of piRNAs and tsRNAs in renal cell carcinoma, highlighting a potentially novel mechanism for tumor onset and progression. In this review, we provide an overview of three classes of small noncoding RNA: miRNAs, piRNAs and tsRNAs, that have been reported dysregulation in renal cell carcinoma and have the potential for advancing diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic applications of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifeng Ding
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Minxiao Jiang
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Ruyue Wang
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Danyang Shen
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Zeyi Lu
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Qiming Zheng
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Liya Wang
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Liqun Xia
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Gonghui Li
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China.
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Wang BG, Yan LR, Xu Q, Zhong XP. The role of Transfer RNA-Derived Small RNAs (tsRNAs) in Digestive System Tumors. J Cancer 2020; 11:7237-7245. [PMID: 33193887 PMCID: PMC7646161 DOI: 10.7150/jca.46055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Transfer RNA-derived small RNA(tsRNA) is a type of non-coding tRNA undergoing cleavage by specific nucleases such as Dicer. TsRNAs comprise of tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) and tRNA halves (tiRNAs). Based on the splicing site within the tRNA, tRFs can be classified into tRF-1, tRF-2, tRF-3, tRF-5, and i-tRF. TiRNAs can be classified into 5′-tiRNA and 3′-tiRNA. Both tRFs and tiRNAs have important roles in carcinogenesis, especially cancer of digestive system. TRFs and tiRNAs can promote cell proliferation and cell cycle progression by regulating the expression of oncogenes, combining with RNA binding proteins such as Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) to prevent transcription. Despite many reviews on the basic biological function of tRFs and tiRNAs, few have described their correlation with tumors especially gastrointestinal tumor. This review focused on the relationship of tRFs and tiRNAs with the biological behavior, clinicopathological characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of digestive system tumors, and would provide novel insights for the early detection and treatment of digestive system tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben-Gang Wang
- Department 1 of General Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Li-Rong Yan
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, and Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention (China Medical University), Liaoning Provincial Education Department, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, and Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention (China Medical University), Liaoning Provincial Education Department, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Xin-Ping Zhong
- Department 1 of General Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
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Zhou Y, Peng H, Cui Q, Zhou Y. tRFTar: Prediction of tRF-target gene interactions via systemic re-analysis of Argonaute CLIP-seq datasets. Methods 2020; 187:57-67. [PMID: 33045361 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs), which by definition are cleaved from tRNAs, comprise a novel class of regulatory small non-coding RNAs. Recent evidence has revealed that tRFs can be loaded onto Argonaute (AGO) family proteins to perform post-transcriptional regulations via substantial tRF-target gene interactions (TGIs). However, there is no resource that systematically profiles potential AGO-mediated TGIs. To this end, we performed a systemic computational screening of potential AGO-mediated TGIs by a re-analysis of 146 crosslinking-immunoprecipitation and high-throughput sequencing (CLIP-seq) datasets in which 920,690 TGIs between 12,102 tRFs and 5,688 target genes were identified. The predicted TGIs have superior signal-to-noise ratio and good consistency with TGIs identified from an orthogonal technique. AGO-bound tRFs are not evenly distributed, where the 5'-tRF and 3'-tRF are enriched and some commonly expressed tRFs are also overrepresented. The tRFs tend to target conserved regions of transcripts and co-express with their target genes. Filtering TGIs with consistent co-expression with target genes results in a set of regulatory TGIs that contains 25,281 tRF-target pairs. Together, our results unveiled the extensive regulatory interactions between tRFs and target genes. Finally, the CLIP-derived TGIs were incorporated in a user-friendly online platform termed as tRFTar, where various functions like custom searching, co-expressed TGI filtering, genome browser and TGI-based tRF functional enrichment analysis are enabled to help users to investigate the functions of tRFs. The tRFTar is freely available at http://www.rnanut.net/tRFTar/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Haoran Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Qinghua Cui
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Center of Bioinformatics, Key Laboratory for Neuro-Information of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China.
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
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37
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Park J, Ahn SH, Shin MG, Kim HK, Chang S. tRNA-Derived Small RNAs: Novel Epigenetic Regulators. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102773. [PMID: 32992597 PMCID: PMC7599909 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cells must synthesize new proteins to maintain its life and tRNA (transfer RNA) is an essential component of the translation process. tRNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA) is a relatively uncharacterized small RNA, derived from enzymatic cleavage of the tRNAs. Accumulating evidences suggest that tsRNA is an abundant, highly modified, dynamically regulated small-RNA and interacts with other types of RNAs or proteins. Moreover, it is abnormally expressed in multiple human diseases including systemic lupus, neurological disorder, metabolic disorder and cancer, implying its diverse function in the initiation or progression of such diseases. In this review, we summarize the classification of tsRNA and its role focused on the epigenetic regulation. Further, we discuss the limitation of current knowledge about the tsRNA and its potential applications. Abstract An epigenetic change is a heritable genetic alteration that does not involve any nucleotide changes. While the methylation of specific DNA regions such as CpG islands or histone modifications, including acetylation or methylation, have been investigated in detail, the role of small RNAs in epigenetic regulation is largely unknown. Among the many types of small RNAs, tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) represent a class of noncoding small RNAs with multiple roles in diverse physiological processes, including neovascularization, sperm maturation, immune modulation, and stress response. Regarding these roles, several pioneering studies have revealed that dysregulated tsRNAs are associated with human diseases, such as systemic lupus, neurological disorder, metabolic disorder, and cancer. Moreover, recent findings suggest that tsRNAs regulate the expression of critical genes linked with these diseases by a variety of mechanisms, including epigenetic regulation. In this review, we will describe different classes of tsRNAs based on their biogenesis and will focus on their role in epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joonhyeong Park
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea; (J.P.); (M.G.S.)
| | - Se Hee Ahn
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Korea;
| | - Myung Geun Shin
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea; (J.P.); (M.G.S.)
| | - Hak Kyun Kim
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea; (J.P.); (M.G.S.)
- Correspondence: (H.K.K.); (S.C.); Tel.: +82-2-820-5197 (H.K.K.); +82-2-3010-2095 (S.C.)
| | - Suhwan Chang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Korea;
- Department of Physiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Correspondence: (H.K.K.); (S.C.); Tel.: +82-2-820-5197 (H.K.K.); +82-2-3010-2095 (S.C.)
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38
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Kim HK, Yeom JH, Kay MA. Transfer RNA-Derived Small RNAs: Another Layer of Gene Regulation and Novel Targets for Disease Therapeutics. Mol Ther 2020; 28:2340-2357. [PMID: 32956625 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Decades after identification as essential for protein synthesis, transfer RNAs (tRNAs) have been implicated in various cellular processes beyond translation. tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), referred to as tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) or tRNA-derived, stress-induced RNAs (tiRNAs), are produced by cleavage at different sites from mature or pre-tRNAs. They are classified into six major types representing potentially thousands of unique sequences and have been implicated to play a wide variety of regulatory roles in maintaining normal homeostasis, cancer cell viability, tumorigenesis, ribosome biogenesis, chromatin remodeling, translational regulation, intergenerational inheritance, retrotransposon regulation, and viral replication. However, the detailed mechanisms governing these processes remain unknown. Aberrant expression of tsRNAs is found in various human disease conditions, suggesting that a further understanding of the regulatory role of tsRNAs will assist in identifying novel biomarkers, potential therapeutic targets, and gene-regulatory tools. Here, we highlight the classification, biogenesis, and biological role of tsRNAs in regulatory mechanisms of normal and disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hak Kyun Kim
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji-Hyun Yeom
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Mark A Kay
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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39
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Cullen H, Schorn AJ. Endogenous Retroviruses Walk a Fine Line between Priming and Silencing. Viruses 2020; 12:v12080792. [PMID: 32718022 PMCID: PMC7472051 DOI: 10.3390/v12080792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) in mammals are closely related to infectious retroviruses and utilize host tRNAs as a primer for reverse transcription and replication, a hallmark of long terminal repeat (LTR) retroelements. Their dependency on tRNA makes these elements vulnerable to targeting by small RNAs derived from the 3′-end of mature tRNAs (3′-tRFs), which are highly expressed during epigenetic reprogramming and potentially protect many tissues in eukaryotes. Here, we review some key functions of ERV reprogramming during mouse and human development and discuss how small RNA-mediated silencing maintains genome stability when ERVs are temporarily released from heterochromatin repression. In particular, we take a closer look at the tRNA primer binding sites (PBS) of two highly active ERV families in mice and their sequence variation that is shaped by the conflict of successful tRNA priming for replication versus evasion of silencing by 3′-tRFs.
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40
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Xie Y, Yao L, Yu X, Ruan Y, Li Z, Guo J. Action mechanisms and research methods of tRNA-derived small RNAs. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:109. [PMID: 32606362 PMCID: PMC7326991 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00217-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), including tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) and tRNA halves (tiRNAs), are small regulatory RNAs processed from mature tRNAs or precursor tRNAs. tRFs and tiRNAs play biological roles through a variety of mechanisms by interacting with proteins or mRNA, inhibiting translation, and regulating gene expression, the cell cycle, and chromatin and epigenetic modifications. The establishment and application of research technologies are important in understanding the biological roles of tRFs and tiRNAs. To study the molecular mechanisms of tRFs and tiRNAs, researchers have used a variety of bioinformatics and molecular biology methods, such as microarray analysis, real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR); Northern blotting; RNA sequencing (RNA-seq); cross-linking, ligation and sequencing of hybrids (CLASH); and photoactivatable-ribonucleoside-enhanced cross-linking and immunoprecipitation (PAR-CLIP). This paper summarizes the classification, action mechanisms, and roles of tRFs and tiRNAs in human diseases and the related signal transduction pathways, targeted therapies, databases, and research methods associated with them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyao Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, 315211, Ningbo, China
| | - Lipeng Yao
- Ningbo College of Health Sciences, Ningbo, 315000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiuchong Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, 315211, Ningbo, China
| | - Yao Ruan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, 315211, Ningbo, China
| | - Zhe Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, 315211, Ningbo, China
| | - Junming Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, 315211, Ningbo, China.
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41
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Zeng T, Hua Y, Sun C, Zhang Y, Yang F, Yang M, Yang Y, Li J, Huang X, Wu H, Fu Z, Li W, Yin Y. Relationship between tRNA-derived fragments and human cancers. Int J Cancer 2020; 147:3007-3018. [PMID: 32427348 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
tRNA-derived fragments, a class of small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs), have been identified in numerous studies in recent years. tRNA-derived fragments are classified into two main groups, including tRNA halves (tiRNAs) and tRNA-derived small RNA fragments (tRFs), according to different cleavage positions of the precursor or mature tRNAs. Instead of random tRNA degradation debris, a growing body of evidence has shown that tRNA-derived fragments are precise products of specific tRNA modifications and play important roles in biological activities, such as regulating protein translation, affecting gene expression, and altering immune signaling. Recently, the relations between tRNA-derived fragments and the occurrence of human diseases, especially cancers, have generated wide interest. It has been demonstrated that tRNA-derived fragments are involved in cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, progression and survival. In this review, we will describe the biogenesis of tRNA-derived fragments, the distinct expression and function of tRNA-derived fragments in the development of cancers, and their emerging roles as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and precise targets of future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Zeng
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yijia Hua
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunxiao Sun
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuchen Zhang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengzhu Yang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiqi Yang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiang Huang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ziyi Fu
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Medical Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongmei Yin
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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42
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Angelova MT, Dimitrova DG, Da Silva B, Marchand V, Jacquier C, Achour C, Brazane M, Goyenvalle C, Bourguignon-Igel V, Shehzada S, Khouider S, Lence T, Guerineau V, Roignant JY, Antoniewski C, Teysset L, Bregeon D, Motorin Y, Schaefer MR, Carré C. tRNA 2'-O-methylation by a duo of TRM7/FTSJ1 proteins modulates small RNA silencing in Drosophila. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:2050-2072. [PMID: 31943105 PMCID: PMC7038984 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
2′-O-Methylation (Nm) represents one of the most common RNA modifications. Nm affects RNA structure and function with crucial roles in various RNA-mediated processes ranging from RNA silencing, translation, self versus non-self recognition to viral defense mechanisms. Here, we identify two Nm methyltransferases (Nm-MTases) in Drosophila melanogaster (CG7009 and CG5220) as functional orthologs of yeast TRM7 and human FTSJ1. Genetic knockout studies together with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and RiboMethSeq mapping revealed that CG7009 is responsible for methylating the wobble position in tRNAPhe, tRNATrp and tRNALeu, while CG5220 methylates position C32 in the same tRNAs and also targets additional tRNAs. CG7009 or CG5220 mutant animals were viable and fertile but exhibited various phenotypes such as lifespan reduction, small RNA pathways dysfunction and increased sensitivity to RNA virus infections. Our results provide the first detailed characterization of two TRM7 family members in Drosophila and uncover a molecular link between enzymes catalyzing Nm at specific tRNAs and small RNA-induced gene silencing pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita T Angelova
- Transgenerational Epigenetics & small RNA Biology, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 9 Quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Dilyana G Dimitrova
- Transgenerational Epigenetics & small RNA Biology, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 9 Quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Bruno Da Silva
- Transgenerational Epigenetics & small RNA Biology, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 9 Quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Virginie Marchand
- Next-Generation Sequencing Core Facility, UMS2008 IBSLor CNRS-Université de Lorraine-INSERM, BioPôle, 9 avenue de la Forêt de Haye, 54505 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | - Caroline Jacquier
- Transgenerational Epigenetics & small RNA Biology, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 9 Quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Cyrinne Achour
- Transgenerational Epigenetics & small RNA Biology, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 9 Quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Mira Brazane
- Transgenerational Epigenetics & small RNA Biology, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 9 Quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Catherine Goyenvalle
- Eucaryiotic Translation, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 9 Quai Saint bernard, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Valérie Bourguignon-Igel
- Next-Generation Sequencing Core Facility, UMS2008 IBSLor CNRS-Université de Lorraine-INSERM, BioPôle, 9 avenue de la Forêt de Haye, 54505 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France.,Ingénierie Moléculaire et Physiopathologie Articulaire, UMR7365, CNRS - Université de Lorraine, 9 avenue de la Forêt de Haye, 54505 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | - Salman Shehzada
- Transgenerational Epigenetics & small RNA Biology, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 9 Quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Souraya Khouider
- Transgenerational Epigenetics & small RNA Biology, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 9 Quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Tina Lence
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Ackermannweg 4, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Vincent Guerineau
- Institut de Chimie de Substances Naturelles, Centre de Recherche de Gif CNRS, 1 avenue de la Terrasse, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Jean-Yves Roignant
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Ackermannweg 4, 55128, Mainz, Germany.,Center for Integrative Genomics, Génopode Building, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Antoniewski
- ARTbio Bioinformatics Analysis Facility, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 9 Quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Laure Teysset
- Transgenerational Epigenetics & small RNA Biology, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 9 Quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Damien Bregeon
- Eucaryiotic Translation, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 9 Quai Saint bernard, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Yuri Motorin
- Ingénierie Moléculaire et Physiopathologie Articulaire, UMR7365, CNRS - Université de Lorraine, 9 avenue de la Forêt de Haye, 54505 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | - Matthias R Schaefer
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Clément Carré
- Transgenerational Epigenetics & small RNA Biology, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 9 Quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
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43
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Stolyarenko AD. Nuclear Argonaute Piwi Gene Mutation Affects rRNA by Inducing rRNA Fragment Accumulation, Antisense Expression, and Defective Processing in Drosophila Ovaries. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21031119. [PMID: 32046213 PMCID: PMC7037970 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21031119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila key nuclear piRNA silencing pathway protein Piwi of the Argonaute family has been classically studied as a factor controlling transposable elements and fertility. Piwi has been shown to concentrate in the nucleolus for reasons largely unknown. Ribosomal RNA is the main component of the nucleolus. In this work the effect of a piwi mutation on rRNA is described. This work led to three important conclusions: A mutation in piwi induces antisense 5S rRNA expression, a processing defect of 2S rRNA orthologous to the 3′-end of eukaryotic 5.8S rRNA, and accumulation of fragments of all five rRNAs in Drosophilamelanogaster ovaries. Hypotheses to explain these phenomena are proposed, possibly involving the interaction of the components of the piRNA pathway with the RNA surveillance machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia D Stolyarenko
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 2 Kurchatov Sq., Moscow 123182, Russia
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44
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Lalande S, Merret R, Salinas-Giegé T, Drouard L. Arabidopsis tRNA-derived fragments as potential modulators of translation. RNA Biol 2020; 17:1137-1148. [PMID: 31994438 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1722514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs) exist in all branches of life. They are involved in RNA degradation, regulation of gene expression, ribosome biogenesis. In archaebacteria, kinetoplastid, yeast, and human cells, they were also shown to regulate translation. In Arabidopsis, the tRFs population fluctuates under developmental or environmental conditions but their functions are yet poorly understood. Here, we show that populations of long (30-35 nt) or short (19-25 nt) tRFs produced from Arabidopsis tRNAs can inhibit in vitro translation of a reporter gene. Analysing a series of oligoribonucleotides mimicking natural tRFs, we demonstrate that only a limited set of tRFs possess the ability to affect protein synthesis. Out of a dozen of tRFs, only two deriving from tRNAAla(AGC) and tRNAAsn(GUU) strongly attenuate translation in vitro. Contrary to human tRF(Ala), the 4 Gs present at the 5' extremity of Arabidopsis tRF(Ala) are not implicated in this inhibition while the G18 and G19 residues are essential. Protein synthesis inhibition by tRFs does not require complementarity with the translated mRNA but, having the capability to be associated with polyribosomes, tRFs likely act as general modulation factors of the translation process in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Lalande
- Institut de biologie moléculaire des plantes-CNRS, Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg, France
| | - Rémy Merret
- Université de Perpignan Via Domitia , Perpignan, France
| | - Thalia Salinas-Giegé
- Institut de biologie moléculaire des plantes-CNRS, Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg, France
| | - Laurence Drouard
- Institut de biologie moléculaire des plantes-CNRS, Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg, France
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45
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Qin C, Xu PP, Zhang X, Zhang C, Liu CB, Yang DG, Gao F, Yang ML, Du LJ, Li JJ. Pathological significance of tRNA-derived small RNAs in neurological disorders. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:212-221. [PMID: 31552886 PMCID: PMC6905339 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.265560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a type of RNA that is not translated into proteins. Transfer RNAs (tRNAs), a type of ncRNA, are the second most abundant type of RNA in cells. Recent studies have shown that tRNAs can be cleaved into a heterogeneous population of ncRNAs with lengths of 18–40 nucleotides, known as tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs). There are two main types of tsRNA, based on their length and the number of cleavage sites that they contain: tRNA-derived fragments and tRNA-derived stress-induced RNAs. These RNA species were first considered to be byproducts of tRNA random cleavage. However, mounting evidence has demonstrated their critical functional roles as regulatory factors in the pathophysiological processes of various diseases, including neurological diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms by which tsRNAs affect specific cellular processes are largely unknown. Therefore, this study comprehensively summarizes the following points: (1) The biogenetics of tsRNA, including their discovery, classification, formation, and the roles of key enzymes. (2) The main biological functions of tsRNA, including its miRNA-like roles in gene expression regulation, protein translation regulation, regulation of various cellular activities, immune mediation, and response to stress. (3) The potential mechanisms of pathophysiological changes in neurological diseases that are regulated by tsRNA, including neurodegeneration and neurotrauma. (4) The identification of the functional diversity of tsRNA may provide valuable information regarding the physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms of neurological disorders, thus providing a new reference for the clinical treatment of neurological diseases. Research into tsRNAs in neurological diseases also has the following challenges: potential function and mechanism studies, how to accurately quantify expression, and the exact relationship between tsRNA and miRNA. These challenges require future research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Qin
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Pei-Pei Xu
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Chang-Bin Liu
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - De-Gang Yang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Gao
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Liang Yang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Liang-Jie Du
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Jun Li
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
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46
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Boskovic A, Bing XY, Kaymak E, Rando OJ. Control of noncoding RNA production and histone levels by a 5' tRNA fragment. Genes Dev 2019; 34:118-131. [PMID: 31831626 PMCID: PMC6938667 DOI: 10.1101/gad.332783.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In this study Boskovic et al. set out to elucidate the functions of a small RNA derived from the 5’ end of mature tRNA-Gly-GCC. Using several genomic, biochemical, and molecular methods, the authors reveal a conserved mechanism for 5’ tRNA fragment control of noncoding RNA biogenesis and global chromatin organization. Small RNAs derived from mature tRNAs, referred to as tRNA fragments or “tRFs,” are an emerging class of regulatory RNAs with poorly understood functions. We recently identified a role for one specific tRF—5′ tRF-Gly-GCC, or tRF-GG—as a repressor of genes associated with the endogenous retroelement MERVL, but the mechanistic basis for this regulation was unknown. Here, we show that tRF-GG plays a role in production of a wide variety of noncoding RNAs—snoRNAs, scaRNAs, and snRNAs—that are dependent on Cajal bodies for stability and activity. Among these noncoding RNAs, regulation of the U7 snRNA by tRF-GG modulates heterochromatin-mediated transcriptional repression of MERVL elements by supporting an adequate supply of histone proteins. Importantly, the effects of inhibiting tRF-GG on histone mRNA levels, on activity of a histone 3′ UTR reporter, and ultimately on MERVL regulation could all be suppressed by manipulating U7 RNA levels. We additionally show that the related RNA-binding proteins hnRNPF and hnRNPH bind directly to tRF-GG, and are required for Cajal body biogenesis, positioning these proteins as strong candidates for effectors of tRF-GG function in vivo. Together, our data reveal a conserved mechanism for 5′ tRNA fragment control of noncoding RNA biogenesis and, consequently, global chromatin organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Boskovic
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA
| | - Xin Yang Bing
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA
| | - Ebru Kaymak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA
| | - Oliver J Rando
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA
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Yu C, Wang X, Hong Y, Chen G, Ge J, Cao H, Zhou B. Expression profile of tRNA‑derived fragments and their potential roles in human varicose veins. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:3191-3201. [PMID: 31432124 PMCID: PMC6755252 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Varicose veins (VVs) is a common disease presenting with chronic venous insufficiency. tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are associated with a variety of pathological conditions. However, the functions of tRFs in VVs have not been elucidated to date. The present study aimed to identify the key tRFs and investigate their potential roles in VVs. Small RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to investigate the expression of tRFs in tissues of patients with VVs and their matched adjacent normal veins tissues (ANVs). Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to confirm the differential expression of tRFs. A total of 13,789 tRFs were identified by small RNA-seq, including 45 differentially expressed tRFs (DETs), which comprised 14 upregulated and 31 downregulated tRFs in VV tissues compared with ANVs. In addition, DETs were mainly involved in the function of epidermal growth factor receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor signaling pathways in VVs. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that the target genes of DETs were predominantly involved in Wnt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, as well as calcium signaling. Additionally, two upregulated tRFs (tRF-36-F900BY4D84KRIME and tRF-23-87R8WP9IY) and one downregulated tRF (tRF-40-86J8WPMN1E8Y7Z2R) were further validated by RT-qPCR, and a signaling pathway regulation network of their target genes confirmed their involvement in the calcium, Wnt and MAPK signaling pathways. The results of the present study identified three DETs (tRF-36-F900BY4D84KRIME, tRF-23-87R8WP9IY and tRF-40-86J8WPMN1E8Y7Z2R), which may have crucial roles in the occurrence and progression of VVs by regulating Wnt and MAPK signaling, as well as calcium signaling. The present results may provide a basis for further investigation of the functional roles of tRFs in VVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Yu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, P.R. China
| | - Yi Hong
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, P.R. China
| | - Guojun Chen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, P.R. China
| | - Jin Ge
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, P.R. China
| | - Hao Cao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, P.R. China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, P.R. China
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Megel C, Hummel G, Lalande S, Ubrig E, Cognat V, Morelle G, Salinas-Giegé T, Duchêne AM, Maréchal-Drouard L. Plant RNases T2, but not Dicer-like proteins, are major players of tRNA-derived fragments biogenesis. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:941-952. [PMID: 30462257 PMCID: PMC6344867 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky1156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA fragments deriving from tRNAs (tRFs) exist in all branches of life and the repertoire of their biological functions regularly increases. Paradoxically, their biogenesis remains unclear. The human RNase A, Angiogenin, and the yeast RNase T2, Rny1p, generate long tRFs after cleavage in the anticodon region. The production of short tRFs after cleavage in the D or T regions is still enigmatic. Here, we show that the Arabidopsis Dicer-like proteins, DCL1-4, do not play a major role in the production of tRFs. Rather, we demonstrate that the Arabidopsis RNases T2, called RNS, are key players of both long and short tRFs biogenesis. Arabidopsis RNS show specific expression profiles. In particular, RNS1 and RNS3 are mainly found in the outer tissues of senescing seeds where they are the main endoribonucleases responsible of tRNA cleavage activity for tRFs production. In plants grown under phosphate starvation conditions, the induction of RNS1 is correlated with the accumulation of specific tRFs. Beyond plants, we also provide evidence that short tRFs can be produced by the yeast Rny1p and that, in vitro, human RNase T2 is also able to generate long and short tRFs. Our data suggest an evolutionary conserved feature of these enzymes in eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrille Megel
- Institut de biologie moléculaire des plantes-CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du Général Zimmer, F-67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Guillaume Hummel
- Institut de biologie moléculaire des plantes-CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du Général Zimmer, F-67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Stéphanie Lalande
- Institut de biologie moléculaire des plantes-CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du Général Zimmer, F-67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Elodie Ubrig
- Institut de biologie moléculaire des plantes-CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du Général Zimmer, F-67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Valérie Cognat
- Institut de biologie moléculaire des plantes-CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du Général Zimmer, F-67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Geoffrey Morelle
- Institut de biologie moléculaire des plantes-CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du Général Zimmer, F-67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thalia Salinas-Giegé
- Institut de biologie moléculaire des plantes-CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du Général Zimmer, F-67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Anne-Marie Duchêne
- Institut de biologie moléculaire des plantes-CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du Général Zimmer, F-67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Laurence Maréchal-Drouard
- Institut de biologie moléculaire des plantes-CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du Général Zimmer, F-67084 Strasbourg, France
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Rigoutsos I, Londin E, Kirino Y. Short RNA regulators: the past, the present, the future, and implications for precision medicine and health disparities. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2019; 58:202-210. [PMID: 31323485 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
We herein provide a brief review of the trajectory that the field of short RNA research followed in the last 25 years. We place emphasis on the unexpected discoveries and the ramifications of these discoveries for the field, as well as offer some thoughts about what the next 25 years may bring. Arguably, the uncovered dependence of different types of short RNAs on individual attributes such as a person's sex, population origin, race, and on tissue type, tissue state, and disease was most unexpected. This dependence has important ramifications in that it will provide a boost to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of health disparities as well as pave the way for novel approaches to designing improved and personalized diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isidore Rigoutsos
- Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States.
| | - Eric Londin
- Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States.
| | - Yohei Kirino
- Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States.
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50
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tRNA-derived fragments and tRNA halves: The new players in cancers. Cancer Lett 2019; 452:31-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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