tRNA modifications: insights into their role in human cancers

Ye Wang; En-Wei Tao; Juan Tan; Qin-Yan Gao; Ying-Xuan Chen; Jing-Yuan Fang

doi:10.1016/j.tcb.2023.04.002

tRNA modifications: insights into their role in human cancers

Trends Cell Biol. 2023 Dec;33(12):1035-1048. doi: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.04.002. Epub 2023 May 12.

Authors

Ye Wang¹, En-Wei Tao¹, Juan Tan¹, Qin-Yan Gao¹, Ying-Xuan Chen², Jing-Yuan Fang¹

Affiliations

¹ Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
² Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. Electronic address: yingxuanchen71@sjtu.edu.cn.

PMID: 37179136
DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.04.002

Abstract

Transfer RNA (tRNA) plays a central role in translation by functioning as a biological link between messenger RNA (mRNA) and proteins. One prominent feature of the tRNA molecule is its heavily modified status, which greatly affects its biogenesis and function. Modifications within the anticodon loop are crucial for translation efficiency and accuracy, whereas other modifications in the body region affect tRNA structure and stability. Recent research has revealed that these diverse modifications are critical regulators of gene expression. They are involved in many important physiological and pathological processes, including cancers. In this review we focus on six different tRNA modifications to delineate their functions and mechanisms in tumorigenesis and tumor progression, providing insights into their clinical potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Keywords: cancer; post-transcriptional modification; tRNA; translation.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Anticodon*
Humans
Neoplasms* / genetics
RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional / genetics
RNA, Transfer / genetics
RNA, Transfer / metabolism

Substances

Anticodon
RNA, Transfer