Emerging roles for tRNAs in hematopoiesis and hematological malignancies

Trends Immunol. 2022 Jun;43(6):466-477. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2022.03.009. Epub 2022 Apr 27.

Abstract

tRNAs are central players in decoding the genetic code linking codons in mRNAs with cognate amino acids during protein synthesis. Recent discoveries have placed tRNAs as key regulators of gene expression during hematopoiesis, especially in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) maintenance and immune development. These functions have been shown to be influenced by dynamic changes in tRNA expression, post-transcriptional base modifications, tRNA-interacting proteins, and tRNA fragmentation; these events underlie the complexity of tRNA-mediated regulatory events in hematopoiesis. In this review, we discuss these recent findings and highlight how deregulation of tRNA biogenesis can contribute to hematological malignancies.

Keywords: T cells; hematological malignancies; hematopoiesis; tRF; tRNA.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Codon
  • Genetic Code
  • Hematologic Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Hematopoiesis / genetics
  • Humans
  • RNA, Transfer* / chemistry
  • RNA, Transfer* / genetics
  • RNA, Transfer* / metabolism

Substances

  • Codon
  • RNA, Transfer