Roles and regulation of tRNA-derived small RNAs in animals

Sowndarya Muthukumar, Cai Tao Li, Ru Juan Liu, Cristian Bellodi

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

A growing class of small RNAs, known as tRNA-derived RNAs (tdRs), tRNA-derived small RNAs or tRNA-derived fragments, have long been considered mere intermediates of tRNA degradation. These small RNAs have recently been implicated in an evolutionarily conserved repertoire of biological processes. In this Review, we discuss the biogenesis and molecular functions of tdRs in mammals, including tdR-mediated gene regulation in cell metabolism, immune responses, transgenerational inheritance, development and cancer. We also discuss the accumulation of tRNA-derived stress-induced RNAs as a distinct adaptive cellular response to pathophysiological conditions. Furthermore, we highlight new conceptual advances linking RNA modifications with tdR activities and discuss challenges in studying tdR biology in health and disease.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)359–378
Number of pages20
JournalNature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology
Volume25
Issue number5
Early online date2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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