Decoding the role of tRNA modifications in cancer progression

Curr Opin Genet Dev. 2024 Oct:88:102238. doi: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102238. Epub 2024 Jul 31.

Abstract

Epitranscriptomic modification of tRNA has recently gained traction in the field of cancer biology. The presence of such modifications on tRNA appears to allow for translational control of processes central to progression and malignant transformation. Methyltransferase Like 1 protein (METTL1), along with other epitranscriptomic writers (e.g. NSUN3, NAT10, ELP3, etc.), has recently been investigated in multiple cancer types. Here, we review the impact of such tRNA modifications in tumorigenesis and the progression of cancer toward drug resistance and metastasis. Regulation of central cellular processes relied upon by malignant cancer cells through modulation of the tRNA epitranscriptome represents an area with great potential to bring novel first-in-class therapies to the clinic.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Progression
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Neoplasms* / pathology
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional / genetics
  • RNA, Transfer* / genetics
  • RNA, Transfer* / metabolism

Substances

  • RNA, Transfer