Novel insights into the roles of tRNA-derived small RNAs

tRNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA) is a novel class of non-coding RNA that is usually produced from tRNA following endonuclease cleavage which occurs under stress conditions. There are two types of tsRNAs: tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) and stress-induced tRNA halves (tiRNAs), which differ in their cleavage position. Many studies have demonstrated that tsRNAs are involved in various physiological and pathological processes apart from cancer and gene expression. In this review, we briefly described the biogenesis, classification, and characteristics of tsRNAs and summarized the current research progress of tsRNAs in metabolic diseases, senescence, reproduction, stress, and organ injury, and finally put forward some problems to be solved.

Automated summary

tRNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA) is a novel class of non-coding RNA produced from tRNA via endonuclease cleavage under stress conditions. It has been shown to play important roles in metabolic diseases, senescence, reproduction, stress, and organ injury.