Practical Geriatrics ›› 2026, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (3): 299-303.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1003-9198.2026.03.015

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Advances of transfer RNA-derived fragments in age-related diseases

DE Xiaomeng   

  1. Department of Science and Technology, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China
  • Received:2025-06-19 Published:2026-03-26

Abstract: Transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs), generated through specific nuclease cleavage of transfer RNAs (tRNAs), represent a class of non-coding RNAs characterized by high evolutionary conservation, structural stability, and functional diversity. Their aberrant expression has been implicated in various pathological conditions, exhibiting regulatory mechanisms that are more intricate than those of microRNAs (miRNAs), which function through multiple pathways such as miRNA-like effect, translation regulating, and interactions with RNA-binding proteins. With the global trend of population aging, dysregulated expression of tRFs in aging-related pathologies, including neoplasms, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic syndromes, has garnered significant scientific attention. Furthermore, the remarkable stability of tRFs in bodily fluids makes them promising candidates for non-invasive biomarkers. This review summarizes the classification of tRFs and discusses their diagnostic and therapeutic potential in age-associated diseases, aiming to provide novel perspectives for advancing research in this emerging field.

Key words: transfer RNA-derived fragments, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, biomarker

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