Investigation of the Association of tRNA-Derived Fragments (tRF-17 and tRF-18) with Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Introduction This study investigates the association between the levels of two tRNA-derived fragments, tRF-17-79MP9PP and tRF-18-79MP9P04, and the pathophysiology of prostate cancer (PCa). Materials and methods Forty patients were included: 8 with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 32 with different PCa grades. Total RNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues, and the levels of tRF-17-79MP9PP and tRF-18-79MP9P04 were analyzed. Results The abundance of tRF-17-79MP9PP increased progressively with cancer grade (p < 0.001), with the highest levels observed in advanced PCa. Interestingly, BPH also showed higher tRF-17-79MP9PP level than low- and mild-grade PCa. Level of tRF-18-79MP9P04 was comparable between BPH and low-grade PCa, but significantly higher in mild, high, and advanced grades (p < 0.001). Furthermore, PSA levels were significantly correlated with both tRF-17-79MP9PP and tRF-18-79MP9P04 in PCa patients (p < 0.001), but not in the BPH group. Discussion Both tRF-17-79MP9PP and tRF-18-79MP9P04 appear to play important roles in prostate cancer, demonstrating potential oncogenic behavior in advanced stages, which contrasts with previous studies reporting tumor-suppressive effects. Conclusion These findings indicate that elevated levels of these tRNA-derived fragments may serve as potential biomarkers for distinguishing between different grades of PCa.