Genome-Wide Repertoire of Transfer RNA-Derived Fragments in a Mouse Model of Age-Related Cataract.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To investigate the roles of tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) containing transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs) and tRNA halves in age-related cataracts (ARCs). METHODS: Lens capsule tissue from Emory mice at 3 months and 8 months of age were dissected for integrated tsRNA and gene transcriptome sequencing. A quantitative real-time PCR assay (qRT-PCR) was performed for validating sequencing results. Bioinformatics analysis was constructed to reveal the roles of tsRNAs. RESULTS: A total of 422 differential expression (DE) tsRNAs were changed, in which 156 were elevated while 266 were declined in 8-month-old mice. Subsequently, the gene sequencing data exhibited 375 upregulated and 456 downregulated DE genes. Validation by qRT-PCR in 5 selected upregulated tRFs was consistent with tsRNAs sequencing results. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis identified 25 downregulated target genes of the 5 validated tRFs. Furthermore, GO analysis revealed that these target genes were mainly enriched in camera-type eye development, sensory organ development, and so on. CONCLUSION: Our study provides a novel perspective on the role of tsRNAs in the pathogenesis of ARC, and thus therapeutic potential targets for ARC.