AIMS

This study aimed to discover plasma-derived exosomal tsRNAs that serve as novel diagnostic biomarkers for glioma and to investigate the mechanism by which tsRNAs regulate glioma development.

METHODS

Differentially expressed tsRNAs in the plasma exosomes of glioma patients were identified using small RNA array sequencing. Bioinformatics analyses were used to predict the biological function of tsRNAs. The changes in the phenotypes of glioma cells treated with a tsRNA mimic and inhibitor were detected. The diagnostic and prognostic characteristics of potential target genes and their related functions in gliomas were further analyzed. The cell and animal experiments were used to analyze the molecular mechanisms.

RESULTS

Among the 453 differentially expressed tsRNAs identified in the plasma-derived exosomes of glioma patients using small RNA sequencing, i-tRF-LeuCAA was associated with the prognosis and molecular diagnostic characteristics of glioma patients and promoted the migration, invasion, and proliferation of glioma cells and inhibited their apoptosis. In addition, TPM4 is a potential target of i-tRF-LeuCAA and is related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gliomas.

CONCLUSIONS

i-tRF-LeuCAA could be served as a non-invasive biomarker in the diagnosis and prognosis of glioma. i-tRF-LeuCAA may indirectly regulate TPM4 expression and influence epithelial-mesenchymal transition, which may promote glioma progression.