tRNA-derived small RNAs in pulmonary diseases: Regulatory functions and clinical prospects

Transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved regulatory molecules produced by stress-responsive endonucleases that cleave mature tRNAs or their precursors. Emerging evidence suggests that aberrant tsRNA expression contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of pulmonary diseases. This review consolidates the current understanding of tsRNA biogenesis, molecular functions, and potential clinical applications in both malignant and non-malignant lung disorders. Clinically, tsRNAs show great promise as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for lung diseases, although technical challenges in detection and functional validation necessitate further research.