A Novel tRNA-Derived Fragment, tRF(GlnCTG), Regulates Angiogenesis by Targeting Antxr1 mRNA

As a novel non-coding RNA with important functions corresponding to various cellular stresses, the function of tRFs in angiogenesis remains unclear. Firstly, small RNA sequencing was performed on normal and post-muscle injury mouse tibialis anterior muscle to identify and analyse differentially expressed tRF/tiRNA. tRNA GlnCTG-derived fragments (tRF(GlnCTG)) were found to be overexpressed in high abundance in the damaged muscle. Subsequent in vitro experiments revealed that the overexpression of tRF(GlnCTG) suppressed the vascular endothelial cells’ viability, cell cycle G1/S transition, proliferation, migration, and tube-formation capacity. Similarly, in vivo experiments showed that the tRF(GlnCTG) decreased the relative mRNA levels of vascular endothelial cell markers and pro-angiogenic factors and reduced the proportion of CD31-positive cells. Finally, luciferase activity analysis confirmed that the tRF(GlnCTG) directly targeted the 3′UTR of Antxr1, leading to a significant reduction in the mRNA expression of the target gene. These results suggest that tRF(GlnCTG) is a key regulator of vascular endothelial cell function. The results provide a new idea for further exploration of the molecular mechanisms that regulate angiogenesis.