History of tRNA research in strasbourg

Inter-species dynamics of non-coding RNAs: Impact on host immunomodulation and pathogen survival

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are composed of nucleotides that do not encode proteins but instead serve as guides. It interacts with amino acids at precise genomic sites, influencing chromatin structure and gene expression. These ncRNAs contribute to numerous inter-species dynamics, including those within the vector-host-pathogen triad. Vector-associated ncRNAs are released into hosts to combat the host immune system and sustain arthropod viability. Conversely, hosts may utilize specific ncRNAs as part of their defences to counteract pathogen-carrying vectors. Moreover, pathogens transmitted through vectors' saliva into hosts carry ncRNAs that enhances their virulence. While recent investigations have primarily focused on vector-associated ncRNAs in animal hosts, only a few have explored the functions of pathogen-associated ncRNAs and their role in initiating infections. Our review delves into the historical prospects of ncRNAs, mechanisms by which pathogen-derived ncRNAs influence host-pathogen interactions, regulate gene expression, and evade host defences. Ultimately, it underscores the importance ncRNAs mediated regulatory network in vector-host-pathogen dynamics, offering new strategies to combat vector-borne diseases and enhance public health outcomes.

Studying the Function of tRNA Modifications: Experimental Challenges and Opportunities

tRNAs are essential molecules in protein synthesis, responsible for translating the four-nucleotide genetic code into the corresponding amino acid sequence. RNA modifications play a crucial role in influencing tRNA folding, structure, and function. These modifications, ranging from simple methylations to complex hypermodified species, are distributed throughout the tRNA molecule. Depending on their type and position, they contribute to the accuracy and efficiency of decoding by participating in a complex network of interactions. The enzymatic processes introducing these modifications are equally intricate and diverse, adding further complexity. As a result, studying tRNA modifications faces limitations at multiple levels. This review addresses the challenges involved in manipulating and studying the function of tRNA modifications and discusses experimental strategies and possibilities to overcome these obstacles.

The expanding world of tRNA modifications and their disease relevance

Transfer RNA (tRNA) is an adapter molecule that links a specific codon in mRNA with its corresponding amino acid during protein synthesis. tRNAs are enzymatically modified post-transcriptionally. A wide variety of tRNA modifications are found in the tRNA anticodon, which are crucial for precise codon recognition and reading frame maintenance, thereby ensuring accurate and efficient protein synthesis. In addition, tRNA-body regions are also frequently modified and thus stabilized in the cell. Over the past two decades, 16 novel tRNA modifications were discovered in various organisms, and the chemical space of tRNA modification continues to expand. Recent studies have revealed that tRNA modifications can be dynamically altered in response to levels of cellular metabolites and environmental stresses. Importantly, we now understand that deficiencies in tRNA modification can have pathological consequences, which are termed 'RNA modopathies'. Dysregulation of tRNA modification is involved in mitochondrial diseases, neurological disorders and cancer.