Expression analysis of blood samples shows elevated 5′-tRF-His-GTG in breast cancer patients

Abstract

Abstract tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) have emerged as promising non-invasive biomarkers for breast cancer. Understanding their diagnostic potential is essential for improving early detection and patient outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the expression level of the 5′-tRF-His-GTG in the blood of breast cancer patients and assess its potential as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker. Candidate tRFs were identified through bioinformatic analyses using MINTbase, MODOMICS, and BBcancer, focusing on expression likelihood in biofluids and chemical modification profiles. A total of 56 blood samples, including 28 from breast cancer patients and 28 from healthy controls, were collected. Total RNA was extracted, and cDNA was synthesized via reverse transcription. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to assess the expression level of tRF-32-XSXMSL73VL4YK. Statistical analysis was conducted using an independent t-test with a significance threshold of p  < 0.05. tRF-32-XSXMSL73VL4YK, characterized by minimal chemical modifications, was selected for further investigation. It was significantly upregulated in breast cancer patients compared to healthy controls ( p  < 0.001). However, no significant associations were found between its expression and clinicopathological features such as age, tumor size, TNM stage, or IHC markers ( p  > 0.05). Our study identifies tRF-32-XSXMSL73VL4YK as a significantly upregulated 5’tRF-His-GTG in breast cancer, yet its expression shows no correlation with key clinical characteristics. While tRF-32-XSXMSL73VL4YK may not serve as a standalone diagnostic marker due to its lack of correlation with clinical features, its consistent upregulation suggests promise as a component of a multi-marker panel or as a prognostic biomarker.