tRNA-derived fragments as novel potential biomarkers for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma

Background tRNA-derived fragments have been reported to be key regulatory factors in human tumors. However, their roles in the progression of multiple myeloma remain unknown. Results This study employed RNA-sequencing to explore the expression profiles of tRFs/tiRNAs in new diagnosed MM and relapsed/refractory MM samples. The expression of selected tRFs/tiRNAs were further validated in clinical specimens and myeloma cell lines by qPCR. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to predict their roles in multiple myeloma progression.We identified 10 upregulated tRFs/tiRNAs and 16 downregulated tRFs/tiRNAs. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis were performed to analyse the functions of 1 significantly up-regulated and 1 significantly down-regulated tRNA-derived fragments. tRFs/tiRNAs may be involved in MM progression and drug-resistance. Conclusion tRFs/tiRNAs were dysregulated and could be potential biomarkers for relapsed/refractory MM.