Integrated analysis of tRNA-derived small RNAs reveals new therapeutic genes of hyperbaric oxygen in diabetic foot ulcer

Tweetable abstract tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that play a variety of biological functions in the course of multiple diseases. This study investigated new therapeutic targets of hyperbaric oxygen treatment in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). A total of 22 tsRNAs were differentially expressed in normal, DFU and hyperbaric oxygen groups. The authors confirmed that three tsRNAs (tRF-Gly-CCC-006, tRF-Val-AAC-016 and tRF-Val-TAC-016) increased signifcantly in DFU. Bioinformatics analysis showed that these tsRNAs may be beneficial in hyperbaric oxygen treatment through the regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway. In conclusion, tsRNAs may be useful targets with the therapeutic potential to treat DFU. Background: To reveal the alterations of tRNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA) expression profiles induced by hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) and investigate new therapeutic targets. Materials & methods: tsRNA sequencing was employed in normal skin tissue, in DFU, and after HBO treatment groups. A quantitative real-time PCR was used to validate tsRNA sequencing results and their targets levels. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to reveal their therapeutic functions in DFU. Results: A total of 22 tsRNAs were differentially expressed in the three groups. Three selected tsRNAs were validated by quantitative real-time PCR for further analysis, which were all significantly overexpressed in DFU while being normally expressed after HBO treatment. Bioinformatics analysis disclosed that these tsRNAs may play therapeutic roles through the regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway. Conclusion: tsRNAs may be novel useful targets for HBO to treat DFU.