Abstract
As the adaptor that decodes mRNA sequence into protein, the basic aspects of tRNA structure and function are central to all studies of biology. Yet the complexities of their properties and cellular roles go beyond the view of tRNAs as static participants in protein synthesis. Detailed analyses through more than 60 years of study have revealed tRNAs to be a fascinatingly diverse group of molecules in form and function, impacting cell biology, physiology, disease and synthetic biology. This review analyzes tRNA structure, biosynthesis and function, and includes topics that demonstrate their diversity and growing importance.
Keywords:
aminoacylation; mistranslation; tRNA; tRNA fragments; translation.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Evolution, Molecular
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Gene Expression Regulation*
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Genetic Code
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Humans
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Nucleic Acid Conformation
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Protein Biosynthesis
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RNA Folding
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RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional
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RNA Splicing
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RNA Transport
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RNA, Transfer / chemistry
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RNA, Transfer / genetics*
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RNA, Transfer / metabolism
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Ribosomes / metabolism
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Structure-Activity Relationship
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Transcription, Genetic
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Transfer RNA Aminoacylation
Grants and funding
This work was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada [RGPIN-2015-04394 to C.J.B.] and generous donations from Graham Wright and James Robertson to M.D.B. M.D.B. holds an NSERC Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS-D).