Understanding the mechanistic link between transfer RNA (tRNA) regulation and biological ageing

Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are essential for translating genetic information into proteins.
The abundance of specific tRNAs is dynamically regulated at the level of transcription
and stability. tRNA function is further influenced by a multitude of post-transcriptional
chemical modifications that regulate translation efficiency and fidelity. Alterations in
tRNA abundance and modifications are implicated in both ageing and disease.
However, until recently, no accurate approach existed for quantifying tRNAs. This
project will identify novel ageing mechanisms by applying a newly developed tRNA
profiling technology to compare young versus old human and mouse tissues, with
subsequent functional characterisation bringing insights to 'biological' ageing.