A single tRNA restores drug sensitivity in resistant prostate cancer

Researchers at Fred Hutch found that restoring one transfer RNA, tRNA1Arg(UCU), returns treatment-resistant prostate tumors to an androgen receptor-dependent, drug-sensitive state in experimental models. The study, published in Nature, is the first to show a tRNA can control cancer cell identity.

• tRNA1Arg(UCU) is abundant in androgen receptor-dependent tumors
• Levels of this tRNA are lower in resistant tumors
• Supplying the tRNA restored sensitivity to therapy in models
• Approach may extend to lung and breast cancers