Emerging functions of tRNA modifications in mRNA translation and diseases

tRNAs are essential modulators that recognize mRNA codons and bridge amino acids for mRNA translation. The tRNAs are heavily modified, which are essential for forming a complex secondary structure that facilitates codon recognition and mRNA translation. In recent years, studies have identified the regulatory roles of tRNA modifications in mRNA translation networks. Misregulation of tRNA modifications is closely related to the progression of developmental diseases and cancers. In this review, we summarize the tRNA biogenesis process and then discuss the effects and mechanisms of tRNA modifications on tRNA processing and mRNA translation. Finally, we provide a comprehensive overview of the physiological and pathological functions of tRNA modifications, focusing on diseases including cancers.