Beyond microRNA - Novel RNAs derived from small non-coding RNA and their implication in cancer

► SnoRNAs and tRNAs are specifically processed to different, functional types of smaller RNAs referred to as sdRNAs and tRFs. ► The expression of many snoRNAs, tRNAs, and derived from them smaller RNAs is altered in human disease and cancer. ► SdRNAs and tRFs share components of the molecular pathways of RNAi and may function in gene regulation or stress signaling. ► SnoRNAs, tRNAs, and derived from them smaller RNAs are potential oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. ► SdRNAs and tRFs may provide new perspectives for the development of novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies in cancer.