Studies on the structure and function of the tRNA-like molecule mascRNA and associated ribonucleoprotein complexes

This thesis investigated the structure and function of the human tRNA-like molecule mascRNA. By employing omics-level identification of associating protein complexes, this thesis demonstrates a systematic approach in understanding the ribonucleoprotein networks, where mascRNA functions are detected. In addition, this thesis includes an innovative approach to delete mascRNA from the human genome. Furthermore, this thesis includes a review on reported findings that pertain to the mechanistic features of tRNA-derived fragments in cardiac and skeletal muscle at the molecular level. Collectively, this thesis examined the roles of tRNA-related non-coding RNA species, with focused investigation on tRNA-like molecule mascRNA.