RNase L produces tRNA-derived RNAs that contribute to translation inhibition

RNase L can target variable loops of tRNAs. To identify how the longer 5′-tDRs were generated from tRNA^Leu-CAG, tRNA^Sec-TCA, and tRNA^Ser-GCT, northern blotting was performed using both 5′ and 3′ probes for these tRNAs. The sequences around anticodon loops and variable loops in these tRNAs are shown. Predicted cleavage sites in anticodon loops and variable loops are indicated by red and blue arrowheads, respectively. (VL) Variable loop.