tRNA-like structures and their functions.

tRNA-like structures (TLSs) were first identified in the RNA genomes of turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV). Since then, TLSs have been found in many other species including mammals, and the RNAs harboring these structures range from viral genomic RNAs to mRNAs and non-coding RNAs. Some progress has also been made on understanding their functions that include regulation of RNA replication, translation enhancement, RNA-protein interaction and more. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the regulations and functions of these TLSs. Possible future directions of the field are also briefly discussed.