Based on limited published evidence, DUS1L catalyzes dihydrouridine synthesis at positions 16 and 17 (D16/D17) in cytoplasmic tRNAs 1. This modification occurs in the D-loop region of most tRNAs 2. DUS1L modulates mature tRNA levels and affects cellular translation capacity 1. The enzyme requires NADPH or NADH as cofactors for in vitro activity 1. Elevated DUS1L expression is associated with poorer prognosis in glioma patients and involves altered tRNA processing and translational perturbations 1. DUS1L has also been implicated in colorectal cancer metastatic transformation 3.