This research has found that tRF‐16‐7X9PN5D can affect the invasion, growth, migration and radiation sensitivity of CRC cells via MKNK1 and has a critical regulatory effect on the MKNK‐eIF4E axis, suggesting that the tRF‐16‐7X9PN5D‐MKNK1‐eIF4E axis may be markedly associated with CRC progression and radiation resistance. Here, MKNK1 is linked to colorectal carcinoma.