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Updated: May 13, 2026
11:13
Mouse Adipose Tissue Collection and Processing for RNA Analysis
Published on: January 31, 2018
Extent, causes, and consequences of small RNA expression variation in human adipose tissue
Leopold Parts1, Åsa K Hedman, Sarah Keildson
1Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom.
Plos Genetics
|May 17, 2012
Summary
Small RNA (ribonucleic acid) expression and sequence variation in human adipose tissue reveal genetic influences and associations with metabolic traits. This study quantifies variation, identifying genetic loci and editing events impacting small RNA levels.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
- Human Genetics
Background:
- Small RNAs regulate mRNA and are linked to common diseases.
- Understanding small RNA variability in the human population is limited.
- Adipose tissue is crucial for metabolic health and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the extent, causes, and effects of natural variation in small RNA expression and sequence in human adipose tissue.
- To investigate the relationship between small RNA variation, genotype, gene expression, and metabolic traits.
- To provide a quantitative overview of small RNA expression variation in the human population.
Main Methods:
- High-throughput sequencing of small RNAs (15-30 bp) from subcutaneous adipose tissue of 131 individuals.
- Quantification of 591 microRNAs and small nucleolar RNAs.
- Analysis of genetic variants, RNA editing, gene expression, and metabolic traits.
Main Results:
- Identified three genetic variants and three RNA editing events affecting small RNAs.
- Found 14 genetic loci associated with small RNA expression, seven also regulating mRNA.
- Discovered associations between small RNA levels and trunk fat mass, BMI, and fasting insulin, but not fasting glucose.
Conclusions:
- Small RNA and mRNA transcripts share similar genetic complexity and regulatory control.
- Genetic factors significantly influence small RNA expression in adipose tissue.
- Small RNA expression variation is linked to human metabolic traits and disease risk.
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