Intrinsic features in microRNA transcriptomes link porcine visceral rather than subcutaneous adipose tissues to
Jideng Ma1, Zhi Jiang, Shen He
1Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan, China.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding small RNA ∼22 nucleotides in length that can regulate the expression of a wide range of coding genes at the post-transcriptional level. Visceral adipose tissues (VATs) and subcutaneous adipose tissues (SATs), the two main fat compartments in mammals, are anatomically, physiologically, metabolically, and clinically distinct. Various studies of adipose tissues have focused mainly on DNA methylation, and mRNA and protein expression, nonetheless little research sheds directly light on the miRNA transcriptome differences between these two distinct adipose tissue types. Here, we present a comprehensive investigation of miRNA transcriptomes across six variant porcine adipose tissues by small RNA-sequencing. We identified 219 known porcine miRNAs, 97 novel miRNA*s, and 124 miRNAs that are conserved to other mammals. A set of universally abundant miRNAs (i.e., miR-148a-3p, miR-143-3p, miR-27b-3p, miR-let-7a-1-5p, and miR-let-7f-5p) across the distinct adipose tissues was found. This set of miRNAs may play important housekeeping roles that are involved in adipogenesis. Clustering analysis indicated significant variations in miRNA expression between the VATs and SATs, and highlighted the role of the greater omentum in responding to potential metabolic risk because of the observed enrichment in this tissue of the immune- and inflammation-related miRNAs, such as the members of miR-17-92 cluster and miR-181 family. Differential expression of the miRNAs between the VATs and SATs, and miRNA target prediction analysis revealed that the VATs-specific enriched miRNAs were associated mainly with immune and inflammation responses. In summary, the differences of miRNA expression between the VATs and SATs revealed some of their intrinsic differences and indicated that the VATs might be closely associated with increased risk of metabolic disorders.
Insights
This study reveals distinct microRNA (miRNA) profiles in visceral adipose tissues (VATs) versus subcutaneous adipose tissues (SATs). VAT-specific miRNAs are linked to immune and inflammation responses, suggesting a role in metabolic disorder risk.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
- Metabolomics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression.
- Visceral adipose tissues (VATs) and subcutaneous adipose tissues (SATs) exhibit distinct characteristics.
- Limited research exists on miRNA transcriptome differences between VATs and SATs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively investigate and compare miRNA transcriptomes between porcine VATs and SATs.
- To identify differentially expressed miRNAs and their potential roles in adipose tissue function and metabolic risk.
Main Methods:
- Small RNA sequencing was employed across six porcine adipose tissue variants.
- miRNA identification, quantification, and comparative analysis were performed.
- miRNA target prediction was utilized to infer functional associations.
Main Results:
- 219 known miRNAs, 97 novel miRNA*s, and 124 conserved miRNAs were identified.
- Universally abundant miRNAs (e.g., miR-148a-3p, miR-143-3p) suggest housekeeping roles in adipogenesis.
- Significant miRNA expression variations were observed between VATs and SATs, with VATs enriched in immune/inflammation-related miRNAs.
Conclusions:
- Distinct miRNA expression patterns exist between VATs and SATs, reflecting their intrinsic differences.
- VAT-specific miRNAs are predominantly associated with immune and inflammation responses.
- These findings suggest VATs may be closely linked to an increased risk of metabolic disorders.
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