tRNA-Derived Small Non-Coding RNAs as Novel Epigenetic Molecules Regulating Adipogenesis

tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs), a novel type of non-coding RNA derived from tRNAs, play an important part in governing gene expressions at a post-transcriptional level. To date, the regulatory mechanism of tRFs governing fat deposition and adipogenesis is completely unknown. In this study, high fat diet was employed to induce an obese rat model, and tRFs transcriptome sequencing was conducted to identify differentially expressed tRFs that response to obesity. We found out that tRF^GluTTC, which promoted preadipocyte proliferation by increasing expressions of cell cycle regulatory factors, had the highest fold change in the 296 differentially expressed tRFs. Moreover, tRF^GluTTC also suppressed preadipocyte differentiation by reducing triglyceride content and lipid accumulation, and by decreasing expressions of genes that related to fatty acid synthesis. According to results of luciferase activity analysis, tRF^GluTTC directly targeted Kruppel-like factor (KLF) 9, KLF11, and KLF12, thus significantly suppressing mRNA expressions of these target genes. Moreover, tRF^GluTTC suppressed adipogenesis, accompanying by suppressing expressions of adipogenic transcription factors (aP2, PPARγ, and C/EBPα). In conclusion, these results imply that tRF^GluTTC may act as a novel epigenetic molecule regulating adipogenesis and could provide a new strategy for the intervention treatment of obesity.