Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 31, 2025

An Adipocyte Cell Culture Model to Study the Impact of Protein and Micro-RNA Modulation on Adipocyte Function
09:20

An Adipocyte Cell Culture Model to Study the Impact of Protein and Micro-RNA Modulation on Adipocyte Function

Published on: May 4, 2021

4.1K

Up-Regulated MicroRNA-27b Promotes Adipocyte Differentiation via Induction of Acyl-CoA Thioesterase 2 Expression

Yuka Murata1, Takashi Yamashiro1, Takaomi Kessoku2

  • 1Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.

Biomed Research International
|January 14, 2020
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNA-27b (miR-27b) promotes fat cell development and lipid buildup, potentially contributing to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This pathway involves acyl-CoA thioesterase 2 (ACOT2).

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Hepatology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a range of liver conditions, from simple fat accumulation to inflammation.
  • Aberrant microRNA expression is increasingly linked to NAFLD pathogenesis.
  • Previous research identified elevated microRNA-27b (miR-27b) levels in NAFLD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the functional role of miR-27b in NAFLD.
  • To examine how increased miR-27b affects preadipocyte differentiation into mature adipocytes.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized 3T3-L1 cells as a model for adipocyte differentiation.
  • Assessed the impact of miR-27b-3p on lipid accumulation and triglyceride content.
  • Investigated the effect of miR-27b-3p on acyl-CoA thioesterase 2 (ACOT2) expression.
  • Performed ACOT2 knockdown to evaluate its role in lipid accumulation and differentiation.

Main Results:

  • miR-27b-3p significantly enhanced adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells.
  • This enhancement was associated with increased lipid accumulation and triglyceride content.
  • miR-27b-3p was found to induce ACOT2 expression.
  • Knockdown of ACOT2 inhibited lipid accumulation and adipocyte differentiation, irrespective of miR-27b-3p treatment.

Conclusions:

  • The miR-27b-ACOT2 signaling axis plays a crucial role in adipocyte differentiation.
  • This pathway is implicated as a potential contributor to the development of NAFLD.

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Semi-Automated Isolation of the Stromal Vascular Fraction from Murine White Adipose Tissue Using a Tissue Dissociator06:08

Author Spotlight: Semi-Automated Isolation of the Stromal Vascular Fraction from Murine White Adipose Tissue Using a Tissue Dissociator

Published on: May 19, 2023

2.8K
Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis08:34

Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis

Published on: June 3, 2016

15.6K

Related Concept Videos

Master Transcription Regulators02:23

Master Transcription Regulators

Master transcription regulators are regulatory proteins that are predominantly responsible for regulating the expression of multiple genes. Often these genes work in concert to drive a  complex process. Activation of a master transcription regulator can lead to a cascade of transcriptional activation necessary for that outcome. These regulators can directly bind to the regulatory sequences of the various genes involved, or they can indirectly regulate transcription by binding to regulatory...
7.6K
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
3.6K
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After...
23.8K
Cell Specific Gene Expression01:58

Cell Specific Gene Expression

Multicellular organisms contain a variety of structurally and functionally distinct cell types, but the DNA in all the cells originated from the same parent cells. The differences in the cells can be attributed to the differential gene expression. Liver cells, whose functions include detoxification of blood, production of bile to metabolize fats, and synthesis of proteins essential for metabolism, must express a specific set of genes to perform their functions. Gene expression also varies with...
16.1K