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Updated: Nov 30, 2025
Author Spotlight: Semi-Automated Isolation of the Stromal Vascular Fraction from Murine White Adipose Tissue Using a Tissue Dissociator
Published on: May 19, 2023
miR-340-5p inhibits sheep adipocyte differentiation by targeting ATF7
Haodong Liu1, Baojun Li1, Liying Qiao1
1College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China.
Abstract:
Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified to play roles in adipocyte differentiation. However, little is known about their involvement in the differentiation of ovine intramuscular adipocytes. Here, the role of one such miRNA, miR-340-5p, in ovine adipocyte differentiation was investigated. Stromal vascular (SV) cells were isolated from skeletal muscle tissues of 1-month-old lambs and induced to differentiate into mature adipocytes. miRNA mimics and inhibitors were used for miR-340-5p overexpression and knockdown assays. For overexpression and knockdown of activating transcription factor 7 (ATF7), lentivirus infection was performed. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to determine the relationship between miR-340-5p and ATF7. The expression of adipogenesis marker genes, PPARγ, C/EBPα, FABP4, ADIPOQ, and ACC, and formation of lipid droplets were detected after the overexpression and inhibition of miR-340-5p, or upon overexpression or knockdown of ATF7. miR-340-5p inhibited the expression of the marker genes and the formation of lipid droplets. ATF7 positively regulated the expression of the marker genes and the formation of lipids. Thus, ATF7 is the target of miR-340-5p in sheep. Overall, these findings indicate that miR-340-5p acts as an inhibitor of the differentiation of intramuscular adipocytes by targeting ATF7. Our study provides a new theoretical basis for improving sheep meat quality.
Insights
MicroRNA-340-5p inhibits ovine intramuscular adipocyte differentiation by targeting activating transcription factor 7 (ATF7). This finding offers insights into improving sheep meat quality through adipogenesis regulation.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate adipocyte differentiation, but their role in ovine intramuscular adipocytes is unclear.
- Understanding these regulators is crucial for improving meat quality in sheep.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of miR-340-5p in ovine intramuscular adipocyte differentiation.
- To identify the molecular targets of miR-340-5p in this process.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and differentiation of ovine stromal vascular cells.
- Overexpression and knockdown of miR-340-5p and activating transcription factor 7 (ATF7) using miRNA mimics/inhibitors and lentivirus.
- Luciferase reporter assay to confirm target interaction.
- Analysis of adipogenesis marker gene expression and lipid droplet formation.
Main Results:
- miR-340-5p overexpression inhibited adipogenesis marker gene expression and lipid droplet accumulation.
- ATF7 overexpression promoted adipogenesis marker gene expression and lipid droplet formation.
- miR-340-5p directly targets and inhibits ATF7 expression in ovine adipocytes.
Conclusions:
- miR-340-5p functions as an inhibitor of ovine intramuscular adipocyte differentiation by targeting ATF7.
- This regulatory axis provides a novel theoretical basis for enhancing sheep meat quality.
