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Identification of Circular RNA Expression Profiles in White Adipocytes and Their Roles in Adipogenesis
Peng-Peng Zhang1, Qiu Han1, Ming-Xuan Sheng1
1Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China.
Frontiers in Physiology
|September 7, 2021
Summary
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are newly identified regulators in white adipose tissue. This study detected 3,771 circRNAs during adipogenesis, with many showing correlated expression to parental genes and potential roles in metabolic regulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Obesity and related metabolic diseases pose global health challenges.
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as key regulators in biological processes.
- The role of circRNAs in white adipose tissue (WAT) and adipogenesis remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression profiles and potential functions of circRNAs during white adipogenesis.
- To identify differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs) and their parental genes involved in adipogenesis.
- To explore the regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs, such as miRNA sponging, in WAT.
Main Methods:
- RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was employed to profile circRNAs across three stages of adipogenesis.
- Quantitative analysis identified circRNA expression patterns and correlations with parental genes.
- Bioinformatic analyses, including KEGG and GO enrichment, were performed on parental genes of DECs.
- miRNA binding site prediction was used to assess potential miRNA sponge activity of circRNAs.
Main Results:
- A total of 3,771 circRNAs were identified in white adipocytes.
- Nearly 10% of genes expressing linear RNAs also produced circRNAs, with 40% generating multiple isoforms.
- Significant correlations were observed between the expression levels of approximately 50% of circRNAs and their parental genes.
- 41 DECs were detected during adipogenesis, with 80% showing co-expression with their parental genes.
- DECs' parental genes are implicated in adipogenesis-related pathways.
- Many upregulated circRNAs possess binding sites for miRNAs (e.g., miR-17, miR-30c, miR-130), suggesting a miRNA sponge function.
Conclusions:
- White adipogenesis involves the expression of a substantial number of circRNAs.
- DECs, particularly those correlated with parental genes, represent promising candidates for regulating adipogenesis.
- CircRNAs may influence adipogenesis by acting as miRNA sponges, modulating gene expression.
- These findings highlight circRNAs as novel players in white adipose tissue biology and potential therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases.
