CircRNF111 Contributes to Adipocyte Differentiation by Elevating PPARγ Expression via miR-27a-3p

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Adipocyte differentiation significantly impacts meat quality.
• Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in physiological processes, but their role in adipogenesis requires further investigation.
• Understanding circRNA functions in adipogenesis is crucial for improving livestock traits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of circRNF111 in bovine adipogenesis.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying circRNF111's function in preadipocyte differentiation.
• To identify interactions between circRNF111, microRNAs, and target genes involved in adipogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Bioinformatics analysis, RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and sequencing were used to identify circRNF111.
• Functional significance was assessed through knockdown and exogenous expression of circRNF111 in bovine preadipocytes.
• A dual-luciferase reporter system and immunoprecipitation assays verified the interaction between circRNF111, miR-27a-3p, and PPARγ.

Main Results:

• circRNF111 was identified and its sequence signature confirmed.
• circRNF111 expression was found to be positively correlated with adipocyte differentiation.
• circRNF111 acts as a molecular sponge for miR-27a-3p, thereby alleviating miR-27a-3p's inhibition on PPARγ expression.

Conclusions:

• Bovine circRNF111 promotes adipogenesis by modulating the miR-27a-3p/PPARγ axis.
• circRNF111 serves as a crucial regulator of adipocyte differentiation in cattle.
• This research provides a molecular basis for enhancing meat quality through targeted manipulation of circRNAs.