FTO Regulated Intramuscular Fat by Targeting APMAP Gene via an m⁶A-YTHDF2-dependent Manner in Rex Rabbits.

Area of Science:

• Epigenetics
• Molecular Biology
• Animal Science

Background:

• N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) is a key epigenetic regulator of biological processes, including fat development.
• Low intramuscular fat (IMF) content in rabbit meat negatively impacts consumer appeal and economic value.
• Understanding IMF deposition mechanisms is vital for improving meat quality through molecular breeding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) modification in regulating intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition in Rex rabbits.
• To elucidate the molecular pathway involving FTO, YTHDF2, and APMAP in adipocyte differentiation and IMF accumulation.
• To provide a theoretical foundation for enhancing rabbit meat quality via molecular breeding strategies.

Main Methods:

• Gene expression analysis (RT-qPCR) to quantify APMAP levels.
• RNA interference (RNAi) to study the functional roles of FTO and YTHDF2.
• Analysis of the correlation between IMF content and APMAP gene expression.
• Cellular assays to assess adipocyte differentiation.

Main Results:

• FTO promotes APMAP expression and adipocyte differentiation through m⁶A modification.
• Interference with YTHDF2 partially reverses the effects of FTO interference on APMAP and adipocyte differentiation.
• APMAP expression is positively correlated with IMF content in Rex rabbits (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• FTO regulates IMF deposition in Rex rabbits by targeting the APMAP gene in an m⁶A-YTHDF2-dependent manner.
• The identified molecular mechanism provides insights into adipogenesis and offers a target for improving rabbit meat quality.
• This study lays the groundwork for future molecular breeding programs aimed at enhancing IMF content in rabbits.