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

N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) regulates fat development in many ways. Low intramuscular fat (IMF) in rabbit meat seriously affects consumption. In order to improve meat quality, we explored the law of IMF deposition. FTO could increase the expression of APMAP and adipocyte differentiation through methylation. However, interference YTHDF2 can partially recover the influence of interference FTO on the APMAP gene and adipocyte differentiation. APMAP promoted the differentiation of adipocytes. Analysis of IMF and APMAP expression showed IMF content is positive with the expression level of the APMAP gene (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Together, FTO can regulate intramuscular fat by targeting the APMAP gene via an m⁶A-YTHDF2-dependent manner in Rex rabbits. The result provides a theoretical basis for the molecular breeding of rabbits.