Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2025
Author Spotlight: Standardizing and Improving the Extraction and Purification of Extracellular Vesicles from Human ADSCs
Published on: May 3, 2024
MicroRNA Profile of Mouse Adipocyte-Derived Extracellular Vesicles
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary.
Abstract:
The post-transcriptional control of gene expression is a complex and evolving field in adipocyte biology, with the premise that the delivery of microRNA (miRNA) species to the obese adipose tissue may facilitate weight loss. Cells shed extracellular vesicles (EVs) that may deliver miRNAs as intercellular messengers. However, we know little about the miRNA profile of EVs secreted by adipocytes during postnatal development. Here, we defined the miRNA cargo of EVs secreted by mouse adipocytes in two distinct phases of development: on postnatal day 6, when adipocytes are lipolytic and thermogenic, and on postnatal day 56, when adipocytes have active lipogenesis. EVs were collected from cell culture supernatants, and their miRNA profile was defined by small RNA sequencing. The most abundant miRNA of mouse adipocyte-derived EVs was mmu-miR-148a-3p. Adipocyte EVs on postnatal day 6 were hallmarked with mmu-miR-98-5p, and some miRNAs were specific to this developmental stage, such as mmu-miR-466i-5p and 12 novel miRNAs. Adipocytes on postnatal day 56 secreted mmu-miR-365-3p, and 16 miRNAs were specific to this developmental stage. The miRNA cargo of adipocyte EVs targeted gene networks of cell proliferation, insulin signaling, interferon response, thermogenesis, and lipogenesis. We provided here a database of miRNAs secreted by developing mouse adipocytes, which may be a tool for further studies on the regulation of gene networks that control mouse adipocyte development.
Insights
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from developing mouse adipocytes carry microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate gene networks. This study identifies specific miRNA profiles in EVs at different developmental stages, offering insights into adipocyte biology and potential weight loss strategies.
Area of Science:
- Adipocyte biology
- Extracellular vesicle (EV) research
- Post-transcriptional gene regulation
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) delivered via extracellular vesicles (EVs) are intercellular messengers.
- Understanding miRNA profiles in adipocyte-derived EVs during development is crucial for adipocyte biology.
- Obesity and weight loss may be influenced by miRNA delivery to adipose tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the microRNA (miRNA) cargo of extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by mouse adipocytes during two distinct postnatal developmental phases.
- To identify stage-specific miRNAs and novel miRNAs within adipocyte-derived EVs.
- To explore the targeted gene networks regulated by the miRNA cargo of adipocyte EVs.
Main Methods:
- Collection of EVs from mouse adipocyte cell culture supernatants at postnatal day 6 and day 56.
- Small RNA sequencing to profile the miRNA content of the isolated EVs.
- Bioinformatic analysis to identify known and novel miRNAs and their targeted gene networks.
Main Results:
- The most abundant miRNA in mouse adipocyte-derived EVs was mmu-miR-148a-3p.
- EVs from day 6 adipocytes were characterized by mmu-miR-98-5p, mmu-miR-466i-5p, and 12 novel miRNAs.
- EVs from day 56 adipocytes contained mmu-miR-365-3p and 16 stage-specific miRNAs.
- The identified miRNA cargo targeted gene networks involved in cell proliferation, insulin signaling, interferon response, thermogenesis, and lipogenesis.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive database of miRNAs secreted by developing mouse adipocytes via EVs has been established.
- The study provides insights into the dynamic miRNA cargo of adipocyte EVs during development.
- This resource can facilitate future research on gene network regulation in adipocyte development and metabolic processes.
