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MicroRNAs as Epigenetic Regulators of Obesity
Ayse Basak Engin1, Atilla Engin2,3
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Gazi University, Hipodrom, Ankara, Turkey. abengin@gmail.com.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|September 17, 2024
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating obesity by controlling adipogenesis and intercellular communication. Dysregulated miRNAs offer potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for obesity and its related complications.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
Background:
- Adipogenesis, the process of fat cell formation, is critical in obesity and regulated by micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) and transcription factors.
- Specific miRNAs are differentially expressed during adipogenesis, in mature adipocytes, and in obesity, suggesting their potential as biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
- Obesity-induced adipocyte stress releases exosomes containing miRNAs, which act as intercellular messengers influencing metabolic activity and contributing to comorbidities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of miRNAs in adipogenesis and obesity.
- To investigate the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for obesity and related metabolic disorders.
- To understand how dysregulated miRNAs contribute to obesity-related complications.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of miRNA expression patterns during adipogenesis, in mature adipocytes, and in obesity.
- Investigation of miRNA involvement in adipocyte stress, exosome release, and intercellular communication.
- Review of existing literature on miRNA-based therapeutic approaches for obesity and its complications.
Main Results:
- MiRNAs are key regulators of adipogenesis, with distinct expression profiles in obesity and mature adipocytes.
- Dysregulated miRNAs are implicated in obesity-related comorbidities and can be released via adipocyte-derived exosomes.
- Experimental evidence shows that manipulating miRNA processing (e.g., DICER deletion) leads to obesity phenotypes.
- miRNAs effectively control key processes like lipid droplet development, insulin resistance, and inflammation.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are critical epigenetic regulators in obesity, influencing adipogenesis, intercellular communication, and metabolic health.
- Dysregulated miRNAs present viable targets for novel RNA-based therapies against obesity and its associated metabolic complications.
- Further research into miRNA signatures and functions can identify new therapeutic strategies for managing obesity.
Keywords:
Adipocyte-derived microvesicles (ADMs)AdipogenesisAdiponectinCytidine-cytidine-adenosine-adenosine-thymidine (CCAAT)/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)Fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4)Forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1)Insulin resistanceInterleukin 1 (IL-1) receptor-associated kinase-1 (IRAK-1)LeptinLipid dropletsLipotoxicityMicro ribonucleic acid-143 (miR-143)Micro-ribonucleic acid-103 (miR-103)Micro-ribonucleic acid-148a (miR-148a)Micro-ribonucleic acid-155 (miR-155)Micro-ribonucleic acid-221 (miR-221)Micro-ribonucleic acid-223 (miR-223)Micro-ribonucleic acid-33 (miR-33)Micro-ribonucleic acid-34 (miR-34)Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs)ObesityOxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL)Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ)Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)Sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)TriglycerideTumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-associated factor 6 (TRAF6)Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)Weight loss
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