Erucic acid promotes intramuscular fat deposition through the PPARγ-FABP4/CD36 pathway

The regulation of intramuscular fat (IMF) accumulation plays a crucial role in determining meat quality in the beef industry. In humans, fat deposition in skeletal muscle is closely associated with insulin resistance and obesity. However, its underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. We previously identified erucic acid (EA) as a key metabolite that may affect IMF deposition of beef using omics strategies. By utilizing bovine intramuscular preadipocytes in vitro, the study demonstrates a dose-dependent increase in lipid storage induced by EA, along with mRNA expression levels of transporters FABP4 and CD36. At a mechanistic level, EA triggers ERK1/2 phosphorylation and enhances the expression of PPARγ, FABP4, and CD36, thereby facilitating the formation of lipid droplets within preadipocytes. In vivo experiments conducted in mice support these findings, indicating that EA stimulates fat accumulation in skeletal muscles and enhances the levels of FABP4 and CD36 proteins. These outcomes not only enhance our comprehension of the molecular mechanisms governing IMF deposition but also provide insights into potential strategies for enhancing meat quality and addressing metabolic disorders linked to fat accumulation in skeletal muscles. The findings of the study contribute to existing scholarly knowledge and lay the groundwork for future research endeavors aimed at improving meat quality and metabolic well-being.