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Super-Enhancer-Associated circRHOQ Regulates Intramuscular Fat Deposition by Modulating the miR-5093/IRF5 Axis
Jieqiong Ma1,2, Yanjie Yin1, Xue Meng1
1Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|November 18, 2025
Summary
Superenhancer-associated circular RNAs (SE-circRNAs) were investigated for their role in yak fat deposition. CircRHOQ was identified as a key regulator promoting adipogenesis by interacting with miR-5093 and IRF5.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
- Animal Science
Background:
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are vital in mammalian post-transcriptional regulation.
- Superenhancer-associated circRNAs (SE-circRNAs) roles in adipogenesis are largely unknown.
- Yak intramuscular fat (IMF) development is a key trait in high-altitude livestock.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the function of SE-circRNAs in yak adipogenesis.
- To identify specific SE-circRNAs involved in IMF deposition.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanism of SE-circRNA regulation in yak fat development.
Main Methods:
- RNA sequencing and H3K27ac ChIP sequencing on yak muscle tissues.
- Identification and validation of differentially expressed SE-circRNAs.
- Functional assays including enhancer activity, JQ-1 treatment, and dual-luciferase assays.
- Analysis of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions.
Main Results:
- 81 differentially expressed SE-circRNAs were identified in high IMF yak.
- CircRHOQ was confirmed as an SE-driven circRNA promoting yak adipogenesis.
- CircRHOQ promotes lipid accumulation and adipogenic gene expression in preadipocytes.
- CircRHOQ functions as a competing endogenous RNA, binding miR-5093 to upregulate IRF5.
Conclusions:
- CircRHOQ promotes yak IMF development through the SE-circRHOQ/miR-5093/IRF5 pathway.
- This finding provides insights into IMF deposition mechanisms.
- Offers a basis for improving fat deposition in high-altitude livestock breeds.
