CircRNA_01754 Regulates Milk Fat Production Through the Hippo Signaling Pathway

Milk fat metabolism is a complex process regulated by non-coding RNAs. circRNAs (circRNAs) can act as miRNA sponges to regulate target gene expression.

This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of the circRNA_01754/miR-302c/LATS2 axis in regulating milk fat metabolism in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs).

mRNA sequencing was performed on bovine mammary gland tissues from different lactation stages to analyze the expression profiles. The interactions between circRNA_01754, miR-302c, and LATS2 were verified using dual-luciferase reporter assays, qRT-PCR, and Western blot. The functional effects on triglyceride (TAG) and cholesterol synthesis were assessed.

CircRNA_01754 was identified as a direct sponge for miR-302c. Overexpression of circRNA_01754 increased LATS2 expression by sequestering miR-302c. Functional experiments showed that circRNA_01754 and LATS2 promoted TAG synthesis, whereas miR-302c inhibited it. Furthermore, miR-302c was found to regulate the expression of YAP1, a key effector of the Hippo pathway, through LATS2.

Our findings reveal that circRNA_01754 promotes milk fat synthesis by acting as a ceRNA for miR-302c to upregulate LATS2. This study lays the groundwork for producing high-quality milk and opens up new avenues for enhancing public dietary health.