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Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Describing a Transcription Factor Dependent Regulation of the MicroRNA Transcriptome
07:23

Describing a Transcription Factor Dependent Regulation of the MicroRNA Transcriptome

Published on: June 15, 2016

8.9K

MicroRNA transcriptome analysis reveals the potential role of miRNAs in regulating adipocyte hyperplasia and

Ligang Ni1, Zhanpeng Gu2, Xiaoyan Wang2

  • 1School of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou, China.

Frontiers in Genetics
|February 2, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study reveals key microRNAs (miRNAs) regulating pig backfat development. Identified miRNAs and pathways offer insights into adipocyte hyperplasia and hypertrophy for improved swine breeding.

Area of Science:

  • Genomics and Molecular Biology
  • Animal Science
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of porcine backfat development.
  • Their precise roles in adipocyte hyperplasia and hypertrophy require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To uncover the regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in porcine backfat development.
  • To elucidate molecular pathways controlling adipocyte hyperplasia and hypertrophy.

Main Methods:

  • High-throughput sequencing to profile miRNA expression in Sujiang pigs across four developmental stages.
  • Integrated analysis of miRNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) transcriptomes.
  • Functional enrichment analysis of identified pathways and hub miRNAs.

Main Results:

  • Identified 292 known and 274 novel miRNAs.
  • Discovered significant mRNA-miRNA interactions crucial for backfat development.
  • Highlighted PI3K-Akt, stem cell pluripotency, and mTOR pathways in adipocyte hyperplasia.
  • Identified butanoate metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and degradation in adipocyte hypertrophy.
  • Pinpointed ssc-miR-1343 as a key regulator targeting TCF3 and FASN genes.

Conclusions:

  • Comparative transcriptomic analysis provides a molecular understanding of porcine backfat development.
  • Identified miRNAs and pathways offer valuable targets for future swine breeding programs.
Keywords:
Sujiang pigadipocyte hyperplasiaadipocyte hypertrophybackfat tissuetranscriptome profiling

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