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Bovine Preadipocyte-Derived Exosomal miR-26a Promotes Intramuscular Adipogenesis by Directly Targeting GSK3B
Yiyang Du1, Jia Guo1, Zijiao Zhao2
1Jilin Provincial International Cooperation Key Laboratory for Science and Technology Innovation of Special Animal and Plants, Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130112, China.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|February 25, 2026
Summary
Exosomes from high-intramuscular fat (IMF) cattle enhance fat deposition in beef cattle. Exosomal miR-26a promotes adipogenesis by targeting GSK3B, offering insights into improving beef quality.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Intramuscular fat (IMF) content is crucial for beef quality.
- The role of preadipocyte-derived exosomes in regulating IMF deposition is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of exosomes derived from cattle preadipocytes with different IMF levels.
- To identify key molecular mechanisms, particularly miRNAs, involved in exosome-mediated regulation of adipogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of exosomes from preadipocytes of Haoyue Beef Cattle (HC) and Chinese Red Steppe Cattle (CRSC).
- Analysis of exosome effects on preadipocyte proliferation, differentiation, and lipid synthesis.
- MiRNA sequencing, bioinformatics analysis (KEGG, GO), and dual-luciferase reporter assays.
- Functional validation using miRNA mimics and gene overexpression.
Main Results:
- Exosomes from HC (high IMF) significantly promoted preadipocyte proliferation, differentiation, lipid accumulation, and triglyceride synthesis.
- MiRNA sequencing revealed miR-26a as significantly more abundant in HC exosomes.
- miR-26a directly targets glycogen synthase kinase-3B (GSK3B).
- miR-26a mimics enhanced adipogenesis by suppressing GSK3B, while GSK3B overexpression inhibited differentiation.
Conclusions:
- Exosomal miR-26a acts as a novel regulator of intramuscular adipogenesis in beef cattle.
- This study provides molecular insights into enhancing beef quality through modulating exosomal miRNA pathways.
