Adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia are important processes in the development of obesity. To understand obesity and its associated diseases, it is important to elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing adipogenesis. MicroRNA-375 has been shown to inhibit differentiation of neurites, and participate in the regulation of insulin secretion and blood homeostasis. However, it is unknown whether miR-375 plays a role in adipocyte differentiation.

To investigate the role of miR-375 in adipocyte differentiation, researchers at the University of South China utilized LC Sciences’ miRNA microarray service to compare the miR-375 expression level between 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes and adipocytes using miRNA microarray and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. Furthermore, they evaluated the effects of overexpression or inhibition of miR-375 on 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation.

In the present study, the researchers found that miR-375 expression was increased after induction of adipogenic differentiation. Overexpression of miR-375 enhanced 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation, as evidenced by its ability to increase mRNA levels of both CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-a (C/EBPa) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-? (PPAR?2), and induction of adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (aP2) and triglyceride (TG) accumulation. Furthermore, they found overexpression of miR-375 suppressed phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2). In contrast, anti-miR-375 increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels and inhibited mRNA expression of C/EBPa, PPAR?2 and aP2 in 3T3-L1 adipocyte, accompanied by decreased adipocyte differentiation.

Taken together, these data suggest that miR-375 promotes 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation, possibly through modulating the ERK.

 

MiR-375 expression is upregulated during 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation

LC Sciences

 

A:Representative microscopic images of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes (Normal) and 3T3-L1 adipocytes (Control); B: Relative expression ratio of miR-375 was measured by qRT-PCR as described in the Methods in Normal, Control, and 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes that stably expressed pmiR-375 (pmiR-375) and pNeg (pNeg).

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miRNA Microarray Service – LC Sciences provides a microRNA (miRNA) expression profiling service using microarrays based on our in-house developed µParaflo® technology platform. We have standard arrays for all mature miRNAs of all species available in the latest version of the miRBase database (Release 21, July 2014). Our service is comprehensive and includes sample labeling, array hybridization, image data processing and in-depth data analysis. Two-three weeks after receiving your total RNA samples, we’ll send you both the raw and fully analyzed data. [Learn more…]

Reference

Ling HY, Wen GB, Feng SD, Tuo QH, Ou HS, Yao CH, Zhu BY, Gao ZP, Zhang L, Liao DF. (2011) MicroRNA-375 promotes 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation through modulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase signalling. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 38(4), 239-246. [article]