Transcriptome analysis reveals the potential contribution of long noncoding RNAs to brown adipocyte differentiation

Abstract

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) functions to dissipate energy in response to cold exposure or overfeeding. Counteracting obesity has been extensively considered as a promising target. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are an important class of pervasive genes involved in a variety of biological functions. However, the potential biological functions of lncRNAs during mouse brown fat cell differentiation have not been fully understood. Here, we performed lncRNA and mRNA expression profile analysis using microarray technology and identified 1064 lncRNAs with differential expression (fold change| ≥4, p ≤ 0.01) on day 0 and day 8 during differentiation. Furthermore, candidate lncRNAs were characterized by comprehensive examination of their genomic context, gene ontology (GO) enrichment of their associated protein-coding genes and pathway analysis. We identified three lncRNAs (Gm15051, Tmem189 and Cebpd) associated with their flanking coding genes (Hoxa1, C/EBPβ and C/EBPδ), which participated in adipose commitment. Collectively, our findings indicated lncRNAs are involved in mouse BAT development and provide potential targets for obesity therapy.

Genome-Wide Analysis of lncRNA and mRNA Expression During Differentiation of Abdominal Preadipocytes in the Chicken

“…With the increased feasibility of high-throughput technologies of large-scale expression, RNA-seq has accelerated the discovery and characterization of lncRNAs (Weikard et al 2013). lncRNAs regulate processes associated with metabolic tissue development and function, including adipogenesis, hepatic lipid metabolism, islet function, and energy balance (Alvarez-Dominguez et al 2015; Chen et al 2015; Luan et al 2015; You et al 2015; Zhao and Lin 2015). Despite the fact that many studies indicate the importance of lncRNA in various tissues, little is known about the biological function of lncRNAs in fat deposition of chickens, particularly as it relates to preadipocyte differentiation.…”

Long noncoding RNAs in regulating adipogenesis: new RNAs shed lights on obesity

“…Additionally, differential expressions of lncRNAs on day 0 and day 8 during brown adipocyte differentiation were also profiled by microarray technology, providing a comprehensive analysis of lncRNA transcripts during classical brown adipocyte differentiation [54]. Among 1064 differentially expressed lncRNAs, lncRNA Gm15051, Tmem189, and CEBPδ were identified to be important in the adipogenesis pathway via potential targets (Hoxa1, CEBPβ and CEBPδ) and might contribute to brown adipogenesis [54].…”

“…Among 1064 differentially expressed lncRNAs, lncRNA Gm15051, Tmem189, and CEBPδ were identified to be important in the adipogenesis pathway via potential targets (Hoxa1, CEBPβ and CEBPδ) and might contribute to brown adipogenesis [54]. Further investigation of the molecular and biological functions of these candidate lncRNAs is required.…”

Long Noncoding RNAs in Metabolic Syndrome Related Disorders

“…Another global profiling of gene expression during mouse brown fat cell differentiation, followed by candidate lncRNAs genomic context analysis, pathway analysis, and gene ontology enrichment of their associated protein-coding genes was recently described. In this study, scientists identified three lncRNAs (Gm15051, Tmem189, and Cebpd) associated with their flanking coding genes (Hoxa1, C/EBP β , and C/EBP δ ) that participated in adipose commitment [69]. …”