MicroRNA Regulation in Adipocyte Differentiation and Metabolism

Adipocyte differentiation and function are tightly orchestrated by a network of transcription factors, signalling pathways and post-transcriptional regulators. Among these regulators, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical modulators that fine-tune gene expression programmes governing precursor cell commitment, lipid accumulation, insulin sensitivity and adipose tissue remodelling. During adipogenesis, distinct sets of miRNAs are induced or repressed to control key drivers such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins, while other miRNAs influence metabolic enzymes and transporters involved in glucose and fatty acid handling. Beyond intrinsic differentiation processes, miRNAs carried in extracellular vesicles mediate crosstalk between adipocytes, immune cells and distant organs, contributing to systemic energy homeostasis. Dysregulated miRNA expression underpins pathological states including obesity-associated insulin resistance, adipose fibrosis and metabolic syndrome, positioning these small RNAs as both mechanistic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets with global relevance for cardiometabolic health.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent work has characterised a cAMP-response element-binding protein-regulated microRNA that serves as a biomarker of obesity and a potent driver of adipocyte lineage commitment. This miRNA is upregulated in mesenchymal stem cells undergoing adipogenic induction and accelerates lipid deposition by repressing a Wnt family member, an endogenous inhibitor of adipogenesis. Through enhancement of PPARγ-dependent transcription, this regulatory axis links hormonal signals to miRNA-mediated gene silencing, offering a mechanistic blueprint for modulating adipose expansion and identifying avenues for therapeutic intervention in obesity.

MicroRNA Regulation in Adipocyte Differentiation and Metabolism publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in microrna regulation in adipocyte differentiation and metabolism across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

microRNA (miRNA): Small non-coding RNA molecule that binds complementary mRNA sequences to inhibit translation or promote degradation.

Adipocyte differentiation: Sequential process by which precursor cells acquire the morphology and function of mature fat cells, including lipid storage and hormone secretion.

Extracellular vesicle (EV): Lipid-bilayer particle released by cells, carrying proteins, lipids and RNAs for delivery to recipient cells.

Wnt signalling: Conserved pathway that regulates cell fate, growth and differentiation by modulating β-catenin–dependent gene expression.

PI3K/AKT pathway: Intracellular signalling cascade activated by insulin and growth factors, crucial for glucose transport, cell survival and metabolism.

References

1. MicroRNAs in adipose tissue fibrosis: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Genes & Diseases (2024).
2. miR-486-5p-rich extracellular vesicles derived from patients with olanzapine-induced insulin resistance negatively affect glucose-regulating function. Biochemical Pharmacology (2024).
3. MiR-221-3p/222-3p Cluster Expression in Human Adipose Tissue Is Related to Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).