Mir-193b Regulates the Differentiation, Proliferation, and Apoptosis of Bovine Adipose Cells by Targeting the ACSS2/AKT Axis

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Several studies have shown that miR-193b plays an important role in preadipocyte differentiation. Herein, we explored the role of bta-miR-193b in adipocyte development, using EdU, flow cytometry, CCK-8, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and oil red O staining. The result showed that bta-miR-193b could regulate the proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of adipocytes. The dual-fluorescent reporter vector experiments showed that bta-miR-193b directly targeted ACSS2, and the regulatory function of ACSS2 is opposite to that of miR-193b. Meanwhile, we demonstrated that ACSS2 could significantly promote the expression of AKT and pAKT proteins. In conclusion, our research provides new insights that confirm that bta-miR-193b inhibits bovine adipose cell proliferation, and promotes apoptosis by negative regulation of the ACSS2/AKT pathway. ABSTRACT: The precise functions and molecular mechanisms of microRNAs (miRNAs) in adipocytes are primarily unknown. Studies have demonstrated that miR-193b plays a pivotal role in the differentiation of preadipocytes. Herein, we evaluated the effects of bta-miR-193b on the growth and development of adipocytes, using the EdU cell proliferation method, flow cytometry analysis, CCK-8 assay, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and oil red O staining. We observed that the overexpression of bta-miR-193b significantly affected the differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis of adipocytes. The results of the dual-fluorescent reporter vector experiments demonstrated that bta-miR-193b directly targeted Acyl-CoA synthetase short-chain family member 2 (ACSS2). Additionally, the effects of ACSS2 overexpression on the proliferation and apoptosis in adipose cells were the opposite of those induced by bta-miR-193b. We also demonstrated that ACSS2 can significantly promote the expression of AKT and pAKT proteins. Therefore, this study presents a novel mechanism by which bta-miR-193b regulates adipocyte development by targeting ACSS2.