AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a large class of non-coding RNAs
that play important roles in the proliferation and differentiation of
adipocytes. Our previous sequencing analysis revealed higher expression of
miR-369-3p in the longissimus muscle of 2-month-old Aohan fine-wool sheep
(AFWS) compared to 12-month-old sheep (P<0.05), suggesting that
miR-369-3p may regulate fat deposition in AFWS. To test this, miR-369-3p
mimics, inhibitors, and negative controls (NCs) were constructed and
transfected into AFWS preadipocytes. After transfection with miR-369-3p
mimics, we found a decrease (P<0.05) in the expression of genes and
proteins related to cell proliferation and differentiation, detected by
RT-qPCR (quantitative reverse transcription PCR) and western blot analyses. Moreover, EdU (5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine) detection and Oil Red O
staining showed a decrease (P<0.05) in cell proliferation and lipid
accumulation, respectively. The opposite trends (P<0.05) were
obtained after transfection with miR-369-3p inhibitors. In conclusion, the
results showed that miR-369-3p can inhibit the proliferation and
differentiation of AFWS preadipocytes, providing a theoretical basis to
further explore the molecular mechanism of fat deposition in sheep and other
domestic animals.