Microrna-142a-3p Promotes The Differentiation Of 3t3-L1 Preadipocytes By Targeting High-Mobility Group At-Hook 1

Background: Obesity is characterized by the excess accumulation of adipose tissues, mainly composed of adipocytes. The differentiation of adipocytes is one of the major events in the process of adipogenesis. Among various adipogenic transcription factors, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBP alpha) and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) have been identified as essential regulators of adipocyte differentiation. Methods: RT-qPCR assay was conducted to detect the expression of microRNA-142a-3p (miR-142a-3p), high-mobility group AT-hook 1 (HMGA1) mRNA, C/EBP alpha mRNA, and PPAR gamma mRNA. Western blot assay was performed to measure the protein levels of HMGA1, C/EBP alpha and PPAR gamma. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay were carried out to explore the interaction between miR-142a-3p and HMGA1. Results: miR-142a-3p expression was notably increased and HMGA1 expression was markedly reduced during 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation. Functional analysis revealed that miR-142a-3p overexpression promoted 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation. Further investigations on molecular mechanisms showed that HMGA1 was a target of miR-142a-3p in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Moreover, the knockdown of HMGA1 induced 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation. Additionally, HMGA1 silencing abolished miR-142a-3p deficiency-mediated inhibitory effect on 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation. Conclusion: MiR-142a-3p overexpression facilitated 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation by targeting HMGA1, highlighting the importance of miR-142a-3p, HMGA1 and the miR-142a-3p/HMGA1 axis in adipogenesis.