Differential Expression of Ago2-Mediated MicroRNA Signaling in Adipose Tissue is Associated with Food Induced Obesity

Background: Obesity is strongly linked to the dysregulation of adipose tissues. Previous studies have reported that the roles of Ago2 mediated microRNA signaling in the regulation of metabolic homeostasis and obesity. However, it is unclear whether this function extends to in adipose tissue. Here we sought to further understand the role of Ago2 in the adiposity during obesity.Methods: We first analyzed the food induced obese mouse models for alterations in body weight, glucose and energy homeostasis, subsequently characterized the expression of Ago2-miR148-AMPKα signaling pathway. Finally, hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to analyze the morphological changes in adipose pads and liver. Results: Here we show that high-fat diet feeding mice exhibited an increase in body mass alongside systematic insulin resistance and altered rate of energy expenditure. Interestingly, Ago2 expression is associated with obesity and increased in adipose tissues. Moreover, increase of Ago2 inhibited the expression of AMPKα by promoting its targeting by miR-148a, the most abundant microRNA in the adipose tissues.Conclusion: Those results suggested that Ago2-miR-148a-AMPKα signaling pathway play an important function in the developing obesity and adiposity and will further provide basic research data for the potential clinic treatment of obesity.