Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a vital role in regulating adipogenesis. However, the associated regulatory mechanisms have yet to be described in detail in pig. In this study, we demonstrate a critical role for lncMYOZ2 in adipogenesis from porcine preadipocytes. Specifically, lncMYOZ2 was more abundant in the adipose tissue of Mashen (fat-type) pigs than for Large White (lean-type) pigs, and knockdown of this lncRNA significantly inhibited the differentiation of porcine preadipocytes into adipocytes. Mechanistically, we used RNA pull-down and RIP assays to establish that lncMYOZ2 interacts with adenosylhomocysteinase (AHCY). Moreover, lncMYOZ2 knockdown increased promoter methylation of the target gene MYOZ2 and lowered its expression. Finally, we describe a positive regulatory role for MYOZ2 in adipogenesis. Collectively, these findings establish lncMYOZ2 as an important epigenetic regulator of adipogenesis via the aforementioned AHCY/MYOZ2 pathway, and provide insights into the role of lncRNAs in porcine adipose development.