Screening of microRNAs controlling body fat in Drosophila melanogaster and identification of miR-969 and its target, Gr47b

PLoS One. 2019 Jul 18;14(7):e0219707. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219707. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-protein coding RNAs and post-transcriptionally regulate cellular gene expression. In animal development, miRNAs play essential roles such as stem cell maintenance, organogenesis, and apoptosis. Using gain-of-function (GOF) screening with 160 miRNA lines in Drosophila melanogaster, we identified a set of miRNAs which regulates body fat contents and named them microCATs (microRNAs Controlling Adipose Tissue). Further examination of egg-to-adult developmental kinetics of selected miRNA lines showed a negative correlation between fat content and developmental time. Comparison of microCATs with loss-of-function miRNA screening data uncovered miR-969 as an essential regulator of adiposity. Subsequently, we demonstrated adipose tissue-specific knock-down of gustatory receptor 47b (Gr47b), a miR-969 target, greatly reduced the amount of body fat, recapitulating the miR-969 GOF phenotype.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / metabolism
  • Adiposity / genetics
  • Animals
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics*
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genetic Testing*
  • Heterozygote
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Organ Specificity
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • MicroRNAs
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • gr47b protein, Drosophila