Aloe-Emodin Modifies Adipogenic Genes and the Expression of miR-143 and miR-155 in 3T3-L1 Cells

Abstract

Adipogenesis is crucial for maintaining energy homeostasis, as it facilitates the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into adipocytes. This process is transcriptionally regulated by key factors including PPARγ and C/EBPβ, alongside FABP4 during lipogenesis. However, it is now well established that a significant portion of this regulation is also mediated by small non-coding RNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which post-transcriptionally modulate gene expression. This study aimed to identify key miRNAs involved in adipogenesis and to determine how Aloe-emodin, a molecule with potent anti-inflammatory properties known to modulate adipocyte differentiation, alters their expression. Using an integrative approach combining 3T3-L1 cell culture, RNA-seq, and qPCR analyses, this study demonstrates that Aloe-emodin can upregulate transcription factors (PPARγ and C/EBPβ) as well as miR-143 and miR-155, suggesting its potential as a modulator of adipogenic gene or miRNA expression in this exploratory setting.