Circulating miR-130b mediates metabolic crosstalk between fat and muscle in overweight/obesity

Aims/hypothesis

Adipose tissue is a dynamic endocrine organ that regulates whole-body energy homeostasis through the secretion of signalling molecules. Recent reports suggest that secreted microRNAs (miRNAs) may function as biologically active molecules for intercellular communication. This study aims to identify obesity-related circulating miRNA that could be secreted from adipocytes and to explore its possible role in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases.

Methods

Real-time RT-PCR was used to evaluate the circulating level of miR-130b in mouse models of obesity as well as in humans. Luciferase assay and immunoblotting were used to verify the miRNA target. The effect of miR-130b on mouse peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α was also investigated by electrogene transfer.

Results

The circulating level of miR-130b was elevated in mouse models of obesity as well as in obese Chinese individuals. More interestingly, the circulating level of miR-130b was positively correlated with BMI. Moreover, circulating miR-130b was a better predictor of the metabolic syndrome than was triacylglycerol level. Mechanistically, adipocytes secreted miR-130b during adipogenesis. TGF-β, which is proportionately increased with obesity, stimulated miR-130b secretion from adipocytes. Furthermore, miR-130b was able to target muscle cells and reduce the expression of its direct target gene, PGC-1α (also known as PPARGC1A), which plays a key role in lipid oxidation in muscle.

Conclusions/interpretation

Circulating miR-130b reflects the degree of obesity and could serve as a potential biomarker for hypertriacylglycerolaemia and metabolic syndrome. Circulating miR-130b could function as a metabolic mediator for adipose–muscle crosstalk and might be involved in the pathogenesis of obesity-associated metabolic diseases.