Characterization of microRNA expression during adipocyte differentiation

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In this study, the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) during adipocyte differentiation of an immortalised human stem cell line (hMSC-TERT20) has been analysed using a miRNA array platform. miRNAs are a recently discovered class of small noncoding RNAs that function as negative gene regulators, through transcriptional silencing and translational inhibition. miRNAs are important for diverse cellular processes, including those associated with human disorders. A better understanding of adipocyte differentiation is important to increase the knowledge about the development of liposarcoma, which is the most common soft tissue malignancy in adults. We have identified and validated several miRNAs that could be involved in adipocyte differentiation. Some of the miRNAs target central regulators of adipocyte differentiation. The potential miRNA targets are now being investigated further. More functional studies using for instance short interfering RNAs toward selected miRNAs will also be performed.