Disorder of lipid metabolism has become an urgent health problem that brings about a variety of metabolic syndromes, including hepatic steatosis, adipose tissue dysfunction, diabetes and obesity. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of emerging RNA molecules with unique structure and extensive effects, have been verified to participate in various biological programs through distinct mechanisms, especially in lipid‐related processes. In this review, the biogenesis, characteristics, and functional mechanisms of circRNAs are discussed. Furthermore, the methods for circRNA identification and expression profiles of circRNAs associated with adipogenesis and lipid metabolism are described. Additionally, we emphasize the regulatory roles of circRNAs in adipogenesis, lipid metabolism, and lipid‐related diseases. Finally, the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of circRNAs is highlighted, showing potential for the clinical application of circRNAs in the treatment of lipid‐related diseases in the near future.

Objective: Daweizi (DWZ) is a famous indigenous pig breed in China and characterized by tender meat and high fat percentage. However, the expression profiles and functions of transcripts in DWZ pigs is still in infancy. The object of this study was to depict the transcript profiles in DWZ pigs and screen the potential pathway influence adipogenesis and fat deposition,Methods: Histological analysis of backfat tissue was firstly performed between DWZ and lean-type Yorkshire pigs, and then RNA sequencing technology was utilized to explore miRNAs, lncRNAs and mRNAs profiles in backfat tissue. 18 differentially expressed (DE) transcripts were randomly selected for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) to validate the reliability of the sequencing results. Finally, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were conducted to investigate the potential pathways influence adipocyte differentiation, adipogenesis and lipid metabolism, and a schematic model was further proposed.Results: A total of 1,625 differentially expressed transcripts were identified in DWZ pigs, including 27 upregulated and 45 downregulated miRNAs, 64 upregulated and 119 downregulated lncRNA, 814 upregulated and 556 downregulated mRNAs. QPCR analysis exhibited strong consistency with the sequencing data. GO and KEGG analysis elucidated that the differentially expressed transcripts were mainly associated with cell growth and death, signal transduction, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), PI3K-Akt, adipocytokine and foxo signaling pathways, all of which are strongly involved in cell development, lipid metabolism and adipogenesis. Further analysis indicated that the BGIR9823_87926/miR-194a-5p/AQP7 network may be effective in the process of adipocyte differentiation or adipogenesis.Conclusion: Our study provides comprehensive insights into the regulatory network of backfat deposition and lipid metabolism in pigs from the point of view of miRNAs, lncRNAs and mRNAs.

Background: The Chinese Shaziling pig is representative of good meat quality but has been scarcely utilized on commercial farms because of the unpleasing growth and carcass traits. Methods: The growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality and fatty acids profile were analyzed among (Berkshire × Shaziling) × (Berkshire × Shaziling) (BS × BS), BS × S, Shaziling (S × S) and S × BS pigs. Result: BS × BS pigs exhibited higher growth rate and superior carcass performance. Each breed possessed desirable meat quality, as evidenced by moderate pH, color score, IMF content and shear force value, among which the performance of S × BS pigs was prominent. Take account of the contents of SFAs, MUFAs, PUFAs and PUFAs/SFAs value, the eating quality of S × BS pigs was favorable and the meat of BS × BS pigs, by contrast, was helpful for human health with advanced nutritional value. In summary, BS × BS pigs is more effective for commercial development of Shaziling pigs and providing healthy pork products.