Animal fat deposition has a significant impact on meat flavor and texture. However, the molecular mechanisms of fat deposition are not well understood. LncPLAAT3-AS is a naturally occurring transcript that is abundant in porcine adipose tissue. Here, we focus on the regulatory role of lncPLAAT3-AS in promoting preadipocyte proliferation and adipocyte differentiation. By overexpressing or repressing lncPLAAT3 expression, we found that lncPLAAT3-AS promoted the transcription of its host gene PLAAT3, a regulator of adipocyte differentiation. In addition, we predicted the region of lncPLAAT3-AS that binds to miR-503-5p and showed by dual luciferase assay that lncPLAAT3-AS acts as a sponge to absorb miR-503-5p. Interestingly, miR-503-5p also targets and represses PLAAT3 expression and helps regulate porcine preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation. Taken together, these results show that lncPLAAT3-AS upregulates PLAAT3 expression by absorbing miR-503-5p, suggesting a potential regulatory mechanism based on competing endogenous RNAs. Finally, we explored lncPLAAT3-AS and PLAAT3 expression in adipose tissue and found that both molecules were expressed at significantly higher levels in fatty pig breeds compared to lean pig breeds. In summary, we identified the mechanism by which lncPLAAT3-AS regulates porcine preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation, contributing to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of lipid deposition in pigs.

Adipogenesis, as a key process in the development of adipose tissue, occurs within a complex and precisely regulated molecular network. In recent years, competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) has emerged as a cutting-edge research focus in adipogenesis through the formation of regulatory networks based on shared microRNA response elements (MREs). This article provides a narrative review of recent progress on the regulatory roles of ceRNA networks in adipogenesis and adipose tissue development. It reviews the theoretical framework of the ceRNA hypothesis, analyzes the composition of ceRNA network components, and explains their important biological functions. Particular emphasis is placed on the regulatory mechanisms of ceRNA in adipocyte differentiation and adipose tissue development. Furthermore, the main experimental approaches and analytical methods currently used for ceRNA research are summarized and discussed. This review aims to provide an integrated understanding of ceRNA-mediated regulatory networks in adipogenesis and to offer valuable references for future research in this field.