MED4 gene positively affects preadipocyte differentiation in Chinese red steppe cattle

Background: The regulatory genes related to lipid metabolism affect the intramuscular fat (IMF) content and improve meat quality traits. Mediator Complex Subunit 4 (MED4), a vitamin D receptor protein, affects vitamin D, livestock growth, carcass traits, and triglyceride deposition. However, the physiological function of the MED4 gene on bovine adipocyte differentiation remains unknown. Methods: This study explored the function of the MED4 gene in preadipocyte differentiation in Chinese Red Steppe cattle. The overexpression plasmid and the interference sequences of the MED4 gene were constructed to detect the effects of the MED4 gene on adipogenesis and biomakers using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Results: The MED4 gene had significantly high expression during preadipocyte differentiation (p < 0.05). Overexpression of the MED4 gene increased the expression of the PPARγ gene, a preadipocyte differentiation biomarker, improved cellular lipid droplets and triglycerides accumulation, and positively accelerated adipocyte maturation (p < 0.05). Interference of the MED4 gene can negatively regulate preadipocyte differentiation. Conclusion: This study showed that the MED4 gene may affect the preadipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis in Chinese Red Steppe cattle by regulating the PPARγ gene.