MicroRNA‐29b promotes the adipogenic differentiation of human adipose tissue‐derived stromal cells

Objective Obesity is primarily characterized by the accumulation of large amounts of fat in adipose tissue. Within the adipose tissue, adipocytes are derived from adipose tissue‐derived stromal cells (ADSCs) via a specialized cell lineage differentiation process, and ADSCs play a key role in the generation and metabolism of adipose tissue. This study investigated whether microRNAs (miRNAs) play a role in adipocyte differentiation. Methods Using luciferase reporter and ChIP assays, the relationship between miR‐29b, SP1, and TNF‐α was examined. Results During the normal adipogenic differentiation of ADSCs, up‐regulation of miR‐29b promoted adipogenesis by enhancing SP1‐mediated inhibition of TNF‐α. Conclusions This study investigated the regulatory role of miR‐29b during the adipogenic differentiation of ADSCs and found that miR‐29b is an effective positive regulator of adipogenesis.