Fatty acids promote bovine skeletal muscle satellite cell differentiation by regulating ELOVL3 expression

Fatty acids (FAs) play essential roles in regulating differentiation and proliferation by affecting gene expression in various cell types. However, their potential functions in bovine cells remain unclear. Herein, we examine the differentiation and proliferation of bovine skeletal muscle-derived satellite cells (MDSCs) after incubation with three types of representative FAs (palmitic acid, oleic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) by western blotting, immunofluorescence assays, flow cytometry analysis and EdU incorporation assays. The myotube fusion rate, myotube length and expression levels of muscle differentiation-related gene myogenin (MYOG) and myosin heavy chain 3 (MYH3) increased significantly, although the FAs did not affect proliferation. Additionally, FA-induced bovine MDSC differentiation increased ELOVL3 expression and relocation of ELOVL3 to cytoplasmic lipid droplets in the differentiation of bovine MDSCs. Moreover, the effect of FAs on bovine MDSC differentiation was inhibited upon ELOVL3 downregulation. Collectively, these data indicate that FAs promote bovine MDSC differentiation by regulating ELOVL3 expression.