: A Long Non-Coding RNA with Multiple Functions and Its Role in Processes Associated with Fat Deposition

Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 () belongs to the lncRNA molecules, which are involved in transcriptional and epigenetic regulation and the control of gene expression, including the mechanism of chromatin remodeling. was first discovered during carcinogenesis in lung adenocarcinoma, hence its name. In humans, 66 of its isoforms have been identified, and in pigs, only 2 are predicted, for which information is available in Ensembl databases (Ensembl Release 111). is expressed in numerous tissues, including adipose, adrenal gland, heart, kidney, liver, ovary, pancreas, sigmoid colon, small intestine, spleen, and testis. , as an lncRNA, shows a wide range of functions. It is involved in the regulation of the cell cycle, where it has pro-proliferative effects and high cellular levels during the G1/S and mitotic (M) phases. Moreover, it is involved in invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis, and it has a crucial function in alternative splicing during carcinogenesis. In addition, plays a significant role in the processes of fat deposition and adipogenesis. The human adipose tissue stem cells, during differentiation into adipocytes, secrete as one the most abundant lncRNAs in the exosomes. expression in fat tissue is positively correlated with adipogenic and . This lncRNA is involved in the regulation of PPARγ at the transcription stage, fatty acid metabolism, and insulin signaling. The wide range of functions makes it an interesting target in studies searching for drugs to prevent obesity development in humans. In turn, in farm animals, it can be a source of selection markers to control the fat tissue content.