A brain-specific microRNA, miR-1000 , regulates lipid homeostasis via neuropeptide-like precursor 1 in Drosophila melanogaster
Abstract
Metabolism requires precise gene regulation to balance energy intake and expenditure for an organism's well-being, with misregulation often leading to metabolic syndromes. This study reveals that the brain-specific microRNA miR-1000 regulates fat storage by controlling the expression of a neuropeptide gene, Nplp1 . Loss of miR-1000 increases Nplp1 expression, leading to higher body weight, increased fat storage, improved survival under food deprivation conditions, and a reduced overall life span in Drosophila . We further show that miR-1000 promotes fat storage upon feeding by regulating triacylglyceride (TAG) synthesis and storage in lipid droplets, thereby playing a crucial role in metabolic regulation.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research
Regulation of Appetite and Obesity
Genetics
Aging
and Longevity in Model Organisms
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Genes & Development
- Publisher
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
- Volume
- 40
- Issue
- 7-8
- Pages
- 444–455
- Publication date
- 27 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Preprint