Transcriptome analysis reveals the regulatory role of the FTO gene in bovine preadipocyte differentiation

The fat mass and obesity-associated ( FTO ) gene, though widely studied in human obesity and livestock lipid accumulation, remains poorly understood in bovine adipogenesis. This study investigated its role in bovine adipocytes via overexpression, given its high expression in Guanling cattle adipose tissue. Results demonstrated that FTO significantly increased triglyceride content, adiponectin secretion, and lipid droplet accumulation ( P < 0.01). It also upregulated key adipogenic markers ( PPARγ , C/EBPβ , FABP4 , LPL ; P < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that FTO promotes adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis through regulating multiple lipid metabolic pathways. These findings reveal that FTO positively regulates bovine adipocyte differentiation by modulating lipid metabolic networks, thereby filling a critical gap in the understanding of FTO -mediated lipid metabolism in ruminants. • FTO overexpression enhances lipid deposition in bovine adipocytes. • FTO upregulates adipogenic markers PPARγ , C/EBPβ , FABP4 , and LPL . • Transcriptomics links FTO to fatty acid metabolism and cAMP signaling. • Findings advance understanding of bovine fat deposition and meat quality.