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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2025.07.22.666178

A brain-specific microRNA, miR-1000, regulates lipid homeostasis via Neuropeptide-like precursor 1 in Drosophila melanogaster

Verma, P.·Gowda, P.·Danial, N.·Van Vactor, D.
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Abstract

Metabolism requires precise gene regulation to balance energy intake and expenditure for an organisms 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 lifespan in Drosophila. We further show that miR-1000 promotes fat storage upon feeding by regulating TAG synthesis and storage in lipid droplets, thereby playing a crucial role in metabolic regulation.

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Verma, P., Gowda, P., Danial, N., Van Vactor, D.. 2025-07-26. A brain-specific microRNA, miR-1000, regulates lipid homeostasis via Neuropeptide-like precursor 1 in Drosophila melanogaster. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.07.22.666178

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