Bta-miR-380-3p regulates cell proliferation and adipogenesis in bovine intramuscular fat preadipocytes via targeting sterol O-acyltransferase 1.
A bta-miR-380-3p-SOAT1 regulatory axis linking post-transcriptional control with cholesterol metabolism, preadipocyte expansion, and IMF deposition is revealed, providing mechanistic insight and a potential molecular target for improving marbling and meat quality traits in cattle breeding programs.