中国地方猪种肌内脂肪沉积侯选基因的功能及调控机制是肌内脂肪沉积研究的重要科学问题，目前对肌内脂肪沉积候选基因的功能及其调控肌内脂肪沉积的机制仍缺少深入的认识。本项目继续以乌金猪肌内脂肪细胞为材料，以课题组前期研究发现的参与乌金猪肌内脂肪细胞脂类代谢途径的PLIN2基因为研究对象，围绕脂类代谢，利用基因过表达技术检测PLIN2基因过表达引起的肌内脂肪细胞脂类代谢基因表达的改变，确定可能的作用靶基因。利用RNAi技术下调PLIN2基因的表达，检测靶基因表达水平的改变及脂类代谢基因表达的变化。利用酵母双杂交技术检测PLIN2基因的表达产物与靶基因的表达产物之间的相互作用，证明PLIN2基因是通过作用于靶基因而调控了肌内脂肪细胞脂类代谢，从而明确PLIN2基因的功能及调控肌内脂肪沉积的机制。该项目的研究结果将为PLIN2作为标记基因，辅助育种，提高肌内脂肪含量，改善肉品质，提供理论指导和科学依据。

The biological functions of candidate genes and their regulating mechanisms for intramuscular fat are important scientific questions to study using Chinese indigenous pig species. However, the functions and regulating mechanisms of candidate genes for intramuscular fat lack deep evaluation at present. In our previous study, we found that PLIN2 gene were significantly associated to triglycerols content in intramuscular adipocytes isolated from muscle tissues of Wujin pigs. This project will continue to use intramuscular preadipocytes and focus on lipid metabolism and investigate the following aspects. First, we will detect the expression levels of the PLIN2 gene and lipid metabolism genes using over-expression technology to find the possible target genes of the PLIN2 gene. Second, the exprssion levels of the PLIN2 gene will be down-regulated by RNAi. At the same time, the expression levels of target genes and lipid metabolism genes will be determined. Third, the mutual interactions of PLIN2 and its target genes will be measured using yeast two-hybrids systems, aiming to confirm that the PLIN2 gene regulate the lipid metabolism via its target genes. The objective of this project is to clarify the role of PLIN2 gene in porcine IMF deposition. The results of this project will provide the theoretical guidance and the scientific basis for PLIN2 gene as a marker-gene in molecular breeding to promote porcine intramuscular fat deposition to improve the meat quality.