NDUFAB1 as a Novel Regulator of NEFA-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction in Bovine Adipocytes

Abstract

Elevated non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels are closely associated with metabolic disorders in dairy cattle, yet their direct effects on adipocyte physiology remain poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that high NEFA concentrations significantly impair bovine adipocyte function by simultaneously inhibiting proliferation/differentiation (p < 0.01) and promoting pathological lipid deposition. Through integrated transcriptomic and functional analyses, we identified NDUFAB1 as a central metabolic regulator that counteracts NEFA-induced adipocyte dysfunction. Mechanistically, NDUFAB1 activation attenuates the cytotoxic effects of excessive NEFA exposure. These findings provide both fundamental insights into energy metabolism regulation and a potential therapeutic target (NDUFAB1) for preventing bovine metabolic diseases.

Keywords

• NEFA
• bovine
• adipocyte
• NDUFAB1
• metabolic dysfunction