Pecr, short for peroxisomal trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase, encodes proteins related to fatty acid metabolism and synthesis. It is involved in pathways such as unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis [1,2]. This gene is of biological importance as it may impact various physiological functions related to lipid handling. Genetic models, like KO/CKO mouse models, can be valuable in further elucidating its functions.

In dairy cows, bta-miR-124a directly interacts with the 3'-untranslated region of Pecr to downregulate its expression in dairy mammary epithelial cell lines (Mac-T). This regulation occurs through an unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis signaling pathway, affecting the expression of the downstream gene ELOVL2, and in turn, regulating the content of triglyceride (TG) and free fatty acid (FFA), which are key elements in milk fat synthesis and secretion [1]. In hepatocellular carcinoma, overexpression of Pecr inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells, and promotes apoptosis, while low expression promotes cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Mechanistically, Pecr may indirectly affect hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation through the ERK pathway, suggesting it could be a new diagnostic marker and potential therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma [2].

In conclusion, Pecr plays essential roles in lipid metabolism, especially in milk fat synthesis in dairy cows, and in the regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma cell behaviors. The study of Pecr using genetic models has provided insights into these biological processes and disease conditions, highlighting its significance in both normal physiological functions and cancer-related research.

References:

1. Shen, Binglei, Yang, Zhuonina, Han, Shuo, Zhao, Zhihui, Wu, Rui. 2019. Bta-miR-124a Affects Lipid Metabolism by Regulating PECR Gene. In BioMed research international, 2019, 2596914. doi:10.1155/2019/2596914. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31467878/

2. Luo, Qingqing, Qiu, Liewang, Zhan, Ke, Mei, Zhechuan, Lv, Lin. 2023. Peroxisomal trans-2-enoyl-CoA inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. In Acta histochemica, 125, 152002. doi:10.1016/j.acthis.2023.152002. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36724637/