Long non-coding RNA -derived miR-22-3p promotes skeletal muscle differentiation and regeneration by inhibiting HDAC4.

Emerging studies have indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in skeletal muscle growth and development. Nevertheless, it remains challenging to understand the function and regulatory mechanisms of these lncRNAs in muscle biology and associated diseases. Here, we identify a novel lncRNA, , that is significantly upregulated during myoblast differentiation and is highly expressed in skeletal muscle. We validated that promotes myoblast differentiation . Mechanistically, gives rise to mature microRNA (miR)-22-3p, which inhibits its target gene, histone deacetylase 4 (), thereby increasing the downstream myocyte enhancer factor 2C () and ultimately promoting myoblast differentiation. Furthermore, , we documented that knockdown delays repair and regeneration following skeletal muscle injury and further causes a significant decrease in weight following repair of an injured muscle. Additionally, gives rise to miR-22-3p to restrict expression, thereby promoting the differentiation and regeneration of skeletal muscle. Given the conservation of between mice and humans, might constitute a promising new therapeutic target for skeletal muscle injury, skeletal muscle atrophy, as well as other skeletal muscle diseases.