LNC_003296 regulates the proliferation and differentiation of ovine myoblasts by modulating the stability of Hsp70

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in various regulatory processes during muscle development. Our previous RNA-seq study identified LNC_003296 as being significantly differentially expressed between ovariectomized Small-tailed Han sheep (OR-STH) and their non-ovariectomized counterparts (STH). Through biotinylated RNA pull-down assays and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), we further demonstrated that LNC_003296 directly interacts with Hsp70. Protein stability and degradation experiments revealed that LNC_003296 enhances the protein stability of Hsp70. Overexpression of either LNC_003296 or Hsp70 promoted myoblast proliferation, facilitated differentiation, and contributed to skeletal muscle fiber formation. Conversely, their knockdown suppressed cell proliferation and inhibited differentiation. In summary, these data indicate that LNC_003296 can bind to Hsp70 and enhance its protein stability, thereby influencing the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts.