Overexpression of miR-20a-3p was shown to promote metabolic perturbations, potentially through the downregulation of Ltbp2 in the adipocyte, leading to dysregulation in critical markers of adipose differentiation and inflammation, and a relevant lipodystrophy gene, Lamin C. As such, these studies provide a plausible mechanistic schema, whereby miR-20a-3p downregulates Ltbp2, leading to adipocyte dysfunction in HIV lipodystrophy. The gene discussed is LTBP2; the disease is lipodystrophy.