The RNA-seq and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) results suggested that adipogenic differentiation is possibly mediated by ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and this hypothesis was confirmed by intervention with PD98059 (an ERK 1/2 inhibitor).<h4>Conclusions</h4>This study indicates that Slc25a5 inhibits adipogenesis and might be a new therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity. This evidence concerns the gene SLC25A5 and obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.