Metformin Retards Aging in C. elegans by Altering Microbial Folate and Methionine Metabolism
MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing · University College London · +1 more institution
Abstract
The biguanide drug metformin is widely prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, but its mode of action remains uncertain. Metformin also increases lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans cocultured with Escherichia coli. This bacterium exerts complex nutritional and pathogenic effects on its nematode predator/host that impact health and aging. We report that metformin increases lifespan by altering microbial folate and methionine metabolism. Alterations in metformin-induced longevity by mutation of worm methionine synthase (metr-1) and S-adenosylmethionine synthase (sams-1) imply metformin-induced methionine restriction in the host, consistent with action of this drug as a dietary restriction…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 20.89
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 73
Authors
10- FCFilipe Cabreiro
MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London
- CACatherine Au
MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London
- KLKit‐Yi Leung
University College London
- NVNuria Vergara‐Irigaray
MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London
- HMHelena M. Cochemé
MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London
Topics & keywords
- Metformin
- Biology
- Carbohydrate metabolism
- Methionine
- Biguanide
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
- Zero hunger