Metformin induces S-adenosylmethionine restriction to extend the Caenorhabditis elegans healthspan through H3K4me3 modifiers.

ABSTRACT: Metformin, a widely prescribed first-line drug for the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus, has been shown to extend lifespan and delay the onset of age-related diseases. The precisely mechanisms by which these effects are realized remain elusive. We find that metformin exposure is restricted to adults, which is sufficient to extend lifespan. However, limiting metformin exposure to the larvae has no significant effect on Caenorhabditis elegans longevity. Here, we show that after metformin treatment, the level of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is reduced in adults but not in the larvae. Potential mechanisms by which reduced SAM might increase lifespan include altering the histone methylation. However, the molecular connections between metformin, SAM limitation, methyltransferases, and health

SUBMITTER: Xiao Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8920454 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature