This proposal is designed to study the mechanism of metformin application, using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. Metformin is an established drug used for the treatment of type-2 diabetes in humans. The prevalence of obesity and type-2 diabetes in the Unites States and around the world has reached epidemic proportions and metformin use is on the rise. Recently, other beneficial effects of metformin have been found, such as less incidence of cancer compared to those treated with other anti-diabetes drugs, treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome, the metabolic syndrome and diabetes prevention. Furthermore, it has been reported that metformin extends the longevity of mice and worms. However, no effects on fly longevity have been reported in some labs. Our study would determine effects of multiple concentration of metformin of fly health and longevity. We would also determine the molecular mechanism of metformin action on fly health. The fact that beneficial effects have been seen independently of metformin effect on carbohydrate metabolism raised the intriguing possibility that metformin could also mediate some benefits in non-diabetic individuals. Finding an intervention that can delay age-related changes is one of the most important and urgent problems of modern biomedical science. Group of scientist have initiated and are planning the Taming Aging with Metformin (TAME) clinical trial, which attracted great public interest. This highlights the importance of finding the insights into the mechanism of metformin affects.
Description
This proposal is designed to study the mechanism of metformin application, using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. Metformin is an established drug used for the treatment of type-2 diabetes in humans. The prevalence of obesity and type-2 diabetes in the Unites States and around the world has reached epidemic proportions and metformin use is on the rise. Recently, other beneficial effects of metformin have been found, such as less incidence of cancer compared to those treated with other anti-diabetes drugs, treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome, the metabolic syndrome and diabetes prevention. Furthermore, it has been reported that metformin extends the longevity of mice and worms. However, no effects on fly longevity have been reported in some labs. Our study would determine effects of multiple concentration of metformin of fly health and longevity. We would also determine the molecular mechanism of metformin action on fly health. The fact that beneficial effects have been seen independently of metformin effect on carbohydrate metabolism raised the intriguing possibility that metformin could also mediate some benefits in non-diabetic individuals. Finding an intervention that can delay age-related changes is one of the most important and urgent problems of modern biomedical science. Group of scientist have initiated and are planning the Taming Aging with Metformin (TAME) clinical trial, which attracted great public interest. This highlights the importance of finding the insights into the mechanism of metformin affects.