Metformin Induces Dicer via Regulation of the RNA-binding protein AUF1
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ABSTRACT: Metformin has been commonly used for decades to treat type 2 diabetes. Recent data indicates that mice treated with metformin live longer and healthier lives. Here, we show that chronic metformin exposure in mice and diabetics taking metformin have higher levels of the microRNA processing protein, Dicer. Examination of how metformin affects Dicer expression revealed that metformin alters binding of the AUF1 RNA-binding protein to DICER1 mRNA, which leads to stabilization of DICER1 mRNA. We found differential changes in microRNA expression in mice treated with metformin or caloric restriction, a proven life extending intervention. Several of these microRNAs are important for regulating cellular senescence and lifespan in model organisms. Consistent with this observation, treatment with metformin decreased cellular senescence in a Dicer-dependent manner. These data lead us to hypothesize that changes in Dicer levels may be important for organismal aging and that interventions that upregulate Dicer expression (e.g., metformin) may offer new therapeutic approaches to combat or prevent age-related diseases. Key words: diabetes mellitus, metformin, senescence, miRNA, RNA-binding proteins
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE73393 | GEO | 2017/02/14
SECONDARY ACCESSION(S): PRJNA296876
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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