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The direct targets of metformin in diabetes and beyond
Luxia Yao1, Lei Wang2, Runshuai Zhang1
1School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Abstract:
Metformin, an oral antihyperglycemic drug that has been in use for over 60 years, remains a first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Numerous studies have suggested that metformin promotes health benefits beyond T2D management, including weight loss, cancer prevention and treatment, and anti-aging, through several proposed mechanistic targets. Here we discuss the established effects of metformin and the progress made in identifying its direct targets. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of elucidating the structural bases of the drug and its direct targets. Ultimately, this review aims to highlight the current state of knowledge regarding metformin and its related emerging discoveries, while also outlining critical future research directions.
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