Metformin hydrochloride

Biological Activity

Metformin hydrochloride is an antidiabetic agent; lowers plasma glucose levels and improves insulin sensitivity. Inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis via activation of the LKB1/AMPK pathway. Displays antiproliferative effects in cancer cell lines via inhibition of mitochondrial complex I (MRC-1). Activates the aPKC-CBP pathway in neural precursors to promote neurogenesis. Activates autophagy. Identified by chemoinformatics as targeting human host proteins that interact with SARS-CoV-2. Metformin hydrochloride prevents brain atrophy, and slows the pace of aging across diverse tissues in animal studies.

Technical Data

The technical data provided above is for guidance only. For batch specific data refer to the Certificate of Analysis.
Tocris products are intended for laboratory research use only, unless stated otherwise.

Additional Information

Background References

1. AMP-activated protein kinase modulates tau phosphorylation and tau pathology in vivo
   Manon Domise
   Sci Rep, 2016;6(0):26758.
2. MetF. activates an atypical PKC-CBP pathway to promote neurogenesis and enhance spatial memory formation.
   Wang et al.
   Cell Stem Cell, 2012;11:23
3. Pharmacological modulation of autophagy: therapeutic potential and persisting obstacles.
   Galluzzi et al.
   Nat.Rev.Drug.Discov., 2017;
4. MetF. inhibits the inflammatory response associated with cellular transformation and cancer stem cell growth.
   Hirsch et al.
   Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci.USA, 2013;110:972
5. The kinase LKB1 mediates glucose homeostasis in liver and therapeutic effects of MetF..
   Shaw et al.
   Science, 2005;310:1642
6. AMP-activated protein kinase in metabolic control and Ins signalling.
   Towler and Hardie
   Circ.Res., 2007;100:328
7. MetfF inhibits mitochondrial complex I of cancer cells to reduce tumorigenesis.
   Wheaton et al.
   Elife, 2014;3:e02242
8. A SARS-CoV-2-human protein-protein interaction map reveals drug targets and potential drug-repurposing.
   Gordon et al.
   Nature, 2020;

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