Metformin modulates the unfolded protein responses, altering lifespan and health-promoting effects in UPR-activated worms

Abstract

Metformin has been demonstrated to extend lifespan in various model organisms, and its molecular effects are observed in the cytoplasm and multiple organelles, including mitochondria. However, its association with the unfolded protein response (UPR) and its impact on stress resistance and locomotion remain uncertain. In this study, metformin was found to exert differential influences on both UPR^mt and UPR^er. The correlation between metformin’s lifespan-mediating effect and its interaction with UPRs was also inconsistent. We identified a metformin-mediated lifespan extension in wild-type C. elegans and in UPR^mt-activated tomm-22 and cco-1 RNAi worms. Metformin suppressed the UPR^mt without compromising the lifespan extension observed in tomm-22 worms. Conversely, metformin did not affect the UPR^mt but extended the lifespan of long-lived cco-1 RNAi worms. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of metformin on UPR^er-activated nematodes. We observed that metformin exhibited a slight increase in the UPR^er in mdt-15 RNAi worms and failed to induce lifespan extension. Surprisingly, metformin appeared to mediate lifespan extension in tmem-131 RNAi worms while suppressing the UPR^er. Notably, the correlation between thermotolerance, oxidative stress resistance, and the lifespan effects of metformin in UPR-activated worms was inconsistent. Activation of UPRs, but not metformin treatment, enhanced the locomotor phenotype of these worms.