The anticancer effect of metformin targets VDAC1 via ER-mitochondria interactions-mediated autophagy in HCC
2024
Metformin Targets VDAC1 to Induce Autophagy in Cancer
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Ko Minjeong, Kim Jiho, Lazim Raudah, Lee Ju Yeon, Kim Jin Young, Gosu Vijayakumar, Lee Yoonji, Choi Sun, Kwon Ho Jeong
Primary Institution: Yonsei University
Hypothesis
How does metformin induce cancer cell death through autophagy?
Conclusion
Metformin binds to VDAC1, disrupting mitochondrial function and inducing autophagy, which leads to cancer cell death.
Supporting Evidence
- Metformin was shown to inhibit cell proliferation in HCC cell lines more effectively than in normal liver cells.
- Metformin treatment increased autophagy markers in cancer cells.
- VDAC1 expression was found to be higher in HCC cells compared to normal liver cells.
- Metformin binding to VDAC1 was validated through DARTS and computational modeling.
Takeaway
Metformin, a diabetes drug, helps kill cancer cells by targeting a protein called VDAC1, which makes the cells eat themselves.
Methodology
The study used cell cultures and advanced techniques like DARTS-LC-MS/MS to investigate the effects of metformin on cancer cells.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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