Metformin, the widely used diabetes drug, may have effects beyond blood sugar regulation, according to new research. Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that the medication influences brain activity by inhibiting a protein known as Rap1 in regions responsible for managing energy and glucose levels. Experiments with mice lacking this protein revealed that metformin’s effects were diminished, highlighting the critical role of the brain in the drug’s mechanism. The study identified that SF1 neurons, a specific type of brain cell, become activated when metformin is introduced into the central nervous system. This finding suggests these neurons are directly involved in the drug’s therapeutic action, potentially opening new pathways for diabetes treatment. By targeting brain activity, researchers speculate that metformin could be repurposed or combined with other therapies to address metabolic disorders more effectively. Additionally, the research may explain why metformin has been associated with slower brain aging. The drug’s ability to modulate neural pathways could have broader implications for neurodegenerative conditions or cognitive health. Scientists are now exploring how this old medication might unlock unexpected benefits, emphasizing the need for further studies to unravel its full potential. The discovery underscores the complexity of drug mechanisms and the importance of considering the brain’s role in metabolic diseases.#baylor_college_of_medicine #rap1_protein #sf1_neurons #metformin #diabetes
