Nicotinamide Riboside and Metformin Restore Mitochondrial Function: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Mitophagy is the process cells use to clear damaged mitochondria, keeping cells healthy. Defects in this process are linked to neurodegenerative diseases. Using stem cell–derived brain cells (astrocytes) with POLG mutations that cause mitochondrial problems, researchers found reduced expression of genes involved in mitophagy and lower formation of mitochondrial autophagosomes. Key proteins that help mitophagy were also decreased. These changes were linked to specific signaling pathways. Treatment with a combination of nicotinamide riboside (NR) and metformin restored mitophagy and mitochondrial function in these cells. This study highlights mitophagy defects as a cause of mitochondrial dysfunction in POLG-related diseases and suggests NR plus metformin as a potential therapy.

Journal

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology