Abstract
Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that play essential roles in energy supplying and cell metabolism. Dynamic fission and fusion are necessary for maintaining mitochondrial function and cell viability. Disrupted mitochondrial dynamics leads to mitochondria defect and disease. Metformin is the first-line drug for type 2 diabetes and reported to inhibit complex I in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Previous study showed that both Metformin and 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR) promote AMPK activity and mitochondrial activity. However, the mechanisms of how AICAR and Metformin affect mitochondria remain to be examined. In this project, we aim to clarify the underlying mechanisms of whether mitochondrial dynamics is affected by AICAR and Metformin. We found AICAR caused mitochondria hyperfusion but not Metformin. Also, we monitored mitochondrial dynamics related parameters such as promotor activities of fusion and fission genes, mitochondrial dynamics related proteins and activities. Finally, we found AICAR affected mitochondrial membrane potential and superoxide production. Elucidating the effects of AICAR and Metformin not only will help us to better understand the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics, but also potential mechanisms for therapeutic drugs for related diseases.