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Pharmacology

Metformin induces a Lac-Phe gut–brain signalling axis

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The mechanism by which metformin affects food intake remains controversial. Now, two studies link metformin treatment with the induction of the appetite-suppressing metabolite N-lactoyl-phenylalanine, which is produced by the intestine.

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Fig. 1: A model for the suppression of food intake by increased of Lac-Phe production in the intestinal epithelium.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Tara TeSlaa

  2. Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Tara TeSlaa

  3. Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Tara TeSlaa

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  1. Tara TeSlaa
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Correspondence to Tara TeSlaa.

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TeSlaa, T. Metformin induces a Lac-Phe gut–brain signalling axis. Nat Metab 6, 603–605 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-024-01014-x

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