Deep sequencing analysis of miRNAs and isomiRs modulated by long-term exposure of human endothelial cells to metformin

Increasing evidence suggest anti-senescence and geroprotective roles for the glucose-lowering drug metformin. In this framework, the ability of metformin to affect the biogenesis of selected microRNAs (miRNAs) was recently suggested. IsomiRs are distinct variations of miRNA sequences, such as addition or deletion of one or more nucleotides at the 5’ and/or 3’ ends of the canonical miRNA sequence. Since no study has comprehensively assessed the miRNA signatures, including isomiR variants, affected by metformin treatment during cellular senescence, we analysed miRNA and isomiR expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) undergoing replicative senescence in presence of metformin. MicroRNA and isomiR expression profile obtained from small RNA-sequencing of HUVECs undergoing replicative senescence in absence (SEN, n=3 replicates) or presence (SEN+M, n=3 replicates) of 0.2 μM metformin.