Sirtuins
Definition
Sirtuins are a family of NAD-dependent enzymes involved in regulating protein acetylation, metabolism, stress responses, DNA repair, mitochondrial function, inflammation, and other cellular processes. In mammals, the seven main sirtuins are SIRT1 through SIRT7, and they act in different parts of the cell, including the nucleus, cytoplasm, and mitochondria. [1] [2] [3]
Why It Matters in Ageing Research
Sirtuins matter because they connect cellular energy state to gene regulation, repair pathways, and stress resistance. They became prominent in ageing research after studies of Sir2 in model organisms and later work on mammalian sirtuins, NAD metabolism, mitochondrial biology, and metabolic disease. Sirtuins are important ageing-biology targets, but activating them is not the same as proving a general anti-ageing treatment in humans. [4] [5] [6]
Common Confusion
- Sirtuins are not the same as NAD+; NAD+ is a cofactor that many sirtuin enzymes require.
- Sirtuins are not one single protein but a family with different locations and functions.
- Resveratrol and NAD+ precursors are often discussed with sirtuins, but that does not mean they are proven anti-ageing therapies.
Related Reading
References
- Haigis, M. C., & Sinclair, D. A. (2010). Mammalian sirtuins: biological insights and disease relevance. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.pathol.4.110807.092250
- Sauve, A. A., Wolberger, C., Schramm, V. L., & Boeke, J. D. (2006). The Biochemistry of Sirtuins. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.biochem.74.082803.133500
- Michan, S., & Sinclair, D. (2007). Sirtuins in mammals: insights into their biological function. https://doi.org/10.1042/BJ20070140
- Longo, V. D., & Kennedy, B. K. (2006). Sirtuins in Aging and Age-Related Disease. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2006.09.002
- Imai, S., & Guarente, L. (2014). NAD+ and sirtuins in aging and disease. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcb.2014.04.002
- Bonkowski, M. S., & Sinclair, D. A. (2016). Slowing ageing by design: the rise of NAD+ and sirtuin-activating compounds. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrm.2016.93
This glossary entry is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.