Sirtuins

An Overview of Sirtuins: Research Insights on Cellular Processes

Sirtuins are a family of proteins studied for their roles in normal cellular functions like metabolism, stress responses, and inflammation regulation. There are seven sirtuins (SIRT1 to SIRT7) in mammals, each examined in different tissues and processes.

Historical Background

Sirtuins were first identified in the late 1990s through studies on the yeast gene Sir2, involved in gene regulation. Mammalian homologs were later explored, with a 2003 study linking SIRT1 activity to caloric restriction in models (PubMed - Caloric restriction and SIRT1; Nature - Mammalian sirtuins).

Research Interest in Sirtuins

Sirtuins are examined for:

Longevity Models: Potential roles in lifespan in organisms (Annals of Medicine - Sirtuins and longevity).

Metabolic Processes: Influence on fat and sugar handling (Sirtuins in metabolism).

Stress Responses: Activation under stress for cellular resilience (Nature - Sirtuins and stress).

Therapeutic Exploration: As targets in health studies (Nature Reviews - Sirtuin modulators).

Functions of Sirtuins in Research

Studies describe sirtuins in:

Protein Modification: Deacetylation affecting protein activity (Sirtuin deacetylation).

Gene Expression: Regulation in metabolism models (Diabetes - SIRT1 and genes).

DNA Maintenance: Support in repair processes (EMM - SIRT1 and DNA repair).

Mitochondrial Roles: Influence on energy production (Cell - Mitochondrial sirtuins).

Signaling Pathways: Involvement in glucose and rhythms (Sirtuins in Insulin Resistance).

Compounds Studied for Sirtuin Interactions

Agents researched include:

SirReal Compounds: Synthetic activators like SRT1720 in models (SRT1720 and SIRT1).

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR): NAD+ precursor enhancing activity (PubMed - NR and sirtuins).

Nicotinamide (NAM): Context-dependent effects (PubMed - NAM and sirtuins).

Natural Compounds in Studies

Resveratrol: From grapes, activates SIRT1 in models (PubMed - Resveratrol and SIRT1).

Curcumin: From turmeric, SIRT1 effects (PubMed - Curcumin and SIRT1).

Quercetin: Flavonoid activating SIRT1 (PubMed - Quercetin and sirtuins).

EGCG: From green tea, SIRT1 research (PubMed - EGCG and SIRT1).

Sirtuins in Health Research

Examined in:

Caloric Restriction Models: Activation mimics benefits (PubMed - CR and sirtuins).

Metabolic Support: Glucose and lipid regulation (Cell - Sirtuins metabolism).

Inflammation: Anti-inflammatory roles (PubMed - Sirtuins inflammation).

Neuronal Health: Stress resilience (Sirtuins neuroprotection).

Genomic Stability: DNA repair (PubMed - Sirtuins DNA).

Lifespan Models: Extension in organisms (Sirtuins lifespan).

Conclusion

Sirtuins are researched for cellular regulation in metabolism and stress models. Lifestyle factors like diet may influence activity. This is educational; more studies needed (Sirtuins in aging).