Sirtuin

Sirtuin is a type of protein that is involved in regulating cellular processes including the aging and death of cells and organisms, inflammation, and metabolism. Sirtuins are a class of proteins that possess either mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase, or deacylase activity, including deacetylase, desuccinylase, demalonylase, demyristoylase and depalmitoylase activity. The name comes from the yeast gene 'silent mating type information regulation two', the gene responsible for cellular regulation in yeast.

Function

Sirtuins regulate important biological pathways in bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes. The sirtuins in mammals are involved in a wide range of cellular processes, including aging, transcription, apoptosis, inflammation and stress resistance, as well as energy efficiency and alertness during low-calorie situations. As such, they are of interest in the field of medicine.

Structure

Sirtuins are a family of proteins. They share a common catalytic domain, with each domain containing approximately 275 amino acids. This domain is flanked by variable N- and C-terminal extensions, which are different in each sirtuin protein, and are involved in modulating the activity of the catalytic domain.

Role in disease

Sirtuins have been implicated in a number of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. They have been shown to affect the course of Alzheimer's disease, and have been identified as a potential target for cancer therapy.

Research

Research into sirtuins is ongoing, with a focus on their role in aging and age-related diseases. Some studies have suggested that sirtuins may have a role in extending lifespan, although this is still a topic of debate.

See also

• Aging
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Alzheimer's disease

Sirtuin Resources
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