What is the Origin of Sirtuin Pathway?

Sirtuins were first discovered in yeast, and the name is derived from the term Silent Information Regulator 2 (Sir2). The identification of seven mammalian orthologs (SIRT1-SIRT7) and their dependence on the coenzyme NAD+ established them as a key regulatory pathway linking cellular metabolism to gene silencing and longevity. The term 'pathway' acknowledges the complex, interconnected cascade of effects these enzymes initiate.

What is the Mechanism of Sirtuin Pathway?

Sirtuins function primarily by removing acetyl groups from target proteins, including histones, thereby altering chromatin structure and gene transcription, or from non-histone proteins involved in metabolism, DNA repair, and mitochondrial function. Specifically, Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activation, often stimulated by energy restriction or compounds like resveratrol, enhances mitochondrial biogenesis, improves insulin sensitivity, and promotes cellular stress resistance by regulating transcription factors like PGC-1alpha and NF-κB.

Sirtuin Pathway ∞ Area

Sirtuin Pathway

Meaning

The Sirtuin Pathway refers to the network of enzymatic reactions governed by the sirtuin family of proteins, which are NAD+-dependent deacetylases involved in regulating cellular homeostasis, stress resistance, and DNA repair. These pathways act as crucial sensors of the cell’s energy and redox status, influencing gene expression to promote survival and longevity in response to metabolic signals. Activation of this pathway is a major therapeutic target in anti-aging and metabolic health strategies.