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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Deacetylation Assays to Unravel the Interplay between Sirtuins (SIRT2) and Specific Protein-substrates
Published on: February 27, 2016
Therapeutic potential of SIRT1 and NAMPT-mediated NAD biosynthesis in type 2 diabetes
Shin-Ichiro Imai1, Wieland Kiess
1Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. imaishin@wustl.edu
Abstract:
Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, and it is critical to understand the interplay between these factors in the regulation of insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity to develop effective therapeutic interventions for type 2 diabetes. For the past several years, studies on the mammalian NAD-dependent protein deacetylase SIRT1 and systemic NAD biosynthesis mediated by nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) have demonstrated that these two regulatory components together play a critical role in the regulation of glucose homeostasis, particularly in the regulation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells. These components also contribute to the age-associated decline in beta cell function, which has been suggested to be one of the major contributing factors to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. In this review article, the roles of SIRT1 and NAMPT-mediated systemic NAD biosynthesis in glucose homeostasis and the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes will be summarized, and their potential as effective targets for the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes will be discussed.
Insights
Understanding the roles of SIRT1 and NAMPT-mediated NAD biosynthesis is crucial for type 2 diabetes treatment. These factors impact insulin secretion and beta cell function, offering potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes pathogenesis involves complex genetic and environmental interactions.
- Insulin secretion and sensitivity are key regulatory processes affected in type 2 diabetes.
- Aging-associated decline in pancreatic beta cell function contributes significantly to type 2 diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the roles of SIRT1 and NAMPT-mediated NAD biosynthesis in glucose homeostasis.
- To explore the involvement of these pathways in type 2 diabetes pathophysiology.
- To discuss the potential of SIRT1 and NAMPT as therapeutic targets for type 2 diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on SIRT1 and NAMPT in glucose metabolism.
- Analysis of research on NAD biosynthesis and its relation to pancreatic beta cell function.
- Synthesis of findings regarding the link between these pathways and type 2 diabetes.
Main Results:
- SIRT1 and NAMPT-mediated NAD biosynthesis are critical for regulating glucose homeostasis.
- These pathways influence glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells.
- Dysregulation of SIRT1 and NAMPT contributes to age-related beta cell dysfunction and type 2 diabetes.
Conclusions:
- SIRT1 and NAMPT play significant roles in maintaining glucose balance and beta cell health.
- Targeting SIRT1 and NAMPT-mediated NAD biosynthesis presents a promising strategy for type 2 diabetes prevention and treatment.
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