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Published on: February 27, 2016
Identification of a small molecule activator of SIRT1 gene expression
Si-Young Cho1, Miook Cho, Dae Bang Seo
1R&D Center, Amorepacific Corporation, Gyeonggi-do, Korea 446-729.
Abstract:
Increased SIRT1 expression exerts beneficial effects in transgenic animal models, ameliorating the onset and progression of aging-related disease phenotypes in various organs including the heart. The potential beneficial effects of SIRT1 have made SIRT1 a prime therapeutic target for age-related diseases and considerable efforts led to the identification of small molecule activator of SIRT1 protein. Thus far, however, a small molecule activator of SIRT1 gene expression has not been reported. Here, we report that syringaresinol, isolated from Panax ginseng berry pulp, is an activator of SIRT1 gene expression. Using human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs), we show that syringaresinol treatment induced binding of FOXO3 to the SIRT1 promoter in a sequence-specific manner, leading to induction of SIRT1 expression. Increased SIRT1 expression in HUVECs by syringaresinol treatment delayed cellular senescence and improved various markers of endothelial functions in a FOXO3 dependent manner. Collectively, these findings bring to light a new transcription activator of SIRT1 that may have therapeutic potential.
Insights
Syringaresinol, from ginseng, activates SIRT1 gene expression by binding FOXO3 to the SIRT1 promoter. This delays cellular senescence and improves endothelial function, offering therapeutic potential for aging-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- SIRT1 expression offers benefits in aging-related diseases.
- SIRT1 activators are therapeutic targets for age-related conditions.
- No small molecule activators of SIRT1 gene expression have been identified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify a small molecule activator of SIRT1 gene expression.
- To investigate the mechanism of SIRT1 gene activation by syringaresinol.
- To evaluate the effects of syringaresinol-induced SIRT1 expression on endothelial cells.
Main Methods:
- Syringaresinol isolated from Panax ginseng berry pulp.
- Treatment of human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs) with syringaresinol.
- Assessed FOXO3 binding to the SIRT1 promoter.
- Measured SIRT1 expression, cellular senescence, and endothelial function markers.
Main Results:
- Syringaresinol activated SIRT1 gene expression in HUVECs.
- Syringaresinol induced sequence-specific binding of FOXO3 to the SIRT1 promoter.
- Increased SIRT1 expression delayed cellular senescence and improved endothelial function markers.
- These effects were dependent on FOXO3.
Conclusions:
- Syringaresinol is a novel activator of SIRT1 gene expression.
- Syringaresinol acts via FOXO3-mediated transcription.
- Syringaresinol demonstrates therapeutic potential for age-related diseases and endothelial dysfunction.
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