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Updated: May 10, 2026

Deacetylation Assays to Unravel the Interplay between Sirtuins (SIRT2) and Specific Protein-substrates
Published on: February 27, 2016
ERK1/2 regulates SIRT2 deacetylase activity
You Hee Choi1, Hangun Kim, Sung Ho Lee
1College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Drug Development, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea.
Abstract:
SIRT2 is a mammalian member of the Sirtuin family of NAD-dependent protein deacetylases. The function of SIRT2 can be modulated by post-translational modification. However, the precise molecular signaling mechanisms of SIRT2 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 have not been correlated. We investigated the potential regulation of SIRT2 function by ERK1/2. ERK activation by the over-expression of constitutively active MEK increased protein levels and enhanced the stability of SIRT2. In contrast, U0126, an inhibitor of mitogen-activated kinase kinase, suppressed SIRT2 protein level. ERK1/2 interacted with SIRT2 exogenously and endogenously. Deacetylase activity of SIRT2 was up-regulated in an ERK1/2-mediated manner. These results suggest that ERK1/2 regulates SIRT2 by increasing the protein levels, stability and activity of SIRT2.
Insights
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 enhances SIRT2 protein levels, stability, and activity. This study reveals a novel regulatory mechanism for SIRT2 function via ERK1/2 signaling.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) is an NAD-dependent protein deacetylase involved in various cellular processes.
- Post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, can modulate SIRT2 function.
- The specific molecular mechanisms linking SIRT2 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 signaling remain largely unelucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential regulation of SIRT2 by ERK1/2 signaling.
- To determine how ERK1/2 activation impacts SIRT2 protein levels, stability, and enzymatic activity.
Main Methods:
- Over-expression of constitutively active MEK to activate ERK.
- Treatment with U0126, a mitogen-activated kinase kinase inhibitor.
- Co-immunoprecipitation assays to assess protein-protein interactions.
- Measurement of SIRT2 deacetylase activity.
Main Results:
- ERK activation led to increased SIRT2 protein levels and enhanced stability.
- Inhibition of ERK signaling reduced SIRT2 protein levels.
- ERK1/2 was found to interact with SIRT2 both exogenously and endogenously.
- SIRT2 deacetylase activity was significantly upregulated in an ERK1/2-dependent manner.
Conclusions:
- ERK1/2 signaling plays a crucial role in regulating SIRT2.
- ERK1/2 increases SIRT2 protein levels, enhances its stability, and upregulates its deacetylase activity.
- This study uncovers a novel signaling pathway controlling SIRT2 function, with potential implications for cellular processes regulated by SIRT2.
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