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Updated: May 9, 2026
14:32
Deacetylation Assays to Unravel the Interplay between Sirtuins (SIRT2) and Specific Protein-substrates
Published on: February 27, 2016
The contentious history of sirtuin debates
Shoshana Naiman1, Haim Y Cohen
1The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel.
Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal
|August 3, 2013
Summary
Sirtuins, enzymes linked to aging, have a debated role in lifespan extension. Recent findings highlight SIRT6
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Gerontology
Background:
- Sirtuins are NAD+-dependent enzymes with conserved roles in aging across species.
- Evidence suggests sirtuins influence age-related diseases like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular conditions.
- A debate exists regarding the direct role of sirtuins in aging and lifespan extension, particularly in invertebrates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical scientific debate on sirtuin involvement in lifespan regulation.
- To discuss the emerging evidence and controversies surrounding sirtuins' role in aging.
- To highlight recent findings on mammalian sirtuins, specifically SIRT6, in lifespan regulation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of sirtuin research.
- Analysis of studies on sirtuins in yeast, worms, flies, and rodents.
- Examination of recent publications on mammalian sirtuins and lifespan.
Main Results:
- Sirtuins are implicated in aging and age-related diseases.
- Conflicting data exists on the direct role of sirtuins in aging and dietary restriction response in invertebrates.
- Recent research indicates a direct role for mammalian SIRT6 in regulating lifespan.
Conclusions:
- The role of sirtuins in aging and lifespan regulation is complex and debated.
- SIRT6 has emerged as a key sirtuin family member directly regulating mammalian lifespan.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms by which sirtuins impact aging.
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