Role of SIRT1 and AMPK in mesenchymal stem cells differentiation

The differentiation capabilities of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) compromise with age and with in vitro passages which could impair the efficacy of cell therapy and tissue engineering. However, how to maintain these capabilities is not fully understood. Calorie restriction (CR, decreasing caloric intake by 30-40%) could extend longevity and reduce aging-related diseases. Recent studies revealed that CR could influence the lineage determination of stem cells including MSCs. Two important mediators of CR might be silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1), a NAD(+)-dependent deacetylase, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an energy-sensing kinase. Evidences are mounting that both SIRT1 and AMPK play important roles in cell fate determination of MSCs. Herein, we intend to sum up our understanding about the role of SIRT1 and AMPK in osteogenic and adipogenic potential of MSCs. Metabolic process of MSCs differentiation and the putative interplay of SIRT1 and AMPK in this process was also discussed.