Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026

Three-Dimensional 3D Tumor Spheroid Invasion Assay
Published on: May 1, 2015
SIRT3: Oncogene and Tumor Suppressor in Cancer
Margalida Torrens-Mas1,2,3, Jordi Oliver4,5,6, Pilar Roca7,8,9
1Grupo Multidisciplinar de Oncología Traslacional, Institut Universitari d´Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Universitat de les Illes Balears. Cra de Valldemossa, km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears 07122, Spain. lida.torrens@uib.es.
Abstract:
Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), the major deacetylase in mitochondria, plays a crucial role in modulating oxygen reactive species (ROS) and limiting the oxidative damage in cellular components. SIRT3 targets different enzymes which regulate mitochondrial metabolism and participate in ROS detoxification, such as the complexes of the respiratory chain, the isocitrate dehydrogenase, or the manganese superoxide dismutase. Thus, SIRT3 activity is essential in maintaining mitochondria homeostasis and has recently received great attention, as it is considered a fidelity protein for mitochondrial function. In some types of cancer, SIRT3 functions as a tumoral promoter, since it keeps ROS levels under a certain threshold compatible with cell viability and proliferation. On the contrary, other studies describe SIRT3 as a tumoral suppressor, as SIRT3 could trigger cell death under stress conditions. Thus, SIRT3 could have a dual role in cancer. In this regard, modulation of SIRT3 activity could be a new target to develop more personalized therapies against cancer.
Insights
Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is vital for mitochondrial health and reactive oxygen species (ROS) control. Its dual role in cancer, as either a promoter or suppressor, highlights its potential as a personalized cancer therapy target.
Area of Science:
- Mitochondrial biology
- Cancer research
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is a key mitochondrial deacetylase regulating oxidative stress.
- SIRT3 influences enzymes involved in mitochondrial metabolism and ROS detoxification.
- Maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis is critical for cellular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted role of SIRT3 in cellular processes.
- To investigate the dual function of SIRT3 in cancer progression and suppression.
- To assess SIRT3 as a potential therapeutic target in oncology.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of SIRT3's deacetylase activity.
- Investigating SIRT3's impact on mitochondrial enzymes.
- Reviewing studies on SIRT3's role in various cancer types.
Main Results:
- SIRT3 modulates ROS levels and protects against oxidative damage.
- SIRT3's activity is linked to mitochondrial homeostasis and function.
- Evidence suggests SIRT3 can act as both a tumor promoter and suppressor.
Conclusions:
- SIRT3 plays a critical, context-dependent role in cancer.
- Targeting SIRT3 activity may offer a novel strategy for personalized cancer treatment.
- Further research into SIRT3's dual role is warranted for therapeutic development.
Related Concept Videos
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
The Retinoblastoma Gene
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs