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Emerging role of SIRT1 in asthma and COPD from molecular mechanisms to translational therapy

Muhammad Wasim1, Rabia Parveen1, Riling Chen2

  • 1Maternal and Children's Health Research Institute, Shunde Women and Children's Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Foshan 528300, China.

Iscience
|May 25, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) shows promise for treating asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by reducing inflammation and cellular damage. Personalized therapies targeting SIRT1 offer a new avenue for managing these respiratory diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Asthma and COPD are complex chronic respiratory diseases with challenging treatment landscapes.
  • Current anti-inflammatory therapies have limited efficacy due to intricate pathophysiology.
  • Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a key deacetylase with potential therapeutic roles in inflammation and cellular stress.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the dual role of SIRT1 in asthma and COPD.
  • To identify challenges and opportunities for clinical translation of SIRT1-targeted therapies.
  • To explore strategies for personalized treatment approaches in obstructive airway diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of SIRT1's molecular mechanisms in respiratory diseases.
  • Comparison of SIRT1's divergent effects in asthma versus COPD.
  • Evaluation of potential therapeutic strategies including chronotherapy and biomarker-guided selection.

Main Results:

  • SIRT1 mitigates key pathological features in both asthma (Th2 inflammation, mucus) and COPD (neutrophilic inflammation, senescence).
  • Shared benefits of SIRT1 include reduced oxidative stress, improved mitochondrial function, and controlled extracellular matrix remodeling.
  • Clinical application is hindered by cell-specific SIRT1 actions, pharmacokinetic issues, and lack of biomarkers.

Conclusions:

  • SIRT1 presents a promising therapeutic target for obstructive airway diseases.
  • Overcoming barriers requires understanding cell-specific effects and developing targeted delivery systems.
  • Personalized, biomarker-guided chronotherapy with SIRT1 activators may optimize treatment outcomes.
Keywords:
Immune systemMolecular interactionNon-infectious disease

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