Researchers: Stewart Frankel, Tahereh Ziafazeli, Blanka Rogina
The silent information regulator 2 (Sir2 or Sirtuin) family of proteins is highly conserved and has been implicated in the extension of longevity for several species. Mammalian Sirtuins have been shown to affect various aspects of physiology including metabolism, the stress response, cell survival, replicative senescence, inflammation, the circadian rhythm, neurodegeneration, and even cancer. Evidence in Drosophila implicates Sir2 in at least some of the beneficial effects of caloric restriction (CR). CR delays age-related pathology and extends life span in a wide variety of species. Here we will review the evidence linking Drosophila Sir2 (dSir2) to longevity regulation and the pathway associated with CR in Drosophila, as well as the effects of the Sir2 activator resveratrol and potential interactions between dSir2 and p53.
References
- Biochemical effects of SIRT1 activators.
- dSir2 mediates the increased spontaneous physical activity in flies on calorie restriction.
- Design and synthesis of compounds that extend yeast replicative lifespan.
- Resveratrol delays age-related deterioration and mimics transcriptional aspects of dietary restriction without extending life span.
- Resveratrol, sirtuins, and the promise of a DR mimetic.