The Sirtuins
The sirtuins are a family of NAD+-dependent, evolutionarily highly conserved enzymes.
Like NAD+, they are present in virtually all living organisms, from bacteria to humans.[[23]],[[24]] They possess broad enzymatic activities that are critical for a myriad of cellular
functions ranging from metabolic regulation and energy homeostasis to DNA repair,
genome stability, stress response, and cell survival. Given their broad spectrum of
vital functions, the sirtuins are critical determinants of both the lifespan and health
span of the organism.[[25]] Over the past 20 years, evidence has accumulated indicating that the dysregulation
of sirtuins is involved in major aging-related disorders, including metabolic, cardiac,
and neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Hence, the sirtuins are almost always
associated with longevity and aging.
Seven sirtuins (sirt1-sirt7) have so far been identified in mammals, each located
predominantly in a particular subcellular compartment and is associated with its distinct
functions. Mammalian sirtuins are orthologous to the protein encoded by the yeast's
Silent Information Regulator-2 (SIR-2) gene. The discovery of sirtuins is the result
of extensive research, conducted mostly in the 1990s, on the 4 SIR genes involved
in transcriptional silencing in the baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).[[26]]
Nearly 20 years ago, it was discovered that overexpression of the SIR-2 gene extended
the yeast's lifespan while its inactivation accelerated aging.[[27]] Within a year of this discovery the sirt2 protein was identified as an NAD+-dependent
histone deacetylase (HDAC) that catalyzes the removal of acetyl groups from lysine
residues #9 and #14 of histone 3 (H3), and lysine residue #16 of histone 4 (H4). The
deacetylation reaction is coupled to the breakdown of NAD+ which yields ADP-ribose
and NAM. The acetyl groups removed from the target proteins are transferred to the
ADP-ribose moieties to form 2-O-acetyl-ADP-ribose, which acts as a regulatory molecule.[[28]] The sirtuins catalytic activity is not limited to deacetylation but includes various
deacylations and ADP-ribosylation as detailed below. By regulating histone as well
as non-histone proteins at specific points, sirtuins regulate PTMs resulting in chromatin
silencing and post-transcriptional repression of protein synthesis.
In the core of each sirtuin is the NAD+-binding and catalytic domain. Because of their
dependence on NAD+ as a cosubstrate rather than requiring Zn as a cofactor, the sirtuins
were classified at some point as Class III deacetylases (HDACs).[[29]] Acetylation and deacetylation of lysine residues of the nucleosome histone core
will stop or allow the expression of the genes located in that area of the histone.
The early findings in the yeast were later extended to other prokaryotic and eukaryotic
organisms indicating that the sirtuins are conserved throughout evolution.
Sirt1 is found mainly in the nucleus and to a lesser extent in the cytosol depending
of the phase of the cell cycle. Sirt2 has the reverse distribution; it is located
mainly in the cytosol and to a lesser extent in the nucleus. Sirt2 also appears to
be particularly abundant in adipose tissue. Sirtuins 3, 4, and 5 are found almost
exclusively in the mitochondria. Sirt6 is located in the nucleus, while sirt7 is mostly
confined to the nucleolus. All seven sirtuins except sirt4 possess deacetylase activity
catalyzing the removal of acetyl groups from acetylated lysine residues of target
proteins while at the same time cleaving NAD+ generating NAM and ADP-ribose. The acetyl
group is transferred to the ADP-ribose to form 2'-O-acetyl-ADP-Ribose. Here is the
net reaction. Acetylated Protein + NAD+ > (Sirt1) > Deacetylated Protein + 2-O-acetyl-ADP-ribose
+ NAM.
The salient functions of each of the seven mammalian sirtuins are outlined below and
summarized in [[Table 1]].[[30]],[[31]],[[32]],[[33]],[[34]],[[35]],[[36]],[[37]],[[38]],[[39]],[[40]],[[41]],[[42]],[[43]],[[44]],[[45]],[[46]],[[47]],[[48]],[[49]]
Table 1: The sirtuins, their location, enzymatic activity and physiological functions
Table 1: Contd...
Sirtuin 1
Sirt1 is the most extensively studied of all mammalian sirtuins. Through its deacetylase
activity, sirt1 is responsible for the regulation of a number of transcriptional factors,
including those responsible for suppressing the expression of several pro-inflammatory
genes.[[50]],[[51]] Sirt1 also controls the deacetylation of the nucleosome histone as well as over
a dozen non-histone targets such as p53, PGC1α, FOXO1, FOXO3, FOXO4, and Notch.[[36]],[[52]] Under low nutrients high NAD+ conditions, the sirt1-catalyzed deacetylation and
subsequent activation of PGC1α, the PPARγ coactivator, plays an important role in
the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, glucose and fatty acid metabolism, and
adaptive thermogenesis. The transcriptional activity of PGC1α enriches skeletal muscles
with mitochondria-rich highly oxidative, fatigue-resistant slow-contracting myofibers.[[53]] Thus, the sirtuin-PGC1α-PPARγ sequence is now recognized as a major regulatory
pathway.[[54]] Through its deacetylase activity, sirt1 activates the hypoxia-inducible transcription
factors (HIF1α, HIF2α, HIF3α), and together function as oxygen sensors enabling the
organism to adapt and survive in an environment where hypoxia and redox imbalance
prevail.[[31]] The HIFs are responsible for inducing the transcription of more than 100 genes
involved in such physiological processes as the regulation of glucose transport and
metabolism (stimulating glucose uptake and promoting anaerobic glycolysis), angiogenesis,
erythropoiesis, inflammation, cell proliferation, and cancer metastasis.[[55]]
The sirt1 catalyzed deacetylation of nuclear factors (NF) p53 and FOXO1 limits cell
apoptosis and senescence. Other critical functions of sirt1 include support of liver
function and stimulation of hepatic regeneration[[56]] and protection against neurodegenerative diseases.[[57]],[[58]] Activators and inhibitors of sirtuins are currently an active reach area.[[59]],[[60]] Treatment of mice with resveratrol, a sirt1 activator, improves mitochondrial functions
and protects against the obesity induced by a high-fat diet, while in obese mice,
it leads to extended health span and lifespan. Other activators such stac-5 and stac-8
show promising activities against different metabolic and aging-associated diseases
such as obesity, inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, hepatic
steatosis, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer.[[61]]
Sirtuin 2
Sirt2, which is located primarily in the nucleus, has been shown to deacetylase tubulin
and regulate muscle differentiation. It has been observed to accumulate with age in
the neurons of the central nervous system, where its deacetylase action on the microtubules
is linked to age-associated neurodegenerative diseases.[[33]] In addition, sirt2 is involved in a variety of physiological functions whose dysregulation
are also implicated in a number of neurodegenerative diseases.[[34]] For instance, it plays an important role in the maintenance of neural structures.
It deacetylates and activates the cell polarity regulator protein Par-3. The establishment
of cell polarity is critical for nerve regeneration, and it is essential for the ability
of Schwann cells to myelinate peripheral nerve fibers.[[35]] Through the deacetylation of FOXO1 and PGC1α, sirt2 promotes fatty oxidation and
plays an important role in the regulation of adipocyte metabolism.[[36]] Under hypoglycemic conditions, sirt2 stimulates gluconeogenesis as a result of
deacetylation, stabilization, and activation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase.
This is the rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of oxaloacetate to
phosphoenolpyruvate, a key step in the gluconeogenesis pathway. In addition, sirt2
appears to play an important role in the maintenance of cellular iron levels through
the deacetylation of a critical nuclear transcription factor (NF E2-related factor
2), leading ultimately to reduced expression of ferroportin 1 and reduced cellular
iron transport.[[37]],[[38]] In addition, observations in laboratory animals indicate that sirt2 modulates microvascular
inflammation and affects recovery from sepsis.[[39]]
Sirtuin 3
Sirt3 is the main deacetylase in the mitochondrial, where it deacetylates numerous
enzymes that are essential for maintaining metabolic homeostasis.[[40]] These targets include long-chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase (LC acyl-CoA DH), acetyl-CoA
synthetase 2, and the TCA cycle enzymes isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) and glutamate
dehydrogenase (GDH). During prolonged fasting, it activates key enzymes controlling
lipolysis, FA oxidation, and ketone bodies production.[[41]] Yet another important role of sirt3 is the deacetylation of the E1-alpha component
of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC) leading to its activation. A certain
level of acetylation of E1-alpha is normally maintained by acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase
1. The acetylation/deacetylation status of the PDHC is an important determinant of
its activity as reflected in the rate at which pyruvate is converted to acetyl-CoA,
which is channeled into the TCA cycle. This, in turn, is an important determinant
of the rate of glycolysis. Sirt3 also targets specific components in each complex
of the oxidative phosphorylation system,[[60]] and plays a critical role in the regulation of mitochondrial energy production
and the generation of reactive oxygen species.[[40]] Further, sirt3 protects against oxidative stress through the deacetylation and
activation of superoxide dismutase (SOD2) and isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) raising
the ratio of reduced-to-oxidized glutathione. These effects are enhanced by calorie
restriction, a condition under which ROS production is reduced significantly. Under
these conditions, Sirt3 has been shown to protect against age-related hearing loss.[[61]] In view of its critical roles in the regulation of mitochondrial substrate metabolism,
protection against oxidative stress, and cell survival, sirt3 is regarded as the mitochondrial
fidelity protein.
Sirtuin 4
Sirt4 is located exclusively in the mitochondria and possesses virtually no deacetylase
activity. It is primarily an ADP-ribosyl transferase using NAD+ as the donor of the
ADP-ribose group to be transferred to the target protein. The primary target for sirt4
activity is GDH, which is inhibited as a result of the attachment of the ADP-ribose
group. This negative effect on GDH activity is in opposition to the stimulatory effect
of sirt3 on GDH.[[36]] Further, sirt4 inhibits fatty acid oxidation, another action that is also directly
opposed to that of sirt3. In addition to its ADP-ribosylase activity, sirt4 possesses
lipo-amidase activity whose primary target is the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex
which is inactivated as a result.[[43]] Sirt4 is induced by DNA damage as observed during exposure to gamma radiation,
and it protects against the development of cancer by inhibiting mitochondrial glutamine
metabolism and arresting the cell cycle and cell proliferation. In colorectal cancer,
sirt4 inhibits cell proliferation, invasion, and migration.[[62]]
Sirtuin 5
Sirt5 is a deacylase rather than strictly a deacetylase. It selectively cleaves ε-N-carboxyacyl-lysine
derivatives based on malonate, succinate, glutarate, crotonate, etc. However, it is
mostly known for its demalonylase and desuccinylase activities. In the course of these
reactions, it generates NAM from NAD+ and removes the acyl group (malonyl, succinyl,
etc.,) from the target protein to use in the formation of 2'-O-acyl-ADP-ribose (e.g.,
2'-O-malonyl-ADP-ribose) [[Figure 4]].
Figure 4: Three types of well-documented reactions are catalyzed by sirtuins: (1) Deacetylation;
(2) ADP-ribosyl transfer; (3) deacylation (demalonylation shown as an example)
The physiological functions of sirt5 are not fully elucidated. However, it has been
shown to regulate several metabolic enzymes such as carbamoyl phosphate synthetase
1 (CPS1), succinate dehydrogenase, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl -CoA synthase 2.
CPS1 is a mitochondrial matrix enzyme that catalyzes the first step in the urea cycle
(NH4+ + CO2 +2 ATP ⊳ [CPS1] > Carbamoyl Phosphate + 2 ADP + 2 Pi). During fasting,
the activation of CPS1 leads to the activation of the urea cycle.[[44]] Laboratory mice lacking sirt5 develop severe ammonia intoxication. In addition,
sirt5 is known to play an important role in protecting cells against oxidative stress
by regulating key enzymes involved in ROS detoxification (SOD1, IDH2, and G6PD).[[63]] Further, there is evidence suggesting that sirt5 may protect mitochondria from
fragmentation and degradation during starvation.[[45]]
Sirtuin 6
Sirt6 is found exclusively in the nucleus and possesses both deacetylase and ADP-ribosylase
activities. It acts as an epigenetic guardian for cellular differentiation and plays
critical roles for cellular homeostasis through the regulation of chromatin signaling
and genomic integrity (DNA repair), fatty acids and glucose metabolism, and telomere
maintenance. Telomere length is considered an important molecular measure of cellular
aging. The role of telomeres in protecting cells against DNA damage and slowing the
aging process has been reviewed in detail by Aubert and Lansdorp.[[64]] Thus, like sirt1, sirt6 is known for its anti-aging activities. Compared to the
controls, sirt6 deficient mice age faster and die earlier with the immediate cause
of death being severe hypoglycemia. Genetic studies indicate that sirt6 stimulates
pancreatic insulin secretion and inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis. It also inhibits
triglyceride synthesis. The negative effect on gluconeogenesis appears to be mediated
through the activation of the acetyltransferase GCN5.[[65]]
Through its interaction with and inhibition of HIF1α, sirt6 directly suppresses the
expression of a number of genes that are central to glucose metabolism, including
PDK1, LDH, PFK1, and GLUT1.[[66]] Related to its interaction with HIF1α, sirt6 plays a vital role as a tumor suppressor
by modulating cancer cell metabolism, as evidenced by the inhibition of the metabolic
reprogramming of tumor cells that results in aerobic glycolysis becoming their main
energy source.[[47]],[[66]],[[67]]
Sirt 7
Sirt7 is located in the nucleolus and appears to be required for the transcription
of ribosomal DNA (rDNA).[[49]] The main targets of its deacetylase activity include H3K18ac (acetylated lysine
residue #18 in H3), an epigenetic tumor biomarker, and the hypoxia-inducible factors
HIF-1α and HIF-2α. Sirt7 has been shown to inhibit the HIFs through a mechanism that
does not appear to involve its enzymatic activity.[[54]] The HIFs are critical for the development of the organism's adaptive responses
to hypoxia under such conditions as obstructive sleep apnea induced intermittent hypoxia,
prenatal hypoxia, or solid tumor hypoxia. HIF1α is responsible for inducing the transcription
of more than 100 genes that are involved in various physiological processes such as
the regulation of glucose transport and metabolism, angiogenesis, erythropoiesis,
inflammation, pH regulation, cell proliferation, and cancer metastasis.[[55]] Thus, the benefit of inhibiting sirt7 becomes obvious in the context of solid tumors,
where oxygen deficiency and a low energy state prevail.
Regulation of sirtuins
Regulation of the sirtuins' activities is complex and occurs at multiple levels beginning
with their subcellular segregation, as indicated in [[Table 1]]. In addition to the influences of the concentrations of the cosubstrates (e.g.,
NAD+) and products (e.g., NAM), sirtuins are subject to multiple regulatory mechanisms:
(1) control of gene expression; (2) post-transcriptional regulation (control of mRNA
translation); (3) protein post-translational modifications (PTM); and (4) formation
of complexes with regulatory proteins. In the following discussion, the focus will
be primarily on sirt1, which has been extensively investigated in numerous species,
organs, and experimental conditions more than any other sirtuin.
The sirt1 gene promoter possesses a number of binding sites for transcription factors;
and therefore, it is under multifactorial control. These transcription factors include
FOXO1 protein [Forkhead Box 1], CREB (cAMP response element-binding), ChREBP (carbohydrate
response element-binding protein), PPARα (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor
α), PPARβ/δ, PPARγ, and PARP2 (poly-[ADP -Ribose]-Polymerase 2) among others. FOX01,
CREB, PPARα, and PPARβ/δ promote the expression of sirt1 whereas ChREBP, PARP2, and
PPARγ repress it. It is through these factors that nutrient availability and energy
status exert their marked influence on the activities of the sirtuins in general.[[68]] Nutrient deficiency and low energy status (as occurs during fasting or calorie
restriction) stimulate sirt1 expression while the opposite repress it.
Posttranscriptional regulation involves the binding of a micro-RNA (miRNA) to the
trailer sequence or 3'UTR of the sirtuin's mRNA blocking its translation. miRNAs are
short stretches of noncoding RNA that bind to the 3'UTR end of mRNA and block it.
The 3'UTR is the untranslated region of the mRNA that comes immediately after the
stop codon, the signal for the termination of the coding region. Some two dozen miRNAs
have been studied in connection with sirt1 in various tissues and species.[[69]],[[70]] miRNA-34a, the best studied of these miRNAs, constitutes together with sirt1 and
p53 an effective regulatory circuit in which p53 inhibits the transcription of the
SIRT1 gene and simultaneously stimulates the expression of miR-34a. The miR-34a, then,
represses the translation of the sirt1 mRNA. Thus, the production of the sirt1 protein
is inhibited at both the transcription and translation levels. Similar regulatory
circuits involving miRNA-34a exist also for other sirtuins, namely sirt6 and sirt7.
It is noteworthy that miRNA-34a may be involved in the genesis of the metabolic syndrome
since it is found to be consistently elevated in obese and diabetic laboratory animals.[[70]]
An important level of regulation is the PTMs, which are achieved primarily through
the covalent bonding of certain chemical groups at specific points of the target protein
(e.g., a sirtuin). Examples include phosphorylation involving the c-Jun N-terminal
kinases (JNK1 and JNK2),[[71]] methylation, S-glutathionylation, ubiquitination, or sumoylation. The latter refers
to the conjugation through the small ubiquitin-related modifier conjugation system.
Sumoylation and ubiquitination are chemically similar but can have different regulatory
effects. Sumoylation modulates the properties of many proteins including the sirtuins,
thereby playing an important role in the regulation of a vast number of cell functions.
Sumoylation increases sirt1 activity while the removal of this modification (i.e.,
desumoylation) in response to oxidative stress inactivates sirt1 and promotes cell
apoptosis.[[72]]
Yet another post-translational means of regulating sirtuin activities is through the
formation of complexes of sirtuins with regulatory proteins. For instance, the complex
of sirt1 with AROS (Active Regulator of Sirt1) leads to the activation of sirt1 and
the suppression of p53 with the overall effect of reducing cell apoptosis in response
to DNA damage. The observation that sirt1 level is increased in a number of tumors
points to its oncogenic role as indicated by the inactivation of the oncosuppressor
p53. By contrast, there are several other regulatory proteins (such as SMRT, NCoR1,
and DBC1) whose complexes with sirt1 suppress its activity while activating p53 and
promoting cell apoptosis.[[36]],[[73]],[[74]]
As stated above, sirtuin catalyzed reactions have an absolute requirement for NAD+
as a cosubstrate and not merely as an enzyme co-factor. Therefore, it is not surprising
that sirtuin activity is very sensitive to changes in the intracellular NAD+ pool.
Calorie restriction, fasting, and exercise are all known to increase NAD+ level and
sirt1 activity.[[75]] By contrast, a downward shift in the NAD+/NADH ratio as occurs with high fat diet
or high rate of glycolysis depresses sirtuins activity. A relatively high intracellular
NAD+ level may be maintained either through enhanced biosynthesis or by reducing NAD+
consuming reactions such as those catalyzed by PARP1 and CD38 (cyclic-ADP-ribose synthase
38; EC 3.2.2) [[Figure 1]]. Deletion or inhibition of these enzymes in laboratory animals has been shown to
boost NAD+ level and sirt1 activity, and prevent diet-induced obesity.[[76]]
Sirtuins and age-related diseases
It is clear from the preceding discussion that evidence has been mounting that implicates
the sirtuins in a vast array of critical cellular functions. In addition to transcription
silencing and DNA repair, these functions include the regulation of ion channels,
neuronal function, cell growth, circadian rhythm, inflammatory response, mitochondrial
biogenesis, insulin secretion, fat oxidation, and glucose metabolism.[[36]] Through their interactions with multiple transcription factors, regulatory proteins,
and signaling molecules, the sirtuins chart the course of aging and its associated
disorders. Their activities are essential for maintaining mitochondrial health, energy
homeostasis and redox balance including the NAD+/NADH ratio. Therefore, it is not
surprising that the sirtuins have been linked to many age-related conditions such
as cancer,[[77]] metabolic and cardiovascular diseases,[[78]],[[79]] and neurodegenerative disorders such as AD.[[56]],[[57]],[[58]],[[80]] While little is known about the sirtuins role in Parkinson's and Huntinghton diseases,
significant progress has been made in understanding their role in AD. Studies of the
influence of AD pathology on the expression levels of various sirtuins in the hippocampus
and temporal lobe of the human brain have revealed consistent reductions in sirt1
and sirt3 together with increases in sirt2 and sirt5, but the full significance of
these changes remains largely unclear. However, there is evidence indicating that
sirt1 is involved in the regulation of multiple pathways that modulate the metabolism
of amyloid beta (Aβ) to maintain its concentration below toxic levels. The degradation
of Aβ via autophagy is dependent on sirt1 activity.[[81]] Sirt1 also appears to protect against Aβ-mediated synapse loss. In addition, through
its deacetylase activity, sirt1 stimulates the degradation of the tau protein preventing
the development of tauopathy.
The pathophysiologic processes of AD involve significant reductions in sirt1-dependent
inhibition of the NF-κB pathway, deacetylation of the tau peptides, and α-cleavage
of the amyloid precursor protein. The net result is increased Aβ levels, intensified
pro-inflammatory signals, and cognitive decline. Thus, it is safe to conclude that
sirt1 plays an important role in reducing Aβ toxicity, oxidative stress, synapse loss,
and cognitive decline.
The mitochondria have long been at the center of the various theories of aging including
the mitochondrial free radical theory which proposes that the generation of free radicals
as byproducts of normal mitochondrial metabolic activity leads to a gradual and progressive
decline in mitochondrial function resulting from damage of mitochondrial DNA and the
inactivation of vital proteins including enzymes such as the sirtuins. Naturally,
the most susceptible sirtuins would be the ones located within the mitochondria, namely
sirt3, sirt4, and sirt5. The importance of these three sirtuins for longevity and
health span is illustrated by the impact of their loss [[Table 2]].[[82]],[[83]],[[84]],[[85]]
Table 2: Impact of the Loss of Mitochondrial Sirtuins in Different Organs and Systems82-85
The sirtuins are widely believed to be behind the extension of lifespan brought about
by caloric restriction and fasting. Maintaining optimal sirtuin activities by boosting
cellular NAD+ availability through dietary supplements (nutriceuticals) is now the
focus of extensive laboratory and clinical research efforts.[[86]],[[87]],[[88]] Since sirtuins activity is NAD+-dependent, sustaining intracellular NAD+ levels
throughout life may not only extend the lifespan but also is likely to extend the
health span as well. The long-term administration of NAM NMN has been shown to mitigate
age-associated physiological decline in mice, an effect attributed to enhanced cellular
bioavailability of NAD+.[[89]] Similar observations were obtained in mice using NR.[[90]] However, human data are still lacking that would demonstrate unequivocally a significant
rise in intracellular NAD+ level secondary to the oral administration of either NMN
or NR. Recently, Marten and co-workers explored the effects of NR supplementation
in healthy lean adults (55–79 years) with respect to NAD+ and some parameters of cardiovascular
function.[[91]]
Metabolite measurements were limited to the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs).
NR raised NAD+ concentration significantly by nearly 60%. By contrast, NR raised the
level of NAAD nearly fivefold compared to placebo. NAAD is a product of NR utilization
and a highly sensitive biomarker of increased NAD+ metabolism in mammals. NR may be
converted to NAD+ either via the NRK/NMNAT pathway shown in [[Figure 2]] or via NA and NAAD: NR > NAM > NA > NAMN NAAD > NAD+.[[92]] Noticeable increases that did not reach statistical significance were also observed
for NADP+, NAM, and NAM NMN possibly due to the limited sample size (n = 24). Collectively,
these observations are consistent with increased NAD+ level and enhanced activity
of the enzymes involved in NAD+ metabolism. In the above cited study,[[91]] the mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 9 mmHg lower after NR versus placebo
in individuals with Stage I hypertension, whereas no change was observed in subjects
with initial SBP in the normal range.