Sirtuins, Aging and Disease

SIR2 and related genes are NAD-dependent deacetylases that slow aging in yeast, C. elegans, and Drosophila. In yeast and flies, SIR2 genes are also involved in the longevity conferred by dietary or calorie restriction (CR). The mammalian SIRT homologs are involved in changes in stress resistance and metabolism known to be associated with CR.

The CR diet not only extends life span in rodents, but also protects against many diseases of aging, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, cancer and osteoporosis. In this talk, I will describe recent findings in the lab regarding SIRT1 function in specific mammalian tissues and in specific disease models. Our findings indicate a diverse array of effects exerted by SIRT1 in mammals

Dr Leonard Guarente, MIT