The age-related decline of helicase function-how G-quadruplex structures promote genome instability

The intricate mechanisms underlying transcription-dependent genome instability involve G-quadruplexes (G4) and R-loops. This perspective elucidates the potential link between these structures and genome instability in aging. The co-occurrence of G4 DNA and RNA-DNA hybrid structures (G-loop) underscores a complex interplay in genome regulation and instability. Here, we hypothesize that the age-related decline of sirtuin function leads to an increase in acetylated helicases that bind to G4 DNA and RNA-DNA hybrid structures, but are less efficient in resolving them. We propose that acetylated, less active, helicases induce persistent G-loop structures, promoting transcription-dependent genome instability in aging.

The sirtuin-associated human senescence program converges on the activation of placenta-specific gene PAPPA

Sirtuins are pro-longevity genes with chromatin modulation potential, but how these properties are connected is not well understood. Here, we generated a panel of isogeneic human stem cell lines with SIRT1-SIRT7 knockouts and found that any sirtuin deficiency leads to accelerated cellular senescence. Through large-scale epigenomic analyses, we show how sirtuin deficiency alters genome organization and that genomic regions sensitive to sirtuin deficiency are preferentially enriched in active enhancers, thereby promoting interactions within topologically associated domains and the formation of de novo enhancer-promoter loops. In all sirtuin-deficient human stem cell lines, we found that chromatin contacts are rewired to promote aberrant activation of the placenta-specific gene PAPPA, which controls the pro-senescence effects associated with sirtuin deficiency and serves as a potential aging biomarker. Based on our survey of the 3D chromatin architecture, we established connections between sirtuins and potential target genes, thereby informing the development of strategies for aging interventions.

Caloric restriction, Sirtuins, and cardiovascular diseases

ABSTRACT

Caloric restriction (CR) is a well-established dietary intervention known to extend healthy lifespan and exert positive effects on aging-related diseases, including cardiovascular conditions. Sirtuins, a family of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD + )-dependent histone deacetylases, have emerged as key regulators of cellular metabolism, stress responses, and the aging process, serving as energy status sensors in response to CR. However, the mechanism through which CR regulates Sirtuin function to ameliorate cardiovascular disease remains unclear. This review not only provided an overview of recent research investigating the interplay between Sirtuins and CR, specifically focusing on their potential implications for cardiovascular health, but also provided a comprehensive summary of the benefits of CR for the cardiovascular system mediated directly via Sirtuins. CR has also been shown to have considerable impact on specific metabolic organs, leading to the production of small molecules that enter systemic circulation and subsequently regulate Sirtuin activity within the cardiovascular system. The direct and indirect effects of CR offer a potential mechanism for Sirtuin modulation and subsequent cardiovascular protection. Understanding the interplay between CR and Sirtuins will provide new insights for the development of interventions to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases.

SIRT7: the seventh key to unlocking the mystery of aging

Aging is a chronic yet natural physiological decline of the body. Throughout life, humans are continuously exposed to a variety of exogenous and endogenous stresses, which engender various counteractive responses at the cellular, tissue, organ, as well as organismal levels. The compromised cellular and tissue functions that occur because of genetic factors or prolonged stress (or even the stress response) may accelerate aging. Over the last two decades, the sirtuin (SIRT) family of lysine deacylases has emerged as a key regulator of longevity in a variety of organisms. SIRT7, the most recently identified member of the SIRTs, maintains physiological homeostasis and provides protection against aging by functioning as a watchdog of genomic integrity, a dynamic sensor and modulator of stresses. SIRT7 decline disrupts metabolic homeostasis, accelerates aging, and increases the risk of age-related pathologies including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, pulmonary and renal disorders, inflammatory diseases, and cancer, etc. Here, we present SIRT7 as the seventh key to unlock the mystery of aging, and its specific manipulation holds great potential to ensure healthiness and longevity.

Status of Research on Sestrin2 and Prospects for its Application in Therapeutic Strategies Targeting Myocardial Aging

Cardiac aging is accompanied by changes in the heart at the cellular and molecular levels, leading to alterations in cardiac structure and function. Given today's increasingly aging population, the decline in cardiac function caused by cardiac aging has a significant impact on quality of life. Antiaging therapies to slow the aging process and attenuate changes in cardiac structure and function have become an important research topic. Treatment with drugs, including metformin, spermidine, rapamycin, resveratrol, astaxanthin, Huolisu oral liquid, and sulforaphane, has been demonstrated be effective in delaying cardiac aging by stimulating autophagy, delaying ventricular remodeling, and reducing oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. Furthermore, caloric restriction has been shown to play an important role in delaying aging of the heart. Many studies in cardiac aging and cardiac aging-related models have demonstrated that Sestrin2 has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, stimulates autophagy, delays aging, regulates mitochondrial function, and inhibits myocardial remodeling by regulation of relevant signaling pathways. Therefore, Sestrin2 is likely to become an important target for antimyocardial aging therapy.

Sirtuins: Key players in obesity-associated adipose tissue remodeling

Obesity, a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat and a major threat to public health all over the world, is the determining factor of the onset and development of metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Long-term overnutrition results in excessive expansion and dysfunction of adipose tissue, inflammatory responses and over-accumulation of extracellular matrix in adipose tissue, and ectopic lipid deposit in other organs, termed adipose tissue remodeling. The mammalian Sirtuins (SIRT1-7) are a family of conserved NAD⁺-dependent protein deacetylases. Mounting evidence has disclosed that Sirtuins and their prominent substrates participate in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, including cell cycle regulation, mitochondrial biogenesis and function, glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin action, inflammatory responses, and energy homeostasis. In this review, we provided up-to-date and comprehensive knowledge about the roles of Sirtuins in adipose tissue remodeling, focusing on the fate of adipocytes, lipid mobilization, adipose tissue inflammation and fibrosis, and browning of adipose tissue, and we summarized the clinical trials of Sirtuin activators and inhibitors in treating metabolic diseases, which might shed light on new therapeutic strategies for obesity and its associated metabolic diseases.

SIRT7 Deficiency Protects against Aging-Associated Glucose Intolerance and Extends Lifespan in Male Mice

Sirtuins (SIRT1-7 in mammals) are evolutionarily conserved nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent lysine deacetylases/deacylases that regulate fundamental biological processes including aging. In this study, we reveal that male Sirt7 knockout (KO) mice exhibited an extension of mean and maximum lifespan and a delay in the age-associated mortality rate. In addition, aged male Sirt7 KO mice displayed better glucose tolerance with improved insulin sensitivity compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) enhances insulin sensitivity and extends lifespan when it is overexpressed. Serum levels of FGF21 were markedly decreased with aging in WT mice. In contrast, this decrease was suppressed in Sirt7 KO mice, and the serum FGF21 levels of aged male Sirt7 KO mice were higher than those of WT mice. Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) stimulates Fgf21 transcription, and the hepatic levels of Atf4 mRNA were increased in aged male Sirt7 KO mice compared with WT mice. Our findings indicate that the loss of SIRT7 extends lifespan and improves glucose metabolism in male mice. High serum FGF21 levels might be involved in the beneficial effect of SIRT7 deficiency.

SIRT7 in the aging process

Aging is the result of the accumulation of a wide variety of molecular and cellular damage over time. This has been associated with a number of features termed hallmarks of aging, including genomic instability, loss of proteostasis, telomere attrition, dysregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, and impaired intercellular communication. On the other hand, sirtuins are enzymes with an important role in aging and life extension, of which humans have seven paralogs (SIRT1 to SIRT7). SIRT7 is the least studied sirtuin to date, but it has been reported to serve important functions, such as promoting ribosomal RNA expression, aiding in DNA damage repair, and regulating chromatin compaction. Several studies have established a close relationship between SIRT7 and age-related processes, but knowledge in this area is still scarce. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to analyze how SIRT7 is associated with each of the hallmarks of aging, as well as with some of age-associated diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, osteoporosis, and cancer.

Sirtuin 7 serves as a promising therapeutic target for cardiorenal diseases

Cardiovascular disorders and associated renal diseases account for the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating the development of novel effective approaches for the prevention and treatment of cardiorenal diseases. Mammalian sirtuins (SIRTs) function as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent protein/histone deacetylases. Seven members of SIRTs share a highly invariant catalytic core domain responsible for the specific enzymatic activity. Intriguingly, the broad distribution of SIRTs and alternative isoforms implicate its distinct functions in diverse cardiac and renal cells and tissue types. Notably, SIRT7 has been shown to exert beneficial effects in cardiorenal physiology and pathophysiology via modulation of senescence, DNA damage repair, ribosomal RNA synthesis, protein biosynthesis, angiogenesis, apoptosis, superoxide generation, cardiorenal metabolism, and dysfunction. Furthermore, SIRT7 has emerged as a critical modulator of a broad range of cellular activities including oxidative stress, inflammation response, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and mitochondrial homeostasis, which are all of great significance in postponing the progression of cardiorenal diseases. More importantly, SIRT7 has been implicated in cardiorenal hypertrophy, fibrosis, remodeling, heart failure, atherosclerosis as well as renal acid-base and electrolyte homeostasis as an essential regulator. In this review, we focus on the involvement in cardiorenal physiology and pathophysiology, diverse actions and underlying mechanisms of the SIRT7 signaling, highlighting its updated research progress in heart failure, atherosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy and other cardiorenal diseases. Targeting SIRT7 signaling could be potentially exploited as a therapeutic strategy aiming to prevent and treat cardiorenal diseases.

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Aging as a Clinical Prospect

There is a hot topic in stem cell research to investigate the process of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) aging characterized by decreased self-renewal ability, myeloid-biased differentiation, impaired homing, and other abnormalities related to hematopoietic repair function. It is of crucial importance that HSCs preserve self-renewal and differentiation ability to maintain hematopoiesis under homeostatic states over time. Although HSC numbers increase with age in both mice and humans, this cannot compensate for functional defects of aged HSCs. The underlying mechanisms regarding HSC aging have been studied from various perspectives, but the exact molecular events remain unclear. Several cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic factors contribute to HSC aging including DNA damage responses, reactive oxygen species (ROS), altered epigenetic profiling, polarity, metabolic alterations, impaired autophagy, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway, nuclear factor- (NF-) κB pathway, mTOR pathway, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pathway, and wingless-related integration site (Wnt) pathway. To determine how deficient HSCs develop during aging, we provide an overview of different hallmarks, age-related signaling pathways, and epigenetic modifications in young and aged HSCs. Knowing how such changes occur and progress will help researchers to develop medications and promote the quality of life for the elderly and possibly alleviate age-associated hematopoietic disorders. The present review is aimed at discussing the latest advancements of HSC aging and the role of HSC-intrinsic factors and related events of a bone marrow niche during HSC aging.

Sirtuins-Mediated System-Level Regulation of Mammalian Tissues at the Interface between Metabolism and Cell Cycle: A Systematic Review

Sirtuins are a family of highly conserved NAD+-dependent proteins and this dependency links Sirtuins directly to metabolism. Sirtuins' activity has been shown to extend the lifespan of several organisms and mainly through the post-translational modification of their many target proteins, with deacetylation being the most common modification. The seven mammalian Sirtuins, SIRT1 through SIRT7, have been implicated in regulating physiological responses to metabolism and stress by acting as nutrient sensors, linking environmental and nutrient signals to mammalian metabolic homeostasis. Furthermore, mammalian Sirtuins have been implicated in playing major roles in mammalian pathophysiological conditions such as inflammation, obesity and cancer. Mammalian Sirtuins are expressed heterogeneously among different organs and tissues, and the same holds true for their substrates. Thus, the function of mammalian Sirtuins together with their substrates is expected to vary among tissues. Any therapy depending on Sirtuins could therefore have different local as well as systemic effects. Here, an introduction to processes relevant for the actions of Sirtuins, such as metabolism and cell cycle, will be followed by reasoning on the system-level function of Sirtuins and their substrates in different mammalian tissues. Their involvement in the healthy metabolism and metabolic disorders will be reviewed and critically discussed.

CISD2 maintains cellular homeostasis

CDGSH Iron Sulfur Domain 2 (CISD2) is the causative gene for the disease Wolfram syndrome 2 (WFS2; MIM 604928), which is an autosomal recessive disorder showing metabolic and neurodegenerative manifestations. CISD2 protein can be localized on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) and mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM). CISD2 plays a crucial role in the regulation of cytosolic Ca²⁺ homeostasis, ER integrity and mitochondrial function. Here we summarize the most updated publications and discuss the central role of CISD2 in maintaining cellular homeostasis. This review mainly focuses on the following topics. Firstly, that CISD2 has been recognized as a prolongevity gene and the level of CISD2 is a key determinant of lifespan and healthspan. In mice, Cisd2 deficiency shortens lifespan and accelerates aging. Conversely, a persistently high level of Cisd2 promotes longevity. Intriguingly, exercise stimulates Cisd2 gene expression and thus, the beneficial effects offered by exercise may be partly related to Cisd2 activation. Secondly, that Cisd2 is down-regulated in a variety of tissues and organs during natural aging. Three potential mechanisms that may mediate the age-dependent decrease of Cisd2, via regulating at different levels of gene expression, are discussed. Thirdly, the relationship between CISD2 and cell survival, as well as the potential mechanisms underlying the cell death control, are discussed. Finally we discuss that, in cancers, CISD2 may functions as a double-edged sword, either suppressing or promoting cancer development. This review highlights the importance of the CISD2 in aging and age-related diseases and identifies the urgent need for the translation of available genetic evidence into pharmaceutic interventions in order to alleviate age-related disorders and extend a healthy lifespan in humans.

Nectandrin B-mediated activation of the AMPK pathway prevents cellular senescence in human diploid fibroblasts by reducing intracellular ROS levels

Nectandrin B (NecB) is a bioactive lignan compound isolated from Myristica fragrans (nutmeg), which functions as an activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Because we recently found that treatment with NecB increased the cell viability of old human diploid fibroblasts (HDFs), the underlying molecular mechanism was investigated. NecB treatment in old HDFs reduced the activity staining of senescence-associated β-galactosidase and the levels of senescence markers, such as the Ser¹⁵ phosphorylated p53, caveolin-1, p21^waf1, p16^ink4a, p27^kip1, and cyclin D1. NecB treatment increased that in S phase, indicating a enhancement of cell cycle entry. Interestingly, NecB treatment ameliorated age-dependent activation of AMPK in old HDFs. Moreover, NecB reversed the age-dependent expression and/or activity changes of certain sirtuins (SIRT1-5), and cell survival/death-related proteins. The transcriptional activity of Yin-Yang 1 and the expression of downstream proteins were elevated in NecB-treated old HDFs. In addition, NecB treatment exerted a radical scavenging effect in vitro, reduced cellular ROS levels, and increased antioxidant enzymes in old HDFs. Moreover, NecB-mediated activation of the AMPK pathway reduced intracellular ROS levels. These results suggest that NecB-induced protection against cellular senescence is mediated by ROS-scavenging through activation of AMPK. NecB might be useful in ameliorating age-related diseases and extending human lifespan.

SIRT7 antagonizes human stem cell aging as a heterochromatin stabilizer

SIRT7, a sirtuin family member implicated in aging and disease, is a regulator of metabolism and stress responses. It remains elusive how human somatic stem cell populations might be impacted by SIRT7. Here, we found that SIRT7 expression declines during human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) aging and that SIRT7 deficiency accelerates senescence. Mechanistically, SIRT7 forms a complex with nuclear lamina proteins and heterochromatin proteins, thus maintaining the repressive state of heterochromatin at nuclear periphery. Accordingly, deficiency of SIRT7 results in loss of heterochromatin, de-repression of the LINE1 retrotransposon (LINE1), and activation of innate immune signaling via the cGAS-STING pathway. These aging-associated cellular defects were reversed by overexpression of heterochromatin proteins or treatment with a LINE1 targeted reverse-transcriptase inhibitor. Together, these findings highlight how SIRT7 safeguards chromatin architecture to control innate immune regulation and ensure geroprotection during stem cell aging.

HDAC8 cooperates with SMAD3/4 complex to suppress SIRT7 and promote cell survival and migration

NAD⁺-dependent SIRT7 deacylase plays essential roles in ribosome biogenesis, stress response, genome integrity, metabolism and aging, while how it is transcriptionally regulated is still largely unclear. TGF-β signaling is highly conserved in multicellular organisms, regulating cell growth, cancer stemness, migration and invasion. Here, we demonstrate that histone deacetylase HDAC8 forms complex with SMAD3/4 heterotrimer and occupies SIRT7 promoter, wherein it deacetylates H4 and thus suppresses SIRT7 transcription. Treatment with HDAC8 inhibitor compromises TGF-β signaling via SIRT7-SMAD4 axis and consequently, inhibits lung metastasis and improves chemotherapy efficacy in breast cancer. Our data establish a regulatory feedback loop of TGF-β signaling, wherein HDAC8 as a novel cofactor of SMAD3/4 complex, transcriptionally suppresses SIRT7 via local chromatin remodeling and thus further activates TGF-β signaling. Targeting HDAC8 exhibits therapeutic potential for TGF-β signaling related diseases.

The impact of mitochondrial quality control by Sirtuins on the treatment of type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease

The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has significantly increased worldwide in recent decades, and improved treatments for T2DM and DKD are urgently needed. The pathogenesis of aging-related disorders, such as T2DM and DKD, involves multiple mechanisms, including inflammation, autophagy impairment, and oxidative stress, which are closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, mitochondrial quality control may be a novel therapeutic target for T2DM and DKD. Previous reports have shown that members of the mammalian Sirtuin family, SIRT 1-7, which are recognized as antiaging molecules, play a crucial role in the regulation of mitochondrial function and quality control through the modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation and autophagy. In this review, we summarized the research published in recent years to highlight the role of Sirtuins in mitochondrial quality control as a therapeutic target for T2DM and DKD.

Mitohormesis and metabolic health: The interplay between ROS, cAMP and sirtuins

The key role of mitochondria in oxidative metabolism and redox homeostasis explains the link between mitochondrial dysfunction and the development of metabolic disorders. Mitochondria's highly dynamic nature, based on alterations in biogenesis, mitophagy, fusion and fission, allows adjusting sequential redox reactions of the electron transport chain (ETC) and dissipation of the membrane potential by ATP synthase, to different environmental cues. With reactive oxygen species being an inevitable by-product of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), alterations on mitochondrial oxidative rate with a consequent excessive load of reactive oxygen species have been traditionally associated with pathological conditions. However, reactive oxygen species have also been suggested as promoters of mitohormesis, a process in which low, non-cytotoxic concentrations of reactive oxygen species promote mitochondrial homeostasis. Therefore, signaling systems involved in the regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis are attractive candidates for drug development for metabolic diseases triggered by mitochondrial dysfunction. Reversible phosphorylation downstream the cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling cascade and deacetylation mediated by sirtuins are recognized as major mitochondrial regulators.

Spatio-temporal expression profile of sirtuins during aging of the annual fish Nothobranchius furzeri

The founding member of the sirtuin family, yeast Sir2, was the first evolutionarily conserved gene to be identified as a regulator of longevity. Sirtuins constitute a protein family of metabolic sensors, translating changes in NAD + levels into adaptive responses, thereby acting as crucial regulators of the network that controls energy homeostasis and as such determines healthspan. In mammals the sirtuin family comprises seven proteins, SIRT1-SIRT7, which vary in tissue specificity, subcellular localization, enzymatic activity and targets. Here, we report the identification and a detailed spatio-temporal expression profile of sirtuin genes in the short-lived fish Nothobranchius furzeri, from embryogenesis to late adulthood, mapping its entire life cycle. Database exploration of the recently published N. furzeri genome revealed eight orthologues corresponding to the seven known mammalian sirtuins, including two copies of the sirt5 gene. Phylogenetic analysis showed high cross species similarity of individual sirtuins in both their overall amino acid sequence and catalytic domain, suggesting a high degree of functional conservation. Moreover, we show that N. furzeri sirtuins exhibit ubiquitous and wide tissue distribution with a unique spatial expression pattern for each individual member of this enzyme family. Specifically, we observed a transcriptional down-regulation of several sirtuin genes with age, most significantly sirt1, sirt5a, sirt6 and sirt7 in a wide range of functionally distinct tissues. Overall, this spatio-temporal expression analysis provides the foundation for future research, both into genetic and pharmacological manipulation of this important group of enzymes in Nothobranchius furzeri, an emerging model organism for aging research.

Epigenetic Regulation of Metabolism and Inflammation by Calorie Restriction

Chronic caloric restriction (CR) without malnutrition is known to affect different cellular processes such as stem cell function, cell senescence, inflammation, and metabolism. Despite the differences in the implementation of CR, the reduction of calories produces a widespread beneficial effect in noncommunicable chronic diseases, which can be explained by improvements in immuno-metabolic adaptation. Cellular adaptation that occurs in response to dietary patterns can be explained by alterations in epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA. In this review, we define these modifications and systematically summarize the current evidence related to CR and the epigenome. We then explain the significance of genome-wide epigenetic modifications in the context of disease development. Although substantial evidence exists for the widespread effect of CR on longevity, there is no consensus regarding the epigenetic regulations of the underlying cellular mechanisms that lead to improved health. We provide compelling evidence that CR produces long-lasting epigenetic effects that mediate expression of genes related to immuno-metabolic processes. Epigenetic reprogramming of the underlying chronic low-grade inflammation by CR can lead to immuno-metabolic adaptations that enhance quality of life, extend lifespan, and delay chronic disease onset.

The epigenetic regulator SIRT7 guards against mammalian cellular senescence induced by ribosomal DNA instability

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, genomic instability in rDNA repeat sequences is an underlying cause of cell aging and is suppressed by the chromatin-silencing factor Sir2. In humans, rDNA instability is observed in cancers and premature aging syndromes, but its underlying mechanisms and functional consequences remain unclear. Here, we uncovered a pivotal role of sirtuin 7 (SIRT7), a mammalian Sir2 homolog, in guarding against rDNA instability and show that this function of SIRT7 protects against senescence in primary human cells. We found that, mechanistically, SIRT7 is required for association of SNF2H (also called SMARCA5, SWI/SNF-related matrix-associated actin-dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily A, member 5), a component of the nucleolar heterochromatin-silencing complex NoRC, with rDNA sequences. Defective rDNA-heterochromatin silencing in SIRT7-deficient cells unleashed rDNA instability, with excision and loss of rDNA gene copies, which in turn induced acute senescence. Mounting evidence indicates that accumulation of senescent cells significantly contributes to tissue dysfunction in aging-related pathologies. Our findings identify rDNA instability as a driver of mammalian cellular senescence and implicate SIRT7-dependent heterochromatin silencing in protecting against this process.

The effects of graded levels of calorie restriction: XI. Evaluation of the main hypotheses underpinning the life extension effects of CR using the hepatic transcriptome

Calorie restriction (CR) may extend longevity by modulating the mechanisms involved in aging. Different hypotheses have been proposed for its main mode of action. We quantified hepatic transcripts of male C57BL/6 mice exposed to graded levels of CR (0% to 40% CR) for three months, and evaluated the responses relative to these various hypotheses. Of the four main signaling pathways implied to be linked to the impact of CR on lifespan (insulin/insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), nuclear factor-kappa beta (NF-ĸB), mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and sirtuins (SIRTs)), all the pathways except SIRT were altered in a manner consistent with increased lifespan. However, the expression levels of SIRT4 and SIRT7 were decreased with increasing levels of CR. Changes consistent with altered fuel utilization under CR may reduce reactive oxygen species production, which was paralleled by reduced protection. Downregulated major urinary protein (MUP) transcription suggested reduced reproductive investment. Graded CR had a positive effect on autophagy and xenobiotic metabolism, and was protective with respect to cancer signaling. CR had no significant effect on fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) transcription but affected transcription in the hydrogen sulfide production pathway. Responses to CR were consistent with several different hypotheses, and the benefits of CR on lifespan likely reflect the combined impact on multiple aging related processes.

Sirtuins as Mediator of the Anti-Ageing Effects of Calorie Restriction in Skeletal and Cardiac Muscle

Fighting diseases and controlling the signs of ageing are the major goals of biomedicine. Sirtuins, enzymes with mainly deacetylating activity, could be pivotal targets of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies to reach such aims. Scientific proofs are accumulating in experimental models, but, to a minor extent, also in humans, that the ancient practice of calorie restriction could prove an effective way to prevent several degenerative diseases and to postpone the detrimental signs of ageing. In the present review, we summarize the evidence about the central role of sirtuins in mediating the beneficial effects of calorie restriction in skeletal and cardiac muscle since these tissues are greatly damaged by diseases and advancing years. Moreover, we entertain the possibility that the identification of sirtuin activators that mimic calorie restriction could provide the benefits without the inconvenience of this dietary style.

Advances in Cellular Characterization of the Sirtuin Isoform, SIRT7

SIRT7 is one of seven mammalian sirtuins that functions as an NAD⁺-dependent histone/protein deacetylase. SIRT7 is the least well-known member of the sirtuin family, but recent efforts have identified its involvement in various cellular processes, such as ribosome biogenesis, gene expression, cellular metabolism and cancer. Here we provide an update on the functions and mechanisms of SIRT7 in cellular regulation and disease.

Sirtuin 7 is decreased in pulmonary fibrosis and regulates the fibrotic phenotype of lung fibroblasts

Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe condition with no cure and limited therapeutic options. A better understanding of its pathophysiology is needed. Recent studies have suggested that pulmonary fibrosis may be driven by accelerated aging-related mechanisms. Sirtuins (SIRTs), particularly SIRT1, SIRT3, and SIRT6, are well-known mediators of aging; however, limited data exist on the contribution of sirtuins to lung fibrosis. We assessed the mRNA and protein levels of all seven known sirtuins in primary lung fibroblasts from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) in comparison with lung fibroblasts from healthy controls. These unbiased tests revealed a tendency for all sirtuins to be expressed at lower levels in fibroblasts from patients compared with controls, but the greatest decrease was observed with SIRT7. Similarly, SIRT7 was decreased in lung tissues of bleomycin-challenged mice. Inhibition of SIRT7 with siRNA in cultured lung fibroblasts resulted in an increase in collagen and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Reciprocally, overexpression of SIRT7 resulted in lower basal and TGF-β-induced levels of COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, and α-SMA mRNAs, as well as collagen and α-SMA proteins. Induced changes in SIRT7 had no effect on endogenous TGF-β mRNA levels or latent TGF-β activation, but overexpression of SIRT7 reduced the levels of Smad3 mRNA and protein. In conclusion, the decline in SIRT7 in lung fibroblasts has a profibrotic effect, which is mediated by changes in Smad3 levels.