Sirtuins: Enzymes with multidirectional catalytic activity

Abstract

Sirtuins (SIRT) are NAD+-dependent histone deacetylases that play an important role in the functioning of the human body. They participate in numerous processes taking place in cells, including in the post-translational modification of proteins, silencing gene transcription, inducing repair processes, as well as in the regulation of metabolic processes. Sirtuins have also been shown to play an important role in reducing the level of reactive oxygen species as well as in stimulating cell growth, aging and death. Such a wide range of processes, which are affected by sirtuins, have recently made sirtuins the object of many studies aimed at a detailed understanding of the mechanisms of their action and the role they play. The aim of our study was to collect and systematize information on sirtuins, mainly from the last 10 years, both regarding the human body and based on the results of research on animal models or cell lines. The article discusses the structure, function and biological role of sirtuins in cellular processes.