Sirtuins and Aging

The sirtuin family of proteins (SIRT proteins) are involved in DNA repair, chromatin remodeling, epigenetic regulation of the expression of metabolism genes, the antioxidant system, apoptosis, immuno- and neurogenesis, etc. The aim of this review is to analyze the geroprotective properties of sirtuins in normal and age-associated pathologies. SIRT1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 contribute to increases in life expectancy. SIRT1, 2, 6, and 7 slow cellular aging and maintain the stem cell pool. Sirtuins are potential targets for the treatment of neurodegenerative, oncological, and cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus. All these diseases are in most cases characteristic of elderly and old people, so the geroprotective effects of sirtuins, realized at the molecular and cellular levels, may play an important role in the treatment of these conditions.