Sirtuins regulate key aspects of lipid metabolism

Members of the sirtuin family of NAD+-dependent protein deacetylases are important regulators of longevity in yeast, worms, and flies. Mammals have seven sirtuins (SIRT1-7), each characterized by differences in subcellular localization, substrate preference, and biological function. While it is unclear whether sirtuins regulate aging in mammals, it is clear that sirtuins influence diverse aspects of their metabolism. Indeed, SIRT1 promotes oxidation of fatty acids in liver and skeletal muscle, cholesterol metabolism in liver, and lipid mobilization in white adipose tissue. Moreover, small-molecule activators of SIRT1 have recently been shown to protect mice from the negative effects of a high-fat diet. These findings suggest that sirtuins might provide important new targets for the treatment of obesity and related diseases. In this review, we discuss the major findings linking sirtuins with the regulation of lipid metabolism.