Dietary restriction increases site-specific histone H3 acetylation in rat liver: Possible modulation by sirtuins

We studied dietary restriction (DR) related changes of site-specific acetylation of histone H3 in rat livers to explore a possible link to histone modifications and sirtuin levels with anti-aging effects of DR. The acetylation at lysine residue 9, 27 and 56 in H3 was 20–30% higher in DR animals compared with ad libitum fed counterparts. SIRT6, one of histone deacetylases, was significantly decreased by DR and thereby may be involved in an increase in the histone acetylation. Our findings suggest that upregulation of chromatin activities through increased histone acetylation is a mechanism of anti-aging effects of DR.

► Site-specific acetylation at lysine 9, 27 and 56 in H3 was higher in DR rats.
► SIRT6 was decreased by DR, being consistent with the increased acetylation.
► Lower NAD/NADH ratio is consistent with possible decrease in SIRT activity with DR.