Interactions between SIRT1 and MAPK/ERK regulate neuronal apoptosis induced by traumatic brain injury in vitro and in vivo

► We firstly describe the expression tendency of SIRT1 in primary cortical neurons and mice after TBI. ► Inhibiting SIRT1 promotes neuronal apoptosis and reduces ERK1/2 activation. ► Inhibiting ERK1/2 activation alleviates neuronal apoptosis and reduces SIRT1 expression. ► The synergic relationship between SIRT1 and MAPK/ERK pathway regulates neuronal apoptosis after TBI in vitro and in vivo.