Sirtuins As Therapeutic Targets For Treating Cancer, Metabolic Diseases, And Neurodegenerative Diseases
Imagine tiny cellular managers that oversee crucial processes like aging, energy use, and even DNA repair. These managers are a family of proteins called sirtuins. Found in nearly all living things, from bacteria to humans, there are seven different types of these managers in our bodies, each with specific tasks.
Scientists have discovered that these sirtuins play a significant role in the development and progression of various serious illnesses. For instance, all seven types have been linked to cancer growth. Additionally, specific sirtuins (SIRT1, SIRT2, SIRT3, and SIRT6) are implicated in metabolic problems like type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
The exciting news is that researchers are actively exploring ways to control these sirtuin managers. By developing compounds that can either boost or reduce their activity, they hope to create new therapies. These compounds could potentially help in treating these challenging diseases by influencing how our cells function, repair themselves, and manage energy, ultimately offering new avenues for medical intervention.
Source: link to paper