Calorie restriction--the SIR2 connection

Cell. 2005 Feb 25;120(4):473-82. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2005.01.029.

Abstract

A nutritious diet low in calories improves the health and extends the life span of rodents. Recent studies identified a gene, SIR2, which encodes an NAD-dependent deacetylase and may mediate the effects of calorie restriction. In this review, we discuss SIR2 genes and calorie restriction in the lower organisms yeast and Drosophila. We then describe the physiological changes in mammals during calorie restriction and how they may lead to the observed health benefits. We summarize the roles of mammalian Sirt1 in mediating these changes in tissues and endocrine systems and propose that Sirt1 regulates calorie restriction by sensing low calories and triggering physiological changes linked to health and longevity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caloric Restriction*
  • Drosophila / genetics
  • Drosophila / physiology
  • Heredodegenerative Disorders, Nervous System / genetics
  • Heredodegenerative Disorders, Nervous System / physiopathology
  • Insulin / genetics
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Longevity / physiology*
  • Mice
  • PPAR gamma / genetics
  • PPAR gamma / metabolism
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Sirtuin 1
  • Sirtuins / genetics
  • Sirtuins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Insulin
  • PPAR gamma
  • Sirt1 protein, mouse
  • Sirtuin 1
  • Sirtuins