Scientists Found New Role of Deacetylase SIRT1

In previous studies, deacetylase SIRT1 has been identified the ability to repair damaged DNA. In addition to this, scientists recently found a new “ability” of SIRT1—help to stable the genomes of experimental mice with neurodegenerative diseases, for example, Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Different from other cells in the body, brain neurons in adult mammalian won’t split up, which make it impossible for them to repair damaged DNA by copying existing DNA, however, DNA damage and genomic instability on neurons is a particularly troublesome. Moreover, molecular DNA chain breakage and cognitive decline with physical aging or neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and ALS is also associated.

Because people already know SIRT1 can prevent brain cell apoptosis, scientists began to study the molecular mechanism of this protection behavior. They found without SIRT1, damaged neurons by toxic chemicals cannot be repaired. In addition, they also found that the behavior of SIRT1 was regulated by another enzyme which is responsible for the compression of wrapped DNA.

The study suggests that the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases with SIRT1 activators in mice can also prevent neuronal DNA damage.

Article Link: Scientists Found New Role of Deacetylase SIRT1