Sirtuins

What It Is

A family of seven NAD+-dependent protein deacylases (SIRT1–7) that regulate a wide range of cellular processes implicated in aging — including DNA repair, inflammation, mitochondrial biogenesis, circadian rhythm, metabolism, and stress response. First identified as the key mediators of lifespan extension by caloric restriction in yeast, sirtuins are now recognised as central longevity regulators across species. SIRT1 is most studied for metabolic and epigenetic regulation; SIRT3 regulates mitochondrial function; SIRT6 governs genomic stability and DNA repair.

Key Context

Sirtuin activators with human relevance: caloric restriction and fasting (most robust), resveratrol (SIRT1 activator, though clinical evidence is mixed), NMN/NR (raise NAD+ substrate for all sirtuins), exercise (potent SIRT1 activator). Overactivation without adequate NAD+ substrate is ineffective.

Learn More

• Science Deep Dives