sirtuin

genetics

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Last updated

July 19, 2026

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Sirtuins are a group of genes (Sir2 in yeast, Sirt1 in mice, and SIRT1 in humans) that play a role in the aging process. Research suggests that calorie restriction can activate sirtuins, which may function as anti-aging genes in organisms like nematodes and fruit flies. In yeast, Sir2 regulates genes across chromosomes and suppresses their activity, potentially reducing the likelihood of mutations that contribute to aging. Similar effects have been observed in mammals, leading to the development of drugs aimed at mimicking calorie restriction's effects on sirtuins for treating age-related diseases such as certain cancers and diabetes.1

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Sirtuins
Calorie restriction can activate genes known as sirtuins (Sir2 in yeast, Sirt1 in mice, and SIRT1 in humans). In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the fruit fly Drosophila, sirtuins actually function as anti-aging genes. In yeast Sir2 regulates genes across large segments of chromosomes.
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Calorie restriction can activate genes known as sirtuins (Sir2 in yeast, Sirt1 in mice, and SIRT1 in humans). In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the fruit fly Drosophila, sirtuins actually function as anti-aging genes. In yeast Sir2 regulates genes across large segments of chromosomes.
Read More