Friday Science: How Does Resveratrol Activate Sirtuins?

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A little science from PubMed for your entertainment today; signs that the investigation of calorie restriction mimetics and metabolism is proceeding apace.

[Sir2 or sirtuins are] important for many cellular processes including gene silencing, regulation of p53, fatty acid metabolism, cell cycle regulation, and lifespan extension. Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in wines and thought to harbor major health benefits, was reported to be an activator of Sir2 enzymes in vivo and in vitro. In addition, resveratrol was shown to increase lifespan in three model organisms through a Sir2-dependent pathway. Here, we investigated the molecular basis for Sir2 activation by resveratrol.

At this rate - coupled with venture investment in this field of research - we should expect to see interesting results in few years. A treatment to replicate the beneficial effects of calorie restriction on health and life span does not seem far fetched at the moment.