Implications of altered sirtuins in metabolic regulation and oral cancer

Sirtuins (SIRTs 1-7) are a group of histone deacetylase enzymes with a wide range of enzyme activities that target a range of cellular proteins in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and mitochondria for posttranslational modifications by acetylation (SIRT1, 2, 3, and 5) or ADP ribosylation (SIRT4, 6, and 7). A variety of cellular functions, including mitochondrial functions and functions in energy homeostasis, metabolism, cancer, longevity and ageing, are regulated by sirtuins. Compromised sirtuin functions and/or alterations in the expression levels of sirtuins may lead to several pathological conditions and contribute significantly to alterations in metabolic phenotypes as well as oral carcinogenesis. Here, we describe the basic characteristics of seven mammalian sirtuins. This review also emphasizes the key molecular mechanisms of sirtuins in metabolic regulation and discusses the possible relationships of sirtuins with oral cancers. This review will provide novel insight into new therapeutic approaches targeting sirtuins that may potentially lead to effective strategies for combating oral malignancies.

Automated summary

Sirtuins are a group of enzymes with diverse activities that modify cellular proteins through histone deacetylation or ADP ribosylation. They play crucial roles in regulating various cellular functions, including mitochondrial functions, metabolism, cancer, longevity, and ageing. Dysfunctional sirtuins and altered expression levels contribute to pathological conditions and oral carcinogenesis. This review provides an overview of the characteristics and molecular mechanisms of mammalian sirtuins, highlighting their involvement in metabolic regulation and their potential connections to oral cancers. It also suggests the possibility of targeting sirtuins for novel therapeutic approaches against oral malignancies.