Linking SIRT2 to Parkinson's disease

A recent study has identified selective inhibitors of the human silent information regulator 2 NAD(+)-dependent protein deacetylase, SIRT2, and has shown that these compounds protect against alpha-synuctein-mediated toxicity in cellular models of Parkinson's disease. The inhibitors were found to ameliorate dopaminergic cell death in vitro and in a Drosophila model of Parkinson's disease. Although the molecular mechanism of action is unclear, the compounds may function by promoting the formation of enlarged inclusion bodies, which are suggested to provide a cell-survival advantage.