Mitochondrial protein acetylation regulates metabolism

Changes in cellular nutrient availability or energy status induce global changes in mitochondrial protein acetylation. Over one-third of all proteins in the mitochondria are acetylated, of which the majority are involved in some aspect of energy metabolism. Mitochondrial protein acetylation is regulated by SIRT3 (sirtuin 3), a member of the sirtuin family of NAD(+)-dependent protein deacetylases that has recently been identified as a key modulator of energy homoeostasis. In the absence of SIRT3, mitochondrial proteins become hyperacetylated, have altered function, and contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction. This chapter presents a review of the functional impact of mitochondrial protein acetylation, and its regulation by SIRT3.