Mammals have seven sirtuins (SIRT1 to SIRT7), spread across the nucleus, the cytoplasm and the mitochondrion. They modify histones, transcription factors and metabolic enzymes, and in that way influence DNA repair, energy metabolism, the stress response and inflammation.
Their key feature is that they consume NAD+ in each reaction. That is why their activity depends on the availability of this coenzyme: when NAD+ falls (something various studies describe with age), sirtuin activity may also decrease. That link is the basis of the interest in NAD+ and its precursors in ageing research.
Sirtuins became famous through studies in yeast and worms linking them to longevity. In mammals the picture is more complex and many early findings have not been reproduced as clearly.
Sirtuins are the conceptual bridge between NAD+ and ageing. Understanding them makes it possible to read claims about “activating longevity” critically.
Related terms
Learn it in depth at the Peptide University
- Longevity and mitochondrial function · Module 6
- Complementary monographs (16–20) · Module 14
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Definition for educational and scientific purposes. It is not medical advice or a recommendation for use. NeoPeptidos products are sold labelled for research use only (RUO).