Role of sirtuin proteins in life extension by caloric restriction.

The deacetylase activity of sirtuin proteins may play a key role in the life extending action of caloric restriction in organisms ranging from yeast to mammals. Recent research has been focused on the possible afferent pathway by which caloric restriction increases the deacetylase activity and on the efferent pathway by which the increased deacetylase activity extends life. Further research is needed to firmly establish the role of sirtuin proteins in life extension by caloric restriction in mammals.