Two new studies have found the molecular link between circadian rhythm and metabolism -- and it turns out to be a protein targeted by resveratrol, a potentially longevity-enhancing drug.
Neither of the studies, published yesterday in Cell, tested the metabolic effects of resveratrol, but they strike a note of caution for those -- including myself -- who expect resveratrol to be the first of an entire class of drugs that slow the physical and mental deterioration of aging.
Resveratrol's target is SIRT1, one of a group of proteins called sirtuins that maintain cellular function. But the researchers -- one group from the University of California, Irvine and another from the University of Geneva -- say that SIRT1 is also an important piece of our biological clocks: it links cell-level ciradian rhythms with body-level physiology, keeping appetite and wakefulness in a smoothly-regulated cycle.
Whether sirtuin-activating drugs will interfere with this is unknown, but it shouldn't be hard to test. (Talk about a side effect: you'll live long and healthily, but have trouble sleeping and get hungry at inconvenient times! I'd take it.) In the meantime, though, the studies are an useful reminder that these drugs -- though extremely promising -- aren't yet proven.
SIRT1 Regulates Circadian Clock Gene Expression through PER2 Deacetylation [Cell]
*Image: Roby Ferrari *
See Also:
- Stem Cell Activity Follows Circadian Rhythyms
- Clock Gene Goes Tick-Tock With Rise and Fall of Day
- Caloric Restriction Comes in a Pill
- Pharmaceutical Fountain of Youth Could Cost Pennies
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