Overview:

SIRT7 is a member of the class IV of sirtuin family of proteins which are homologs to the yeast Sir2 protein and play a role in cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, metabolism, and senescence. SIRT7 associates with active rRNA genes and histones. Overexpression of SIRT7 increases pol I-mediated transcription whereas knockdown of SIRT7 or inhibition of its catalytic activity results in decreased association of pol I with rDNA and reduced pol I transcription (1). Depletion of SIRT7 stops cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis. SIRT7 deacetylates p53 and increases cellular resistance to cytotoxic and oxidative stress (2).

References:

1. Ford, E. et al: Mammalian Sir2 homolog SIRT7 is an activator of RNA polymerase I transcription. Genes Dev. 20: 1075-1080, 2006.

2. Vakhrusheva, O. et al Sirt7 increases stress resistance of cardiomyocytes and prevents apoptosis and inflammatory cardiomyopathy in mice. Circ. Res. 102: 703-710, 2008.