Models of acetylation and the regulation of longevity: From yeast to humans

In recent years it has emerged that acetylation, and especially the activity of certain deacetylases, regulates lifespan in model organisms. Among the three classes of deacetylases, the role of class III, sirtuins NAD⁺-dependent deacetylases, in regulating aging is the best studied. Sirtuins are conserved from bacteria to human and overexpression of sirtuins in yeast, nematodes and flies extends their lifespan, implying a conserved fundamental mechanism by which sirtuins regulate aging. In this review we will focus on the role of deacetylases, especially sirtuins, in regulating longevity and will describe and discuss their role in regulating lifespan from yeast to human.