SIRT6 overexpression improves various aspects of mouse healthspan

The extension in human lifespan in the last century results in a significant increase in incidence of age related diseases. It is therefore crucial to identify key factors that control elderly healthspan. Similar to dietary restriction, mice overexpressing the NAD+ dependent protein deacylase SIRT6 (MOSES) live longer and have reduced IGF-1 levels. However, it is as yet unknown whether SIRT6 also affects various healthspan parameters. Here, a range of age related phenotypes was evaluated in MOSES mice. In comparison to their wild-type (WT) littermates, old MOSES mice showed amelioration of a variety of age-related disorders, including: improved glucose tolerance, younger hormonal profile, reduced age-related adipose inflammation and increased physical activity. The increased activity was accompanied with increased muscle AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity. Altogether, these results indicate that overexpression of SIRT6 in mice retards important aspects of the aging process and suggest SIRT6 to be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of a set of age-related disorders.