Antiaging Gene SIRT6 Shown to Suppress Cancer in Lab Mice

A new study provides new clues into how a pro-longevity gene inhibits cancer growth.

New findings show that the loss of the SIRT6 protein in mice increases the size, number, and aggressiveness of tumors. The research also suggests that the loss of SIRT6 promotes tumor growth in human colon and pancreatic cancers.

The study’s findings were published December 7, 2012, in the journal Cell. “It is critical to understand the spectrum of genes that suppress tumor development,” said cosenior author David Lombard, MD, PhD, assistant professor of pathology and assistant research professor at the University of Michigan (U-M) Institute of Gerontology at the U-M Medical School (Ann Arbor, MI, USA). “Our research suggests SIRT6 may have a critical role in blocking cancer and controlling cellular metabolism. We hope to build on this work to better understand how this protein suppresses tumor development, and provide insight into potential future means of reprogramming cancer metabolism.”

The research was conducted in conjunction with the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center at Harvard Medical School (Boston, MA, USA). Raul Mostoslavsky, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, was the cosenior author. The new research focusses on the role SIRT6 plays in suppressing cancer growth by repressing aerobic glycolysis--a key feature of cancer cells that involves the conversion of glucose to lactate. SIRT6 also dampens activity of the significant cancer gene Myc.

Many cancer biology studies have targeted in on the significance of tumor-suppressor proteins and how they may protect cells from developing into cancer. The new study follows up on earlier research that had linked SIRT6 to longevity in male mice. Other research has also demonstrated that the protein may protect against obesity caused by diet.

“This work points to the conservation of biological mechanisms between lower organisms and humans, and the importance of fundamental basic research,” concluded Dr. Lombard, a researcher at the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center. “This family of proteins was originally studied in yeast. It turns out to have key roles in promoting mammalian health.”

Related Links:
University of Michigan Medical School
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center at Harvard Medical School