A Systematic Review on the Role of SIRT1 in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Histone Deacetylases: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications for Muscular Dystrophies

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are enzymes that regulate the deacetylation of numerous histone and non-histone proteins, thereby affecting a wide range of cellular processes. Deregulation of HDAC expression or activity is often associated with several pathologies, suggesting potential for targeting these enzymes for therapeutic purposes. For example, HDAC expression and activity are higher in dystrophic skeletal muscles. General pharmacological blockade of HDACs, by means of pan-HDAC inhibitors (HDACi), ameliorates both muscle histological abnormalities and function in preclinical studies. A phase II clinical trial of the pan-HDACi givinostat revealed partial histological improvement and functional recovery of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) muscles; results of an ongoing phase III clinical trial that is assessing the long-term safety and efficacy of givinostat in DMD patients are pending. Here we review the current knowledge about the HDAC functions in distinct cell types in skeletal muscle, identified by genetic and -omic approaches. We describe the signaling events that are affected by HDACs and contribute to muscular dystrophy pathogenesis by altering muscle regeneration and/or repair processes. Reviewing recent insights into HDAC cellular functions in dystrophic muscles provides new perspectives for the development of more effective therapeutic approaches based on drugs that target these critical enzymes.

SIRT1-SIRT7 in Diabetic Kidney Disease: Biological Functions and Molecular Mechanisms

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a severe microvascular complication in patients with diabetes and is one of the main causes of renal failure. The current clinical treatment methods for DKD are not completely effective, and further exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathology of DKD is necessary to improve and promote the treatment strategy. Sirtuins are class III histone deacetylases, which play an important role in many biological functions, including DNA repair, apoptosis, cell cycle, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, energy metabolism, lifespan, and aging. In the last decade, research on sirtuins and DKD has gained increasing attention, and it is important to summarize the relationship between DKD and sirtuins to increase the awareness of DKD and improve the cure rates. We have found that miRNAs, lncRNAs, compounds, or drugs that up-regulate the activity and expression of sirtuins play protective roles in renal function. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the biological functions, molecular targets, mechanisms, and signaling pathways of SIRT1-SIRT7 in DKD models. Existing research has shown that sirtuins have the potential as effective targets for the clinical treatment of DKD. This review aims to lay a solid foundation for clinical research and provide a theoretical basis to slow the development of DKD in patients.