The role of SIRT3 in mitochondrial homeostasis and in cell survival

SIRT3 is one of the most studied sirtuins and is involved in the regulation of many processes. It localizes in the mitochondria, one of the most important organelle of the cell. Indeed, mitochondria are responsible, among other things, for the energetic state of the cell and play a fundamental role in the cellular response toward stress condition. Several works point the attention on the role of SIRT3 in mediating cellular resistance toward various forms of stress by maintaining genomic stability and mitochondrial integrity. Aim of the present study was to clarify the role of SIRT3 in the cellular response toward stress condition. In particular the role of SIRT3 in the presence of hypoxic and staurosporine (STS)-mediated stress was analyzed. Moreover the molecular mechanism by which this sirtuin confers resistance to cell death was investigated.