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Molecule in Red Wine Extends Lifespan of Yeast

Animals have various genes that regulate longevity, which encode proteins such as sirtuins. Genes for this protein family -- SIR2 in yeast and SIRT1 in humans -- increase lifespan in response to conditions that stress cells, such as nutritional deprivation (Journal Watch May 27 2003 ).

A team from Harvard Medical School and a biotech company have identified several small molecules that activate SIR2 just as nutritional deprivation does. The most potent is resveratrol, a polyphenol found in red wine, which increased the lifespan of yeast by 70% and increased activity of SIRT1 13-fold. The authors also report some preliminary findings: Resveratrol appears to prolong life in animals (worms and fruit flies). Although resveratrol is an antioxidant, its ability to extend the life of single-celled, and possibly multi-celled, organisms does not depend on its antioxidant properties. Rather, resveratrol seems to blunt the activity of the tumor-suppressor gene p53, thereby blocking programmed cell death.

Comment: Polyphenols like resveratrol are found in high concentrations in grapes, red wine, olive oil, and other healthful foods. Although its effects are unproven, the media is attracted to the possibility that the stimulatory effect of resveratrol on sirtuin proteins explains the benefits of these foods. However, the real story here is the growing evidence for the importance of the sirtuin molecules in longevity.

— Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Published in Journal Watch General Medicine September 23, 2003

Citation(s):

Howitz KT et al. Small molecule activators of sirtuins extend Saccharomyces cerevisiae lifespan. Nature 2003 Sep 11; 425:191-6.

• Medline abstract (Free)

Hall SS. In vino vitalis? Compounds activate life-extending genes. Science 2003 Aug 29; 301:1165.

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• Medline abstract (Free)