Sirt6 Mono-ADP-Ribosylates YY1 to Promote Dystrophin Expression for Neuromuscular Transmission.

Wei Zhang, Lei Bai, Wentao Xu, Jun Liu, Yi Chen, Weiqiang Lin, Huasong Lu, Binwei Wang, Benyan Luo, Guoping Peng, Kejing Zhang, Chengyong Shen

Department of Neurobiology of First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Frontier Medical Research on Cancer Metabolism, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.Department of Neurobiology of First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Frontier Medical Research on Cancer Metabolism, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

The degeneration of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and the decline in motor function are common features of aging, but the underlying mechanisms have remained largely unclear. This study reveals that Sirt6 is reduced in aged mouse muscles. Ablation of Sirt6 in skeletal muscle causes a reduction of Dystrophin levels, resulting in premature NMJ degeneration, compromised neuromuscular transmission, and a deterioration in motor performance. Mechanistic studies show that Sirt6 negatively regulates the stability of the Dystrophin repressor YY1 (Yin Yang 1). Specifically, Sirt6 mono-ADP-ribosylates YY1, causing its disassociation from the Dystrophin promoter and allowing YY1 to bind to the SMURF2 E3 ligase, leading to its degradation. Importantly, supplementation with nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) enhances the mono-ADP-ribosylation of YY1 and effectively delays NMJ degeneration and the decline in motor function in elderly mice. These findings provide valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms underlying NMJ degeneration during aging. Targeting Sirt6 could be a potential therapeutic approach to mitigate the detrimental effects on NMJ degeneration and improve motor function in the elderly population.

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Research summary

The paper addresses the mechanisms underlying neuromuscular junction degeneration, which is a significant aspect of aging and motor function decline. By identifying Sirt6's role in regulating Dystrophin expression and its potential therapeutic implications through NMN supplementation, the study contributes to understanding the biological processes associated with aging. However, while the findings are solid and provide insights, they do not represent a major breakthrough or transformative advancement in the field of longevity research.

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