Structure and chemistry of the Sir2 family of NAD⁺-dependent histone/protein deactylases

The yeast Sir2 (silent information regulator-2) protein functions as an NAD⁺-dependent histone deacetylase to silence gene expression from the mating-type locus, tolomeres and rDNA and also promotes longevity and genome stability in response to calorie restriction. Homologues of yeast Sir2 have been identified in the three domains of bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes; in mammalian cells, Sir2 proteins also deacetylate non-histone proteins such as the p53 tumour suppressor protein, α-tubulin and forkhead transcription factors to mediate diverse biological processes including metabolism, cell motility and cancer. We have determined the X-ray crystal structure of a Sir2 homologue from yeast Hst2 (yHst2), in various liganded forms, including the yHst2/acetyl-Lys-16 histone H4/NAD⁺ ternary complex; we have also performed related biochemical studies to address the conserved mode of catalysis by these enzymes as well as the distinguishing features that allow different members of the family to target their respective cognate substrates. These studies have implications for the structure-based design of Sir2-specific small molecule compounds, which might modulate Sir2 function for therapeutic application.