Epigenetics of sirtuins: Relevance to hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Sirtuins (SIRTs), members of the enzyme family found in yeast cells, are related to silent information regulator (SIR) 2 homologous to its gene family. SIRTs play an important role in many physiological functions from overexpression of gene silencing at the molecular level to the expression of related proteins and RNA to apoptosis. Studies have indicated that SIRTs may be related to the occurrence, development, and metastasis of cancer. However, the current mechanism of action of SIRTs in various diseases and the principle of molecular biology are not fully understood. Therefore, the present article discusses the main regulatory role and function of SIRTs in HCC and evaluates SIRTs as new targets for HCC treatment.