Sirt1 protects neural stem cells from apoptosis by decreasing acetylation of histone 3K9.

Abstract

Objective: To explore the role and mechanism of Sirt1 in protecting neural stem cells (NSCs) from apoptosis.

Materials and methods: Transfection was used to overexpress Sirt1 in rat NSCs. The effect of Sirt1 overexpression on camptothecin-induced apoptosis of NSCs was evaluated. Western blotting was used to examine the expression of Sirt1, cleaved caspase-3, and acetylated histone 3K9.

Results: Overexpression of Sirt1 in NSCs decreased the cleavage of caspase-3 and acetylation of histone 3K9.

Conclusion: Sirt1 may protect NSCs from apoptosis by decreasing the acetylation of histone 3 on K9.