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SIRT2 Gene
SIRT2 Gene
Overview
<table class="infobox infobox-gene">
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">SIRT2 Gene</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Symbol</td>
<td>SIRT2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Full Name</td>
<td>Sirtuin 2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Chromosomal Location</td>
<td>19q13.32</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">NCBI Gene ID</td>
<td>22933</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">OMIM</td>
<td>604479</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Ensembl ID</td>
<td>ENSG00000145335</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">UniProt ID</td>
<td>Q8IXJ6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Gene Length</td>
<td>~29 kb</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Exons</td>
<td>13 coding exons</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Compound</td>
<td>Development Stage</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">AK-1</td>
<td>Preclinical</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">AGK2</td>
<td>Preclinical</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Tenovin-6</td>
<td>Preclinical</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Compound 15c</td>
<td>Preclinical</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Partner</td>
<td>Interaction</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Alpha-tubulin</td>
<td>Substrate</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">FOXO1/3</td>
<td>Deacetylation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Cdc25C</td>
<td>Deacetylation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">p53</td>
<td>Deacetylation</t
SIRT2 Gene
Overview
<table class="infobox infobox-gene">
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">SIRT2 Gene</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Symbol</td>
<td>SIRT2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Full Name</td>
<td>Sirtuin 2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Chromosomal Location</td>
<td>19q13.32</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">NCBI Gene ID</td>
<td>22933</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">OMIM</td>
<td>604479</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Ensembl ID</td>
<td>ENSG00000145335</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">UniProt ID</td>
<td>Q8IXJ6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Gene Length</td>
<td>~29 kb</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Exons</td>
<td>13 coding exons</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Compound</td>
<td>Development Stage</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">AK-1</td>
<td>Preclinical</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">AGK2</td>
<td>Preclinical</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Tenovin-6</td>
<td>Preclinical</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Compound 15c</td>
<td>Preclinical</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Partner</td>
<td>Interaction</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Alpha-tubulin</td>
<td>Substrate</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">FOXO1/3</td>
<td>Deacetylation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Cdc25C</td>
<td>Deacetylation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">p53</td>
<td>Deacetylation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Parkin</td>
<td>Deacetylation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Associated Diseases</td>
<td><a href="/wiki/alzheimer" style="color:#ef9a9a">ALZHEIMER</a>, <a href="/wiki/alzheimer's-disease" style="color:#ef9a9a">ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE</a>, <a href="/wiki/aging" style="color:#ef9a9a">Aging</a>, <a href="/wiki/als" style="color:#ef9a9a">Als</a>, <a href="/wiki/alzheimer" style="color:#ef9a9a">Alzheimer</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">KG Connections</td>
<td><a href="/atlas" style="color:#4fc3f7">170 edges</a></td>
</tr>
</table>
SIRT2 (Sirtuin 2) is a NAD<sup>+</sup>-dependent deacetylase belonging to the sirtuin family of proteins. Located on chromosome 19q13.32, SIRT2 is primarily a cytoplasmic deacetylase that plays critical roles in cellular metabolism, stress response, and neurodegeneration. SIRT2 has been implicated in [Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease), [Alzheimer's disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease), and other neurodegenerative conditions through its regulation of microtubule acetylation, oxidative stress, and metabolic homeostasis[@outeiro2007][@deoliveira2017].
The sirtuin family comprises seven members (SIRT1-7) in mammals, all characterized by a conserved catalytic domain and NAD<sup>+</sup>-dependent deacetylase activity. SIRT2 is unique among sirtuins for its predominantly cytoplasmic localization and its role in regulating microtubule dynamics.
Gene Structure and Genomic Organization
The SIRT2 gene encodes a protein of 389 amino acids with a molecular weight of approximately 43 kDa. The protein contains the characteristic sirtuin catalytic domain and is expressed in both cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments.
Protein Structure and Function
Catalytic Domain
SIRT2 possesses the conserved sirtuin catalytic domain comprising:
- Rossmann-fold NAD<sup>+</sup>-binding domain: Binds NAD<sup>+</sup> and the substrate
- Small subdomain: Contributes to substrate specificity
- His-Val-Asp (HVD) motif: Catalytic core for deacetylation
Subcellular Localization
- Primary: Cytoplasm, where it deacetylates alpha-tubulin
- Secondary: Nucleus under stress conditions (oxidative stress, DNA damage)
- Mitochondria: Under specific metabolic conditions
Normal Function
Microtubule Regulation
SIRT2 deacetylates alpha-tubulin at Lys40, regulating microtubule dynamics and stability. This function is critical for:
- Cell division and mitotic progression
- Neuronal morphology and axonal transport
- Cilia and flagella function
- Cell motility and migration[@garske2010]
Cell Cycle Control
SIRT2 regulates cell cycle progression through:
- Mitotic Entry: Deacetylates Cdc25C, promoting G2/M transition
- Mitotic Exit: Controls Aurora B kinase activity
- Cytokinesis: Regulates contractile ring formation
Metabolic Regulation
SIRT2 modulates several metabolic pathways:
- Glycolysis: Deacetylates glycolytic enzymes
- Lipogenesis: Regulates fatty acid synthesis
- Mitochondrial Function: Affects mitochondrial dynamics and quality
- Gluconeogenesis: Modulates PEPCK activity[@donmez2012]
Stress Response
SIRT2 responds to various cellular stresses:
- Oxidative Stress: Deacetylates FOXO transcription factors, enhancing antioxidant response
- Heat Shock: Regulates heat shock protein expression
- DNA Damage: Participates in DNA repair pathways
- ER Stress: Modulates unfolded protein response
Role in Parkinson's Disease
Alpha-Synuclein Toxicity
SIRT2 plays a complex role in alpha-synuclein pathology:
Dopaminergic Neuron Survival
In PD models:
- SIRT2 promotes death of dopaminergic neurons in response to oxidative stress
- SIRT2 inhibition protects against MPTP and 6-OHDA toxicity
- SIRT2 deacetylates parkin, affecting its E3 ligase activity
- Genetic variants may modify PD risk
Neuroinflammation
Recent studies show SIRT2 regulates neuroinflammation:
- SIRT2 inhibition reduces microglial activation
- Decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine production
- Potential therapeutic application in PD[@zhang2023]
Role in Alzheimer's Disease
Tau Pathology
SIRT2 modulates tau pathology through:
Amyloid-Beta Production
SIRT2 affects amyloid-beta through:
- BACE1 Regulation: SIRT2 deacetylates BACE1, affecting amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing
- Gamma-Secretase: Modulates presenilin activity
- Secretion: Affects Aβ release from neurons
Aging and AD
SIRT2 levels increase with age and in AD brain:
- Age-related SIRT2 upregulation contributes to neurodegeneration
- SIRT2 mediates caloric restriction benefits in brain aging
- SIRT2 activity affects cognitive function
Role in Other Neurodegenerative Diseases
Huntington's Disease
In HD:
- SIRT2 modifies mutant huntingtin aggregation
- SIRT2 inhibition reduces polyglutamine toxicity
- Modulates metabolic dysfunction in HD models
- Potential therapeutic target[@kelley2022]
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Altered SIRT2 expression in motor neurons
- SIRT2 affects TDP-43 pathology
- Role in oxidative stress response
Multiple Sclerosis
- Demyelination associated with SIRT2 changes
- SIRT2 in oligodendrocyte function
- Potential for remyelination therapies
Expression Pattern
Brain Expression
SIRT2 is expressed throughout the brain:
- High Expression: Cerebral [cortex](/brain-regions/cortex), [hippocampus](/brain-regions/hippocampus), striatum, cerebellum
- Cellular Distribution: [Neurons](/entities/neurons), oligodendrocytes, [microglia](/entities/microglia), [astrocytes](/entities/astrocytes)
- Subcellular: Predominantly cytoplasmic in neurons, translocates to nucleus under stress
Peripheral Tissues
SIRT2 is also expressed in:
- Liver: High metabolic activity
- Kidney: Tubular cells
- Muscle: Skeletal and cardiac muscle
- Adipose tissue
Post-Translational Modifications
Acetylation
SIRT2 itself is regulated by acetylation:
- p300/CBP: Acetylates SIRT2
- SIRT1: Deacetylates SIRT2 in stress conditions
- Autoregulation of deacetylase activity
Phosphorylation
SIRT2 activity is modulated by phosphorylation:
- CDK1: Phosphorylates SIRT2 during mitosis
- PKA: Modulates activity under metabolic stress
- AMPK: Responds to energy status
Therapeutic Targeting
SIRT2 Inhibitors
SIRT2 inhibitors have shown neuroprotection in:
- MPTP models of PD
- 6-OHDA models
- Alpha-synuclein transgenic models
- Aβ toxicity models
SIRT2 Activators
SIRT2 activators are being explored for:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Metabolic disorders
- Aging-related neurodegeneration
Clinical Status
No SIRT2-targeted therapies have reached clinical trials for neurodegeneration as of 2024.
Molecular Mechanisms
Deacetylase Activity
SIRT2 removes acetyl groups from lysine residues using NAD<sup>+</sup> as co-substrate, producing O-acetyl-ADP-ribose and nicotinamide. Key substrates include:
- Alpha-tubulin: Microtubule stability
- FOXO transcription factors: Stress response
- p53: Apoptosis regulation
- Histone H4: Chromatin organization
Protein-Protein Interactions
Animal Models
Knockout Mice
SIRT2 knockout mice are viable with mild phenotypes:
- Increased microtubule acetylation
- Altered cell cycle progression
- Enhanced stress resistance
Transgenic Models
- SIRT2 overexpression in neurons
- Alpha-synuclein/SIRT2 double transgenic
- Tau/SIRT2 models
Biomarkers
SIRT2-related biomarkers:
- SIRT2 activity in patient-derived cells
- Alpha-tubulin acetylation status
- CSF SIRT2 levels (investigational)
Future Directions
Key research priorities:
SIRT2 remains a compelling target for neuroprotective therapies due to its central role in multiple neurodegenerative pathways[li2023].
See Also
- [SIRT1 Gene](/genes/sirt1)
- [SIRT3 Gene](/genes/sirt3)
- [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)
- [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease)
- [Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation Pathway](/mechanisms/alpha-synuclein-pathology)
- [Tau Pathology Pathway](/mechanisms/tau-pathology)
- [Sirtuin Family Overview](/mechanisms/sirtuin-signaling)
External Links
- [NCBI Gene: SIRT2](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/22933)
- [UniProt: SIRT2](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/Q8IXJ6)
- [Allen Human Brain Atlas: SIRT2](https://human.brain-map.org/microarray/search/show?search_term=SIRT2)
- [OMIM: SIRT2](https://www.omim.org/entry/604479)
References
Pathway Context
Pathway Diagram
The following diagram shows the key molecular relationships involving SIRT2 Gene discovered through SciDEX knowledge graph analysis:
▸Metadataorigin_type: v1_polymorphic_backfill
| slug | genes-sirt2 |
| kg_node_id | SIRT2 |
| entity_type | gene |
| origin_type | v1_polymorphic_backfill |
| source_table | wiki_pages |
| wiki_page_id | wp-8782dfafbadf |
| __merged_from | {'merged_at': '2026-05-13', 'unprefixed_id': 'genes-sirt2'} |
| _schema_version | 1 |
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