Advances in sirtuin research in lung diseases (Review)

Abstract

Sirtuins, which comprise a family of NAD+-dependent deacetylases, have emerged as critical regulators in the pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases because of their pleiotropic roles in oxidative stress, metabolic homeostasis and inflammation. Growing evidence indicates that sirtuins modulate key cellular processes, including mitochondrial function, cell survival and death pathways, via protein deacetylation, thereby influencing disease progression in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer. Notably, dysregulated sirtuin expression and activity are implicated in various lung pathologies, highlighting their dual potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The present review synthesized recent advances in sirtuin research, focusing on molecular mechanisms and translational applications, to provide a foundation for developing novel strategies for lung disease prevention and treatment. A comprehensive literature review of the relationship between sirtuins and lung-related diseases was conducted. Literature published in PubMed and Web of Science up to May 2025 was searched using the keywords 'sirtuin,' 'SIRTs,' 'lung disease,' and 'pulmonary disease.'