Sirtuins (SIRTs) are a family of enzymes that are involved in several metabolic and inflammatory pathways in diseases. Sirtuins are histone-deacetylase enzymes which remove an acetyl group from lysine residues in histone proteins. Acetylation of histones plays a role in epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Recent studies demonstrate that SIRT enzymes can regulate fasting glucose, concentration of circulating insulin, insulin resistance, pancreatic activity, and inflammation. Metabolic parameters, like glucose homeostasis and chronic inflammation, contribute to the development of diseases like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Increasing expression of SIRT can aid in the regulation of these metabolic parameters and may be involved in diseases like T2DM. Our research aims to analyze the activity of HDACs and SIRT in 3T3L-1 cells. 3T3L-1 cells were grown in bovine calf serum and nuclear extracts were collected using a nuclear extraction kit. Nuclear extracts were then analyzed for protein concentration and added to the Epigenase™ Universal SIRT Activity/Inhibition Assay Kit. The data collected suggests that cinnamon does alter the activity of SIRT and further research will be explored to determine the extent to which this effect proves useful in the treatment of T2DM.
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The Raabe College of Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University
