Current Biotechnology ›› 2026, Vol. 16 ›› Issue (2): 395-411.DOI: 10.19586/j.2095-2341.2025.0154

• Articles • Previous Articles    

Mechanism of SIRT1 in Regulating Learning and Memory via Modulating Neurotransmitter Metabolic Homeostasis

Yanan QIAO1(), Yubing ZENG1(), Xuejia HE1,2, Fan LIU1, Shan WANG1()   

  1. 1.Capital Medical University Affiliated Capital Children's Medical Center,Capital Institute of Pediatrics,Beijing 100020,China
    2.Pediatrics Department,Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University,Jinan 250021,China
  • Received:2025-11-06 Accepted:2025-12-25 Online:2026-03-25 Published:2026-04-27
  • Contact: Shan WANG

Abstract:

SIRT1, an NAD+-dependent deacetylase, plays a pivotal role in maintaining neuronal function and metabolic homeostasis. However, its molecular mechanisms in regulating neurotransmitter metabolism and cognitive impairment remain unclear. In this study, we established a Sirt1-deficient mouse model (Sirt1+/- ) and performed transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses on hippocampus to systematically investigate the impact of SIRT1 loss on cerebral neurotransmitter metabolic networks and cognitive function. Phenotypic observations revealed that Sirt1+/- mice exhibited significant deficits in spatial memory and learning abilities. Metabolomic and transcriptomic profiling demonstrated that SIRT1 deficiency led to metabolic dysregulation of key neurotransmitters, including glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the hippocampus, accompanied by marked upregulation of neurotransmitter metabolism-related genes like Gad1 and Gad2. Integrated multi-omics analysis further confirmed that SIRT1 deficiency suppressed neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions and cAMP signaling pathways, resulting in disrupted neurotransmitter homeostasis and subsequent cognitive dysfunction. In conclusion, this study elucidates a novel mechanism by which SIRT1 maintains cognitive function through coordinated reprogramming of neurotransmitter metabolism and energy homeostasis, providing potential therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disorders.

Key words: SIRT1, neurotransmitter metabolic homeostasis, glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid, learning and memory dysfunction

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