
New health benefits have been identified in berry pigment. Berries contain anthocyanin, a pigment which increases the activation of SIRT6 enzyme which may reduce the growth of cancer cells and expression of cancer genes, finds a new study from the University of Eastern Finland, published in Scientific Reports.
Sirtuins are enzymes regulating the expression of genes that control the function of cells through key cellular signaling pathways. Aging causes changes in sirtuin function and these changes contribute to the development of various diseases. Sirtuin 6, or SIRT6 for short, is a less well-known enzyme that is also linked to glucose metabolism.
Berries get their red, blue or purple color from natural pigments, anthocyanins.
Cyanidin increased SIRT6 enzyme levels in human colorectal cancer cells, and it was also discovered to decrease the expression of the Twist1 and GLUT1 cancer genes while increasing the expression of the tumor suppressor FoXO3 gene in cells.
The research team also designed a computer-based model that allowed them to predict how different flavonoid compounds in plants can regulate the SIRT6 enzyme.
The findings indicate that anthocyanins increase the activation of SIRT6, which may play a role in cancer pathogenesis. The study also lays a foundation for the development of new drugs that regulate SIRT6 function.
Working at the School of Pharmacy of the University of Eastern Finland, the Sirtuin Research Group studies whether anthocyanins found in berries could activate SIRT6 function and, consequently, reduce the expression of cancer genes and cancer cell growth. The group also develops new compounds targeting the epigenetic regulation of gene function.
The Finnish-American study included a team of researchers from the University of Eastern Finland and the National Institute on Aging in the US. The study was funded by the Academy of Finland, the Finnish Cultural Foundation, and the US National Institute of Health.
Source: Eurekalert
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