Sirtuins (SIRTs) represent a distinct class of trichostatin A-insensitive lysyl-deacetylases (class III HDACs). Human SIRT1 is the homolog of yeast Sir2 (Silent information regulator 2) and has been shown to regulate the activity of the p53 tumor suppressor and inhibit apoptosis. Small molecule activators of SIRT1, such as resveratrol, extend lifespan in yeast and C. elegans in a manner that resembles caloric restriction. Cayman’s SIRT1 FRET-based Screening Assay Kit provides a convenient fluorescence-based method for screening SIRT1 inhibitors or activators. The procedure requires only two easy steps, both performed in the same microplate. In the first step, the substrate, which is coupled to the fluorophore and quencher, is incubated with human recombinant SIRT1 along with its cosubstrate NAD⁺. Deacetylation sensitizes the substrate such that treatment with the developer in the second step results in the separation of the quencher and fluorophore. The resulting fluorescence can be easily analyzed using an excitation wavelength of 335-345 nm and emission wavelength of 440-465 nm.

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