Sirtuin 3 is required for pro-inflammatory and pro-regenerative aspects of senescent cells

Abstract Cellular senescence is a multifaceted stress response marked by stable proliferative arrest and the secretion of diverse biologically active factors, collectively known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The senescent phenotype is remarkably variable and subject to various regulatory influences. We previously demonstrated that mitochondrial dysfunction induced by diverse stimuli, including the loss of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), leads to the hyperactivation of AMPK and p53, culminating in senescence while concurrently suppressing much of the proinflammatory SASP. Here, we extend our findings by revealing that the absence of SIRT3 can suppress segments of the SASP, even in the absence of p53. Intriguingly, SIRT3 deficiency renders cells resistant to stimulation by exogenous cytokines, such as interleukin-1. Fibroblasts derived from Sirt3 knockout mice exhibit a diminished SASP, including reduced levels of Pdgfa, and these mice display impaired wound healing and a more expansive granulation area. Furthermore, Sirt3 knockout mice accumulate more senescent cells than their age-matched counterparts and increases in many segments of the SASP, yet specifically exhibit lower levels of key proinflammatory SASP factors. Collectively, these data underscore a key role for SIRT3 in orchestrating cellular senescence phenotypes, shedding light on its regulatory influence beyond the p53-dependent pathway.