The conflicting role of SIRT3 as therapeutic target in cancer

Mitochondria are increasingly recognized as key factors in cancer, affecting a multitude of tumor hallmarks. Likewise, sirtuin 3, a master regulator of mitochondrial function, has gained attention as a therapeutic target in cancer. As a main mediator of calorie restriction, sirtuin 3 inhibits anabolic reactions and cell proliferation, acting as a tumor suppressor. At the same time, sirtuin 3 protects the cell during nutrient stress by regulating cell death and DNA repair, thereby acting as an oncogene. Here we discuss this conflicting role of sirtuin 3 in cancer and evaluate the therapeutic potential of sirtuin 3 activators and inhibitors in different cancers.