Nuclear SIRT3 counteracts human stem cell senescence

Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is an NAD+-dependent deacetylase involved in various physiological and pathological processes. However, the role of SIRT3 in regulating human stem cell senescence remains largely unknown. Here, we observed the downregulated expression of SIRT3 in senescent human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). SIRT3 deficiency accelerated cellular senescence in hMSCs, along with compromised nuclear integrity, loss of heterochromatin and increased DNA damage. These aging-associated nuclear defects were attenuated by the reintroduction of SIRT3. Mechanistic studies demonstrated the interaction of SIRT3 with nuclear envelope proteins and heterochromatin-associated proteins. Further findings revealed that SIRT3 deficiency led to the loss of lamina-associated domains (LADs) from the nuclear lamina, increased chromatin accessibility and aberrant transcription of repetitive sequences. Meanwhile, the overexpression of nuclear-localized SIRT3 rescued the senescence phenotypes. Taken together, our study reveals a novel role of nuclear SIRT3 in stabilizing heterochromatin and counteracting hMSC senescence, which may provide new clinical therapeutic targets to ameliorate aging-related diseases.