Sirtuins are known to function as critical regulators for the intimate connection between metabolism, aging, and longevity in model organisms. In the past decade since the phenomenal discovery of NAD-dependent deacetylase activity of SIR2 (silent information regulator 2) family proteins (Nature, 403: 795-800, 2000), many exciting connections between protein deacetylation and energy metabolism have been revealed. The importance of sirtuins has been firmly established in the regulation of many fundamental biological responses to a variety of nutritional and environmental stimuli. Furthermore, sirtuin-targeted pharmaceutical and nutriceutical interventions against age-associated diseases are now on the horizon.

　To follow up these exciting developments in the field of sirtuin biology, we decided to visit Boston to have exclusive interviews with leading scientists in sirtuin biology. Digests of video clips from each interview will be brought to you for free through the links below (Entire video clips will be available later). We are very pleased to present the cutting-edge front of sirtuin research and researchers’ wonderful perspectives.

　Concurrently, we publish their review articles in the December 2010 issue of Experimental Medicine. This special issue summarizes the recent progress in sirtuin research and discusses this fascinating connection between sirtuins, metabolism, and age-associated diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, setting a milepost for the next 10 years of sirtuin research. We hope that this special issue, as well as online video clips, will bring significant inspiration to all our readers.