Cell Longevity of Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae by Clove Bud Extract Treatment May Occur in Sirtuin-Independent Pathway

Accumulation of free radicals causes cell damage that leads to a phenomenon called aging. Antioxidant application is one potential strategy to avoid the damage of free radical accumulation. Many reports resume that clove, one of Indonesia’s spices, contain high amount of antioxidant. Our previous research had proven that clove extract could extend longevity in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, cellular mechanism on how this extract can induce cell longevity remains unknown. One of the cellular mechanisms that involve in aging pathway is the sirtuin pathway. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze the role of sirtuin (sir2) gene in extending the life span of yeast cell. In doing so, S. cerevisiae sir2 gene deletion mutant (Δsir2) was used to clarify the sir2-dependent longevity mechanism mediated by clove extract. Our data revealed that clove extract could extend yeast longevity independent to sir2 gene. In addition, clove extract could induce oxidative stress resistance phenotype of S. cerevisiae in sir2-independent manner. Interestingly, the number of normal cell and autophagy activity also increased in Δsir2 mutant cells, thus suggesting autophagy may involve in prolonging longevity of Δsir2 mutant cells. In conclusion, clove extract could extend longevity of yeast likely via sir2-independent pathway.