They are caloric restriction mimetic compounds that may be helpful in treating various aging-related diseases.
[1] Leonard P. Guarente is recognized as the leading proponent of the hypothesis that caloric restriction slows aging by activation of Sirtuins.
[citation needed] STACs have been discovered by Konrad Howitz of Biomol Inc and biologist David Sinclair.
[citation needed] Sirtuins depend on the crucial cellular molecule called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) for their function.
Falling NAD+ levels during aging may adversely impact sirtuin maintenance of DNA integrity and ability to combat oxidative stress-induced cell damage.