SIRT1, the closest mammalian homolog of yeast Sir2, is an NAD þ -dependent deacetylase with relevant functions in cancer, aging, and metabolism among other processes. SIRT1 has a diffuse nuclear localization but is recruited to the PML nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) after PML upregulation. However, the functions of SIRT1 in the PML-NBs are unknown. In this study we show that primary mouse embryo fibroblasts lacking SIRT1 contain reduced PML protein levels that are increased after reintroduction of SIRT1. In addition, overexpression of SIRT1 in HEK-293 cells increases the amount of PML protein whereas knockdown of SIRT1 reduces the size and number of PML-NBs and the levels of PML protein in HeLa cells. SIRT1 stimulates PML sumoylation in vitro and in vivo in a deacetylase-independent manner. Importantly, the absence of SIRT1 reduces the apoptotic response of vesicular stomatitis virus-infected cells and favors the extent of this PML-sensitive virus replication. These results show a novel function of SIRT1 in the control of PML and PML-NBs. The tumor suppressor PML is the main and essential component of the nuclear bodies (NBs), the dynamic compartments that participate in a number of cellular processes, including apoptosis, transcriptional regulation, DNA repair, and protection against viral infection. 1,2 PML acts as a tumor suppressor, antagonizing initiation, promotion, and progression of tumors of various histological origins. 3 PML is also implicated in the regulation of infection by a variety of RNA viruses, adenoviruses, and human cytomegalovirus. 4-7 Its function is regulated by post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, sumoylation, ubiquitination, and acetylation. However, only the sumoylation of PML has been shown as essential for the formation of the PML-NBs and a crucial process for PML-dependent apoptosis and transcriptional regulation. 8 In addition to PML, PML-NBs contain several other proteins, such as SP100, SUMO-1, pRB, p53, and lately, the NAD þ -dependent, type III, histone/protein deacetylase SIRT1. 9,10 SIRT1 is the best-characterized class III histone deacetylase in mammalian cells and the closest homolog to yeast Sir2. However, although most of SIRT1 functions are related to its enzymatic activity, deacetylation-independent activities of SIRT1 have also been proposed. 11-14 SIRT1 is involved in a wide spectrum of biological processes through diverse substrates such as the tumor suppressor p53, 9,15-17 the transcription factor NF-kB, 18 and the FOXO family of transcription factors. 12,14,19,20 Although SIRT1 has a diffuse nuclear localization, it is recruited to the PML-NBs after PML upregulation. However, the functional significance of this PML-SIRT1 interaction has not been addressed.In this report, we show that there is a correlation between the levels of SIRT1 and PML present in both primary and transfected cells. This positive regulation of PML levels by SIRT1 is mediated by an increase in the sumoylation of PML by SIRT1, in a deacetylation-independent manner. Functional sign...