NAD+

Mechanism of Action

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is an essential coenzyme present in every living cell, functioning as a critical electron carrier in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis. Beyond its redox role, NAD+ serves as a substrate for three classes of enzymes central to cellular homeostasis: sirtuins (SIRT1-7), which regulate gene expression, DNA repair, and metabolic function; poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), which mediate DNA damage repair; and CD38/CD157 ectoenzymes, which regulate calcium signaling and immune function. NAD+ levels decline significantly with aging, potentially contributing to mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired DNA repair, and metabolic dysregulation associated with age-related research models.

Research Applications

• Studies have investigated NAD+ precursor supplementation (NMN, NR) for age-related NAD+ decline research
• Research has examined sirtuin-mediated effects on lifespan and healthspan signaling in model organisms
• Studies have explored NAD+ repletion for mitochondrial function restoration in research models
• Research has assessed direct NAD+ infusion for metabolic and neurological signaling pathways

Key Published Studies

1. Yoshino J, et al. NAD+ intermediates: the biology and therapeutic potential of NMN and NR. Cell Metab. 2018;27(3):513-528.

   Key finding: Comprehensive review establishing that NAD+ decline is a hallmark of aging and that NAD+ precursor supplementation can restore tissue NAD+ levels and modulate metabolic signaling in aged animal models.

2. Imai S, Guarente L. NAD+ and sirtuins in aging and disease. Trends Cell Biol. 2014;24(8):464-471.

   Key finding: Demonstrated the central role of NAD+-sirtuin signaling axis in aging research, establishing that maintenance of NAD+ levels preserves sirtuin activity and modulates age-related metabolic signaling pathways.

Chemical Properties

Type

Coenzyme (dinucleotide)

Molecular Formula

C₂₁H₂₇N₇O₁₄P₂

Molar Mass

663.43 g/mol