Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, an essential coenzyme found in all living cells that plays a pivotal role in cellular metabolism, energy production, and DNA repair. It exists in two forms, the oxidized NAD+ and the reduced NADH, acting as a crucial electron carrier in redox reactions. As a key substrate for sirtuins and PARPs, NAD+ levels are intrinsically linked to the aging process, cellular signaling, and overall metabolic health. Declining levels of NAD+ with age are a hallmark of cellular senescence and dysfunction.
Origin
The term is an abbreviation for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, a molecule first discovered in 1906 by Arthur Harden and William John Young in the context of fermentation. Its central role in biological oxidation-reduction reactions was later fully elucidated, cementing its place as a fundamental component of biochemistry. This coenzyme is now a major focus in longevity research.
Mechanism
NAD+ functions as a vital cofactor in the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, accepting electrons from nutrient metabolism to generate NADH, which then fuels ATP production. Furthermore, NAD+ is consumed by NAD+-dependent enzymes, including sirtuins, which regulate gene silencing and stress resistance, and Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), which are critical for DNA damage repair. Maintaining sufficient NAD+ availability is therefore essential for energy homeostasis and genomic integrity.
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