NAD+

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in all living cells and plays a central role in energy metabolism, redox reactions, and cellular signalling. It functions both as an electron carrier in metabolic pathways and as a substrate for enzymes involved in DNA repair and gene expression regulation.

Research interest in NAD+ has intensified with studies demonstrating that NAD+ levels decline with age in multiple tissues. Laboratory investigations explore whether restoring NAD+ levels can influence metabolic function, mitochondrial biogenesis, and cellular stress responses. Preclinical models have examined NAD+ supplementation effects on insulin sensitivity, neurological function, and cardiovascular markers.

Type

Coenzyme — naturally occurring

Research Areas

Mitochondrial function, DNA repair, energy metabolism

Molecular Formula

C₂₁H₂₇N₇O₁₄P₂

Molecular Weight

663.43 g/mol

CAS Number

53-84-9

Primary Pathway

NAD+/NADH redox cycling

Key Enzymes

Sirtuins, PARPs, CD38

Research Focus

Aging, metabolic disease

Solubility

Water soluble

1. 01Mitochondrial FunctionNAD+ is a critical cofactor in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Research examines its role as an electron carrier in the electron transport chain, directly influencing cellular ATP production and energy efficiency.
2. 02DNA Repair & SirtuinsNAD+ is required for SIRT1-7 (sirtuin) activity and PARP-mediated DNA repair. Studies investigate how NAD+ availability modulates epigenetic regulation and genomic stability in aged cellular models.
3. 03Cellular SignallingAs a substrate for CD38 and NAMPT, NAD+ participates in calcium signalling and the NAD+ salvage pathway. Research explores these interactions in metabolic disease and longevity research contexts.