Gut Bacteria Support NAD+ Production: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is essential for hundreds of cellular processes, including metabolism, DNA repair, and aging. How environmental factors affect NAD+ metabolism is not fully understood. This study found that certain bacteria can help mammalian cells make NAD+. In cancer cells and tumors, these bacteria protect against drugs that block NAMPT, a key enzyme in the main NAD+ recycling pathway. The bacteria do this using an enzyme called nicotinamidase (PncA), which converts nicotinamide into nicotinic acid—a building block in an alternative NAD+ pathway. Using isotope tracing and germ-free mice, researchers showed that this bacterial process significantly contributes to the NAD-boosting effects of oral nicotinamide and nicotinamide riboside in several tissues. The findings reveal a key role for bacteria in supporting the body’s NAD+ production.

Journal

Cell Metabolism