Article: Gene Identified That Encodes Nicotinamide Riboside Transporter: Preclinical Findings

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Cellular Health Preclinical

Gene Identified That Encodes Nicotinamide Riboside Transporter: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Nicotinamide riboside is a newly identified precursor of NAD+, a vital coenzyme involved in energy metabolism and sirtuin activity. Supplementing yeast with nicotinamide riboside extends lifespan, but the mechanism of its uptake was previously unknown. This study found that deleting the yeast gene YOR071C completely blocked nicotinamide riboside uptake without affecting the transport of other related molecules. Restoring this gene reinstated normal uptake and utilization, revealing that it encodes Nrt1, a membrane protein related to thiamine transporters. Nrt1 acts as a pH-dependent carrier specific for nicotinamide riboside, and similar proteins exist in other fungi, suggesting a conserved system for NAD⁺ precursor transport.

Journal

Journal of Biological Chemistry

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Cellular Health

Structural Insights Into Nicotinamide Riboside Kinase Reveal How Cells Make NAD+: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis The nicotinamide riboside kinase (Nrk) pathway, active in eukaryotic cells, plays a vital role in converting nicotinamide riboside into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺), an essent...

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Cellular Health

Nicotinamide Riboside and Nicotinic Acid Riboside Metabolism in Fungi and Mammals: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis NAD+ is an important coenzyme that helps many cellular reactions and supports enzymes like sirtuins, which regulate aging and stress responses. In yeast, adding nicotinamide riboside (NR)...

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