Nicotinamide Riboside Administration Improves Mitophagy and Slows Aging in Werner Syndrome: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Werner syndrome (WS) is a premature aging disease caused by mutations in the WRN gene, which affects DNA repair. WS patients show severe metabolic problems, but the causes are not fully clear, nor is it known if these issues can be treated. This study found that WS patient samples and animal models have low NAD+ levels and impaired mitophagy—the process that removes damaged mitochondria. The WRN gene controls production of an important enzyme (NMNAT1) needed to make NAD+. Restoring NAD+ levels via NR administration improved mitochondrial health and significantly extended lifespan while slowing aging signs in worm and fruit fly models of WS. These results suggest that mitochondrial problems caused by NAD+ loss drive WS aging, and boosting NAD+ may be a promising treatment.

Journal

Nature Communications