Article: Nicotinamide Riboside Boosts NAD+ and Extends Lifespan in Yeast: Preclinical Findings

May 14, 2004 Healthy Aging & Longevity Preclinical

Nicotinamide Riboside Boosts NAD+ and Extends Lifespan in Yeast: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

In yeast, NAD+ is essential for the activity of Sir2, a protein linked to longevity. Previous studies showed that changing NAD+ precursors could affect aging, but none extended lifespan. This study found that nicotinamide riboside, a newly discovered NAD+ precursor, can raise NAD+ levels and activate Sir2 functions. When added to yeast, nicotinamide riboside improved gene regulation, reduced harmful DNA recombination, and extended lifespan, even without calorie restriction. These benefits depend on two pathways in the cell that produce NAD+, one involving the enzyme Nrk1 and another using Urh1, Pnp1, and Meu1. Overall, nicotinamide riboside mimics the anti-aging effects of calorie restriction by boosting NAD+ and supporting Sir2 activity.

Journal

Cell

See Published Study

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Discovery of Nicotinamide Riboside as a Natural NAD+ Precursor in Humans and Yeast: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a vital molecule required by all living organisms. It functions both as a coenzyme that supports energy-producing reactions and as a source of ...