Nicotinamide Riboside Delays Aging in DNA Repair-Deficient Mice: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Even though cells can repair DNA, damage naturally builds up over time, harming cell function and contributing to aging. Finding ways to prevent DNA damage or improve repair could help extend health and lifespan, but effective compounds are rare. In this study, we used two mouse models with defective DNA repair, Ercc1Δ/− and Xpg−/−, which age faster and show early signs of tissue and organ decline, including neurological degeneration. We tested various compounds targeting nutrient sensing, inflammation, mitochondrial function, glucose regulation, and NAD+ metabolism. Most treatments did not significantly improve lifespan or reduce degeneration, but the NAD+ precursors nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinic acid (NA) showed clear benefits, supporting their role in DNA repair. Overall, this work shows that short-lived DNA repair-deficient mice are useful for systematically testing anti-aging interventions that reduce DNA damage.

Journal

Frontiers in Aging