%20is%20a%20rare%20accelerated%20aging%20disease%20caused%20by%20mutations%20in%20the%20WRN%20gene,%20leading%20to%20metabolic%20problems%20and%20premature%20cell%20aging.%20This%20study%20found%20that%20loss%20of%20WRN%20incre...){kind=link}
Nicotinamide Riboside Improves Mitochondrial Health in Werner Syndrome: Preclinical Findings
Synopsis
Werner syndrome (WS) is a rare accelerated aging disease caused by mutations in the WRN gene, leading to metabolic problems and premature cell aging. This study found that loss of WRN increases senescence in stem cells and disrupts mitochondrial metabolism. Supplementing with nicotinamide riboside (NR) boosted NAD+ levels, reduced cell aging, and improved mitochondrial function in WRN-deficient stem cells and patient fibroblasts. WS cells also had lower mitochondrial NAD+ and changes in enzymes involved in NAD+ production. However, restoring NAD+ alone was not enough to fully restore cell proliferation, showing that WRN itself is essential for cell growth. These findings highlight NR's potential to improve mitochondrial health in WS, but WRN function remains critical, and further studies are needed.
Journal
Aging (Albany NY)