Nicotinamide Riboside Maintains Spermatogonial Stem Cell Function and DNA Integrity: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Tree shrews, small mammals closely related to primates, are valuable models for biomedical and genetic research. Scientists previously developed a spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) gene-editing platform for creating transgenic tree shrews but found that these sperm-producing stem cells lose their ability to form mature sperm after being cultured for many generations. This study revealed that prolonged culture (over 50 passages) led to DNA damage accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction, with reduced activity in DNA repair genes and overactivation of mitochondrial genes. These cellular changes impaired the cells’ ability to generate healthy sperm. Remarkably, supplementing the cells with nicotinamide riboside (NR)—a vitamin B3–derived NAD+ precursor—reduced DNA damage, improved mitochondrial function, and helped maintain SSC quality over time. These findings suggest that NR supplementation is a simple and effective strategy to preserve sperm stem cell health and genetic stability during long-term laboratory culture, advancing research in fertility and genetic engineering.

Journal

Zoological Research