%20helps%20relieve%20DNA%20stress%20during%20gene%20transcription,%20especially%20for%20long%20genes%20critical%20to%20neuron%20function.%20Deleting%20TOP1%20in%20mouse%20cortical%20and%20hippocampal%20neurons%20c...){kind=link}
Nicotinamide Riboside Partially Protects Neurons from TOP1-Linked Neurodegeneration and Extends Lifespan: Preclinical FIndings
Synopsis
Topoisomerase 1 (TOP1) helps relieve DNA stress during gene transcription, especially for long genes critical to neuron function. Deleting TOP1 in mouse cortical and hippocampal neurons caused DNA damage, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration, along with increased PARP1 activity and single-cell mutations. Giving nicotinamide riboside (NR), a precursor of NAD+, partially prevented neuron loss and extended the lifespan of affected mice by 30%, though behavioral decline still occurred. Reducing p53 also helped rescue neuron loss. This study shows that NAD+ supplementation via NR can protect neurons and slow degeneration when TOP1 function is impaired, but additional strategies may be needed to preserve behavior.
Journal
Nature Communications