Nicotinamide Riboside-Supplemented Diet Delays Muscle Degeneration in Mice Lacking the NAMPT Gene: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

NAD+ helps enzymes keep energy balanced in cells, and the enzyme NAMPT controls how NAD+ is made. NAD+ is important for healthy muscle, but how it affects muscle growth isn't fully clear. To study this, scientists created mice missing the Nampt gene only in their muscles. These mice were smaller, had weaker muscles with abnormal features, and most died young. The muscles showed increased activity of a gene called Cyclophilin D, which made mitochondria more sensitive to calcium damage. Treating the mice with a drug that blocks Cyclophilin D improved muscle health and survival. This shows that NAMPT helps control calcium balance and muscle development, which is essential for young mice to survive.

Journal

Molecular Metabolism