,%20which%20produce%20blood%20cells,%20adjust%20their%20metabolism%20depending%20on%20whether%20they%20are%20resting%20or%20dividing.%20When%20HSCs%20are%20in%20maintenance%20mode,%20they%20break%20down%20a...){kind=link}
Nicotinamide Riboside Supports Long-Term Function of Blood Stem Cells: Preclinical Findings
Synopsis
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which produce blood cells, adjust their metabolism depending on whether they are resting or dividing. When HSCs are in maintenance mode, they break down amino acids to keep protein production low, helping cells stay healthy. When HSCs start dividing, they use more energy from mitochondria and reduce amino acid breakdown, allowing more protein production but causing stress. The protein GCN2 helps control this process, keeping HSCs functional and balanced. Importantly, giving HSCs nicotinamide riboside (NR), a precursor to NAD+, boosted amino acid breakdown, activated GCN2, and supported long-term stem cell health. This study shows how metabolism and protein production are tightly linked in stem cells and how NR can help maintain their function.
Journal
Cell Stem Cell