Description

Disclaimer: This is a research chemical only. It’s not a medication, and it’s not approved for human or animal use outside of authorized studies

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a central metabolic coenzyme required for redox reactions, energy transduction, and cell signaling. At its core, NAD+ cycles between oxidized (NAD⁺) and reduced (NADH) states, acting as an essential electron carrier in glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation—processes fundamental to ATP generation in mitochondria. Beyond its classical role in energy metabolism, NAD+ serves as a substrate for critical enzyme families including sirtuins, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), and CD38/CD157 ectoenzymes. These pathways govern DNA repair, chromatin remodeling, calcium signaling, immune response, and stress adaptation.

Research interest in NAD+ has expanded dramatically due to its regulatory role in aging and age-related pathophysiology. Cellular NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, impairing mitochondrial function, reducing sirtuin activity, and increasing susceptibility to metabolic dysfunction and oxidative damage. Experimental models explore whether restoration of NAD+—via precursors, modulators, or enzymatic manipulation—can enhance mitochondrial biogenesis, improve insulin sensitivity, bolster neuroprotection, and attenuate inflammatory signaling cascades.

NAD+ is also studied as a signaling hub for adaptive responses under stress, including ischemia-reperfusion injury, genotoxic insult, and chronic inflammatory conditions. By linking energy status to genomic stability and stress resilience, NAD+ occupies a unique position at the intersection of metabolism, cellular repair, and longevity research. This makes it a focal point for laboratories investigating mitochondrial health, neurodegenerative disease pathways, immune regulation, and systemic aging models.