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NAD+/NADH and NADP+/NADPH in cellular functions and cell death: regulation and biological consequences

Weihai Ying1

  • 1Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94121, USA. Weihai.Ying@ucsf.edu

Antioxidants & Redox Signaling
|November 21, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) are vital mediators in numerous biological processes. Understanding their metabolism and functions offers new therapeutic strategies for diseases and aging.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) are essential coenzymes involved in critical cellular functions.
  • Evidence suggests these molecules mediate energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, calcium homeostasis, oxidative stress, gene expression, immunity, aging, and cell death.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of NAD and NADP in biological processes.
  • To highlight novel paradigms in NAD and NADP metabolism.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting NAD and NADP pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on NAD and NADP.
  • Analysis of biochemical pathways involving NAD and NADP.
  • Synthesis of current research on NAD and NADP functions.

Main Results:

  • NAD is crucial for energy metabolism and mitochondrial function.
  • NADPH is vital for cellular antioxidant defense.
  • Both NAD and NADP influence calcium homeostasis, cell death pathways, and aging processes.
  • Novel metabolic pathways for NAD and NADP are continually being discovered.

Conclusions:

  • NAD and NADP are fundamental mediators with diverse biological roles.
  • Further research into NAD and NADP metabolism and function may reveal fundamental life properties.
  • Targeting NAD and NADP pathways holds promise for treating diseases and slowing aging.

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