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Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt) in carcinogenesis: new clinical opportunities
Hang Chen1, Shiyu Wang1, Haiyuan Zhang1
1a Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases and Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education & Department of Neurology , The Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College , Haikou , China.
Introduction:
Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt) is the rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the first step in the mammalian nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) salvage pathway. Aberrant NAD metabolism was associated with oncogenic signal transduction, suggesting the critical roles of Nampt in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Additionally, Nampt can be secreted out of the cell, and this extracellular form of Nampt (eNampt) was shown to induce inflammation and angiogenesis due to its cytokine activity, which may also be involved in carcinogenesis.
Areas Covered:
This article reviews recent advances in the studies of Nampt in carcinogenesis, with a special highlight on Nampt inhibitors and future clinical application, including cancer diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. Expert commentary: Nampt not only maintains the balance of cellular metabolism, but also has a profound influence on multiple aspects of carcinogenesis. Therefore, elucidation of these mechanisms opens the door for future clinical applications targeting this protein. Additional studies are needed to address important questions including the relationship between extracellular Nampt and carcinogenesis.
Insights
Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt) is crucial for NAD metabolism and cancer development. Targeting Nampt offers potential for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy, though more research on extracellular Nampt is needed.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt) is the key enzyme in NAD salvage pathway.
- Dysregulated NAD metabolism is linked to oncogenic signaling, tumorigenesis, and metastasis.
- Extracellular Nampt (eNampt) exhibits cytokine activity, promoting inflammation and angiogenesis, potentially contributing to carcinogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding Nampt's role in carcinogenesis.
- To highlight Nampt inhibitors and their potential clinical applications.
- To discuss the implications of Nampt in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Nampt in carcinogenesis.
- Analysis of research on Nampt inhibitors.
- Examination of Nampt's involvement in cancer progression and metabolism.
Main Results:
- Nampt plays a significant role in maintaining cellular metabolism and influencing multiple facets of carcinogenesis.
- Nampt inhibitors show promise for therapeutic interventions.
- Further investigation is required to fully understand the relationship between eNampt and cancer development.
Conclusions:
- Nampt is a critical regulator of cellular metabolism with profound effects on carcinogenesis.
- Targeting Nampt presents a promising avenue for novel cancer therapies.
- Elucidating the precise mechanisms of Nampt, particularly eNampt, is essential for advancing cancer treatment strategies.
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