Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026

Identification and Quantification of Deranged Metabolites in Critically Ill Patients Using NMR-Based Metabolomics
Published on: November 29, 2024
Targeting NAD+ in Metabolic Disease: New Insights Into an Old Molecule
Yasir S Elhassan1,2, Andrew A Philp3, Gareth G Lavery1,2
1Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an established cofactor for enzymes serving cellular metabolic reactions. More recent research identified NAD+ as a signaling molecule and substrate for sirtuins and poly-adenosine 5'-diphosphate polymerases; enzymes that regulate protein deacetylation and DNA repair, and translate changes in energy status into metabolic adaptations. Deranged NAD+ homeostasis and concurrent alterations in mitochondrial function are intrinsic in metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver, and age-related diseases. Contemporary NAD+ precursors show promise as nutraceuticals to restore target tissue NAD+ and have demonstrated the ability to improve mitochondrial function and sirtuin-dependent signaling. This review discusses the accumulating evidence for targeting NAD+ metabolism in metabolic disease, maps the different strategies for NAD+ boosting, and addresses the challenges and open questions in the field. The health potential of targeting NAD+ homeostasis will inform clinical study design to identify nutraceutical approaches for combating metabolic disease and the unwanted effects of aging.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
Secondary Active Transport
Secondary Active Transport
Pharmacogenetics of Phase II Enzymes: N-acetyltransferase, Thiopurine S-methyltransferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:

