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Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Author Spotlight: Automated Lifespan Monitoring – Discovering Aging Dynamics with the Lifespan Machine
Published on: January 26, 2024
Extracellular Vesicle-Contained eNAMPT Delays Aging and Extends Lifespan in Mice
Mitsukuni Yoshida1, Akiko Satoh2, Jonathan B Lin3
1Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; MD-PhD Program, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Abstract:
Aging is a significant risk factor for impaired tissue functions and chronic diseases. Age-associated decline in systemic NAD+ availability plays a critical role in regulating the aging process across many species. Here, we show that the circulating levels of extracellular nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (eNAMPT) significantly decline with age in mice and humans. Increasing circulating eNAMPT levels in aged mice by adipose-tissue-specific overexpression of NAMPT increases NAD+ levels in multiple tissues, thereby enhancing their functions and extending healthspan in female mice. Interestingly, eNAMPT is carried in extracellular vesicles (EVs) through systemic circulation in mice and humans. EV-contained eNAMPT is internalized into cells and enhances NAD+ biosynthesis. Supplementing eNAMPT-containing EVs isolated from young mice significantly improves wheel-running activity and extends lifespan in aged mice. Our findings have revealed a novel EV-mediated delivery mechanism for eNAMPT, which promotes systemic NAD+ biosynthesis and counteracts aging, suggesting a potential avenue for anti-aging intervention in humans.
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