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The autophagy-NAD axis in longevity and disease
Niall Wilson1, Tetsushi Kataura1, Miriam E Korsgen2
1Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK.
Trends in Cell Biology
|March 6, 2023
Summary
Autophagy and NAD levels decline with age. Enhancing either boosts health and lifespan by improving cellular metabolism and mitochondrial function, revealing new therapeutic targets for age-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Metabolism
- Aging Research
Background:
- Autophagy recycles cellular components, maintaining metabolic homeostasis.
- NAD is crucial for energy metabolism and is consumed by enzymes like PARPs and SIRTs.
- Declining autophagy and NAD are hallmarks of cellular aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the bidirectional relationship between NAD and autophagy.
- To explore their roles in cellular aging and metabolic health.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for age-related diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on autophagy, NAD metabolism, and aging.
- Analysis of mechanisms linking NADases, autophagy, and mitochondrial quality control.
- Synthesis of evidence on interventions that enhance autophagy or NAD.
Main Results:
- NADases directly regulate autophagy and mitochondrial quality.
- Autophagy preserves NAD levels by modulating cellular stress.
- Enhancing autophagy or NAD extends lifespan and improves metabolic activity.
Conclusions:
- The interplay between NAD and autophagy is critical for healthspan and longevity.
- Targeting this relationship offers therapeutic potential for age-related diseases.
- Further research can elucidate precise mechanisms for intervention development.
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