Unveiling the functions of NMRK1- and NMRK2-mediated NAD synthesis in neuronal cells

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is critical for energy production and cell metabolism. It acts both as a coenzyme for oxidation-reduction reactions that culminate in ATP synthesis and as a substrate for NAD-consuming enzymes which include sirtuins, ADPribose transferases (ARTs), poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) and cADP-ribose synthases. NAD biosynthesis in mammals is supported by several precursors and it was shown that one of those, Nicotinamide Riboside (NamR), is used for NAD production in neurons1 . Moreover, NAD was reported to be involved in tissue differentiation (e.g. skeletal muscle and adipose tissue)2,3 and to protect against physical and excitotoxic nerve injury4