NAD: a Nobel-Prize worthy molecule

Life as we know it cannot exist without NAD. From simple organisms such as bacteria, to complex multicellular organisms such as humans, NAD is a key cellular component.  More specifically, the decline in NAD as we get older leads to the range of physical symptoms associated with aging such as lower energy levels, reduced cognitive function and longer recovery times.

Research into NAD+ began over 100 years ago when it was first discovered in 1906 by the biochemist Sir Arthur Harden when he discovered that it increased the rate of fermentation in yeast. The fermentation reaction is the process by which yeast convert sugar to alcohol and is responsible for making beer, wine and helping bread rise. This reaction is the equivalent of the energy production process which occurs in human cells.

30 years after its discovery, Hans von Euler-Chelpin studied the structure of NAD+ and together, Harden and Euler-Chelpin shared the 1929 Nobel prize for Chemistry for their discoveries. 

In 1936, a further Nobel laureate, Otto Warburg, isolated NAD and described its fundamental role in electron transport during biochemical reactions.  This was a major discovery because NAD’s role as an electron transporter is essential to all the pathways that generate energy in the cell.

All this ground-breaking research led to the recognition of NAD as one of the most abundant cellular molecules, playing a key role in both energy metabolism and cell signalling.  

In fact, in his 1930 Nobel lecture, Dr Hans von Euler-Chelpin stated that

“NAD+ is one of the most widespread and biologically important activators within the plant and animal world.” 

NAD+ is now known to be involved in over 500 biological reactions and plays a key role in the regulation of many biological processes. But above all it may help us to live longer, healthier lives. 

That’s because NAD’s role in both redox reactions and as a coenzyme substrate are intimately linked with multiple key effectors of longevity.  For example, the sirtuins which regulate many cellular signalling processes associated with increased longevity are directly dependent on NAD+ availability to perform their function.  Similarly, the DNA repair enzyme PARP1 cannot function without NAD+ resulting in an accumulation of DNA damage – a major contributor to ageing.   

The maintenance of the NAD+:NADH ratio is also critical for optimal mitochondrial function and falling NAD+ levels results in mitochondrial dysfunction which has long been implicated in the ageing process.  

Our understanding of NAD+ and its importance in longevity has developed greatly since its discovery in 1906. We now appreciate that NAD+ levels decline with age, so do these critical cellular redox and coenzyme reactions that it is involved in, ultimately resulting in cellular damage, dysfunction and the symptoms of ageing. The good news is that NAD+ decline isn't a one-way street. It can be reversed and doing so can alleviate the associated symptoms of ageing.  

To learn more about NAD and its role in the aging process.

To learn more about the research behind NAD supplements.