NAD+

NAD+

Synonym: Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide

CAS Number: 53-84-9

Molecular Formula: C₂₁H₂₇N₇O₁₄P₂

Molecular Weight: 663.43 g/mol

Structure: Pyridine nucleotide coenzyme composed of nicotinamide and adenine nucleotides linked through phosphate groups

Overview

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential biological coenzyme found in virtually all living cells. It serves as a critical mediator of cellular energy metabolism, functioning as an electron carrier in oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions and participating in numerous enzymatic processes.

Beyond its role in energy production, NAD+ serves as a substrate for several enzyme families involved in cellular signaling, DNA maintenance, gene regulation, and metabolic homeostasis.

Mechanism of Action

NAD+ functions as a central metabolic cofactor and signaling molecule through multiple pathways:

• Redox Reactions
  • Accepts and donates electrons during metabolic processes
  • Cycles between oxidized (NAD+) and reduced (NADH) states
  • Essential for glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation
• Sirtuin Activation
  • Serves as a required substrate for sirtuin enzymes
  • Influences gene expression, cellular stress responses, and metabolic regulation
• PARP Activity
  • Functions as a substrate for poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs)
  • Involved in DNA damage sensing and repair pathways
• Cellular Signaling
  • Participates in intracellular signaling networks
  • Contributes to regulation of cellular adaptation and metabolic responses

The broad biological importance of NAD+ stems from its role as both a metabolic cofactor and an enzymatic substrate.

Pharmacokinetic Characteristics

• Naturally present in all mammalian cells
• Rapidly utilized in enzymatic and metabolic reactions
• Continuously synthesized and recycled through cellular salvage pathways
• Intracellular concentrations are tightly regulated through biosynthesis, consumption, and recycling mechanisms

Structural Characteristics

NAD+ consists of:

• A nicotinamide nucleotide
• An adenine nucleotide
• Two phosphate groups forming a pyrophosphate bridge

Key structural features include:

• Reversible redox capability
• High biochemical stability under appropriate storage conditions
• Conserved molecular structure across a wide range of organisms

Research Applications

NAD+ is widely utilized in research involving:

• Cellular energy metabolism
• Mitochondrial function
• Redox biology
• Sirtuin-mediated signaling pathways
• DNA repair mechanisms
• Metabolic regulation and cellular homeostasis

It remains a fundamental research tool for studying the relationship between metabolism, signaling pathways, and cellular function.

Handling & Stability

• Typically supplied as a lyophilized powder
• Requires reconstitution with a suitable sterile solvent prior to use
• Store at -20°C or below for long-term stability
• Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and prolonged light exposure
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles after reconstitution

Note

This material is intended for laboratory research use only and is not approved for human or veterinary applications.