NADase

NADase (or NAD+ase) refers to a group of enzymes playing a pivotal role in cellular longevity and aging due to its direct implication in the modulation of NAD+ levels within the cell. NAD+, or Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, is a crucial coenzyme that participates in numerous metabolic and cellular processes, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and the regulation of cellular aging. Elevated NADase activity can lead to decreased NAD+ levels, affecting cellular metabolism, reducing energy production, and potentially accelerating aging processes and age-related diseases.

Enzyme Reaction

NADase catalyzes the hydrolysis of NAD+, a reaction which can be represented as follows:

${\text{NAD}}^{+}+{\text{H}}_{2}{\text{O}}\xrightarrow {\text{NADase}} {\text{Nicotinamide}}+{\text{ADP-ribose}}$

This reaction is pivotal as it regulates the levels of NAD+ available in the cell, directly impacting cellular energy metabolism, DNA repair mechanisms, and aging processes.

Known NADase Enzymes

NADase or NAD^+ase enzymes have implications in longevity due to their impact on NAD+ levels within cells. NAD+ is crucial for cellular energy metabolism and maintenance of proper cellular function. Here is some information on known NADase enzymes:

CD38

CD38 is a multifunctional enzyme expressed in various tissues, playing a crucial role in calcium signaling, cell adhesion, and immune response. It is one of the primary NADase enzymes in mammals, including humans, and is responsible for the hydrolysis of NAD+.

Main article: CD38

CD157

CD157, also known as bone marrow stromal antigen 1 (BST-1), is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored NADase. It shares structural similarities with CD38 and is involved in monocyte and neutrophil infiltration during inflammatory responses.

Main article: CD157

SARM1

SARM1 (Sterile Alpha and TIR Motif Containing 1) is a recently characterized NADase. It plays a critical role in Wallerian degeneration, a process where damaged neurons degenerate. SARM1 is activated under conditions of cellular stress and can lead to rapid depletion of intracellular NAD+ levels.

Main article: SARM1

These enzymes, by modulating NAD+ levels, indirectly influence the aging process, cellular repair mechanisms, and overall cellular health. Modulating the activity of these enzymes has become a focal point in longevity and aging research, targeting the restoration of cellular NAD+ levels to maintain cellular function and mitigate age-related decline.