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Nicotinamide Riboside - NRThis discovery could pave the way for developing NR based supplements to extend lifespan humans. From natural sources, the NR compound has been found in milk so far. NR is precursor to NAD, short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, levels of which are elevated by calorie restriction in animals. Researchers that discovered NR were able to elevate NAD levels with the NR compound in yeast. When NAD is activated in yeast, at the molecular level, the compound turns on Sir2 gene, which has been associated with life extension before, and is related to sirtuin genes in humans. Using NR to activate Sir2 gene in yeast through NR increasing levels of NAD, the yeast were rejuvenated. In the study, yeast cells that were formerly capable of dividing 13 times, divided over 23 times when given NR. However, NR uses two pathways in yeast to prolong life. If one of these pathways is not present, the compound is only half as effective. The first NR pathway consists of a gene common to yeast and humans. The second NR pathway involves three yeast genes, two of which are found in humans. These similarities show a promise of using the NR compound for life extension in humans. Nicotinamide Riboside - StudiesNicotinamide Riboside Promotes Sir2 Silencing and Extends Lifespan via Nrk and Urh1/Pnp1/Meu1 Pathways to NAD+. Peter Belenky, Frances G. Racette, Katrina L. Bogan, Julie M. McClure, Jeffrey S. Smith, and Charles Brenner. Cell, Vol 129, 473-484, 04 May 2007.
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