Unveiling the Enigmatic Role of NAD+ in Cellular Metabolism: A Review of Its Interactions with Other Molecules
NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a crucial cofactor in various cellular processes, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and epigenetic regulation. Despite its well-established functions, recent studies hav
NAD+ is a vital cofactor in numerous cellular processes, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and epigenetic regulation. The molecule plays a central role in the regulation of cellular redox balance, serving as a electron acceptor in various redox reactions (1). Its involvement in energy metabolism is well-documented, with NAD+ serving as a key player in the regulation of glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and fatty acid oxidation (2). Furthermore, NAD+ has been implicated in the repair of DNA damage, with the molecule serving as a cofactor for enzymes involved in base excision repair and nucleotide excision repair (3). In addition to its established functions, recent studies have suggested that NAD+ may also play a role in modulating interactions with other molecules, including histone modifications and microRNA regulation (4, 5). The exact mechanisms underlying these interactions are not yet fully understood and require further investigation. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on NAD+-related molecules and their potential implications for understanding cellular metabolism.