Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide synthesis pathway enzyme (null)

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide synthesis pathway enzyme refers collectively to a set of metabolic enzymes responsible for generating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), an essential coenzyme involved in redox reactions, cellular metabolism, DNA repair, and signaling. Key mammalian pathways include the salvage route from nicotinamide via nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) followed by NMN adenylyltransferases (NMNATs), conversion from nicotinic acid via nicotinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase (NAPRT), phosphorylation from nicotinamide riboside by nicotinamide riboside kinase (NRK), and amidation by NAD synthetase. These pathways ensure adequate supply and recycling of intracellular NAD+, which is critical for cell survival under both physiological and pathological conditions. Dysregulation or pharmacological inhibition—especially targeting rate-limiting steps like those catalyzed by NAMPT—is being explored therapeutically for cancer treatment but carries risks due to the centrality of these pathways across all cell types[1][2].

Other names

NAD biosynthetic enzymesNAD synthesis enzymesEnzymes of the NAD salvage pathwayEnzymes of the Preiss–Handler pathway (for nicotinic acid route)Enzymes of the de novo NAD biosynthesis pathway

Drugs targeting these enzymes typically act by inhibiting key steps in NAD biosynthesis—most notably by blocking NAMPT activity—leading to depletion of cellular NAD levels. This can induce cell death in rapidly proliferating cells such as cancer cells due to impaired energy metabolism and DNA repair capacity[2].