NAD+

What is NAD+?

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) is a pyridine nucleotide, not a peptide, but is included in the research catalog because of its central role in cellular metabolism, sirtuin enzymology, and aging biology. NAD+ levels decline with age in many mammalian tissues, motivating substantial research into NAD+ precursors and bioavailability. Batch-level quality information is available where applicable for purity and form (oxidized vs reduced).

Mechanism of action (preclinical evidence)

NAD+ operates as a coenzyme through two complementary mechanisms: redox electron transfer and ADP-ribose group transfer. In redox biochemistry, NAD+ accepts electrons (typically as a hydride) from substrate molecules during catabolic reactions - glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, fatty acid oxidation - becoming NADH. NADH then delivers those electrons to the mitochondrial electron transport chain, where they drive ATP synthesis. The NAD+/NADH ratio in the cytoplasm and mitochondria is one of the central indicators of cellular energy state. Beyond redox, NAD+ is consumed - not just used as a reversible cofactor - by three enzyme families. Sirtuins (SIRT1-7) use NAD+ to deacetylate histones, transcription factors, metabolic enzymes, and structural proteins; the reaction releases nicotinamide and 2-O-acetyl-ADP-ribose. PARPs (poly-ADP-ribose polymerases) use NAD+ to attach ADP-ribose chains to target proteins during DNA damage response, chromatin remodeling, and transcription regulation. CD38 and CD157 are cell-surface NAD+ hydrolases that generate cyclic-ADP-ribose, a calcium-signaling molecule. All three classes consume NAD+ stoichiometrically, meaning sustained activity requires continuous NAD+ resynthesis through the salvage pathway (nicotinamide to NMN to NAD+, via NAMPT and NMNAT enzymes) or de novo synthesis from tryptophan. The age-related decline in NAD+ levels is attributed in part to increased CD38 activity in aging tissues - one reason CD38 inhibitors are being studied alongside NAD+ precursors in preclinical longevity research.

Research applications

• Cellular bioenergetics and mitochondrial function studies
• Sirtuin enzyme activity assays (SIRT1-7)
• PARP pathway and DNA damage research
• NAD+ salvage pathway investigations
• Aging and longevity preclinical models

Storage and handling

Store lyophilised NAD+ at -20 °C in a sealed, desiccant-protected vial. NAD+ is hygroscopic and degrades to ADP-ribose under aqueous conditions, especially at neutral or alkaline pH. Reconstitute in slightly acidic buffer for best stability and use promptly.

Regulatory status

NAD+ is sold as a dietary supplement in some markets but is not an FDA-approved drug for any specific indication. Research-grade material is supplied by Peptra Labs for laboratory use only.

Frequently asked questions