Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a molecule that plays a vital role in the body’s energy production and many other functions. When cells run low on NAD+, it can lead to various diseases, including diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative disorders, and infertility. On the flip side, increasing NAD+ levels might help prevent or treat these conditions. Research has uncovered important links between NAD+ and diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and even how long we live. Scientists are also looking at how lifestyle choices, nutrition, and medications can affect NAD+ levels to improve health and aging. However, there is still much we do not know, such as how NAD+ levels change throughout life, how their imbalance leads to disease, and which methods for boosting NAD+ are best for treating different conditions. The NADIS research group aims to fill these gaps by training new scientists to use advanced tools to study NAD+ and its role in health and disease. The potential scientific and societal impact of advancing our understanding of NAD+ is significant. By uncovering how NAD+ affects metabolism and disease, we expect to pave the way for new treatments for a wide range of age-related diseases. This could not only improve the quality of life for millions of people but also reduce healthcare costs associated with chronic and age-related diseases. Furthermore, developing NAD+-based therapies could promote healthier aging and extend lifespans, benefiting society as a whole by enhancing well-being in older populations and potentially transforming public health strategies. Finally, the knowledge gained through this research could also drive innovation in nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and lifestyle interventions, creating new opportunities for economic growth.
