Nicotinamidase modulation of NAD+ biosynthesis and nicotinamide levels separately affect reproductive development and cell survival in C. elegans

Tracy L. Vrablik, Li Huang, Stephanie E. Lange, Wendy Hanna-Rose

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a central molecule in cellular metabolism and an obligate co-substrate for NAD+- consuming enzymes, which regulate key biological processes such as longevity and stress responses. Although NAD+ biosynthesis has been intensely studied, little analysis has been done in developmental models. We have uncovered novel developmental roles for a nicotinamidase (PNC), the first enzyme in the NAD+ salvage pathway of invertebrates. Mutations in the Caenorhabditis elegans nicotinamidase PNC-1 cause developmental and functional defects in the reproductive system; the development of the gonad is delayed, four uterine cells die by necrosis and the mutant animals are egg-laying defective. The temporal delay in gonad development results from depletion of the salvage pathway product NAD+, whereas the uv1 cell necrosis and egg-laying defects result from accumulation of the substrate nicotinamide. Thus, regulation of both substrate and product level is key to the biological activity of PNC-1. We also find that diet probably affects the levels of these metabolites, as it affects phenotypes. Finally, we identified a secreted isoform of PNC-1 and confirmed its extracellular localization and functional activity in vivo. We demonstrate that nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt), the equivalent enzyme in nicotinamide recycling to NAD+ in vertebrates, can functionally substitute for PNC-1. As Nampt is also secreted, we postulate an evolutionarily conserved extracellular role for NAD+ biosynthetic enzymes during development and physiology.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3637-3646
Number of pages10
JournalDevelopment
Volume136
Issue number21
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2009

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology

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