Compartmentalized redox faults are common to ageing diseases. Dietary constituents are catabolized to NAD(H) donating electrons producing proton-based bioenergy in coevolved, cross-species and cross-organ networks. Nicotinamide and NAD deficiency from poor diet or high expenditure causes pellagra, an ageing and dementing disorder with lost robustness to infection and stress. Nicotinamide and stress induce Nicotinamide-N-methyltransferase (NNMT) improving choline retention but consume methyl groups. High NNMT activity is linked to Parkinson's, cancers, and diseases of affluence. Optimising nicotinamide and choline/methyl group availability is important for brain development and increased during our evolution raising metabolic and methylome ceilings through dietary/metabolic symbiotic means but strict energy constraints remain and life-history tradeoffs are the rule. An optimal energy, NAD and methyl group supply, avoiding hypo and hyper-vitaminoses nicotinamide and choline, is important to healthy ageing and avoids utilising double-edged symbionts or uncontrolled autophagy or reversions to fermentation reactions in inflammatory and cancerous tissue that all redistribute NAD(P)(H), but incur high allostatic costs.

Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation or histone modification, can remodel the chromatin and regulate gene expression. Remodeling of chromatin provides an efficient mechanism of transducing signals, such as light or nutrient availability, to regulate gene expression. CLOCK:BMAL1 mediated activation of clock-controlled genes (CCGs) is coupled to circadian changes in histone modification at their promoters. Several chromatin modifiers, such as the deacetylases SIRT1 and HDAC3 or methyltransferase MLL1, have been shown to be recruited to the promoters of the CCGs in a circadian manner. Interestingly, the central element of the core clock machinery, the transcription factor CLOCK, also possesses histone acetyltransferase activity. Rhythmic expression of the CCGs is abolished in the absence of these chromatin modifiers. Recent research has demonstrated that chromatin remodeling is at the cross-roads of circadian rhythms and regulation of metabolism and aging. It would be of interest to identify if similar pathways exist in the epigenetic regulation of memory formation.

Circadian rhythms occur with a periodicity of approximately 24h and regulate a wide array of metabolic and physiologic functions. Accumulating epidemiological and genetic evidence indicates that disruption of circadian rhythms can be directly linked to many pathological conditions, including sleep disorders, depression, metabolic syndrome and cancer. Intriguingly, several molecular gears constituting the clock machinery have been found to establish functional interplays with regulators of cellular metabolism. Although the circadian clock regulates multiple metabolic pathways, metabolite availability and feeding behavior can in turn regulate the circadian clock. An in-depth understanding of this reciprocal regulation of circadian rhythms and cellular metabolism may provide insights into the development of therapeutic intervention against specific metabolic disorders.

The Intracellular levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) are rhythmic and controlled by the circadian clock. However, whether NAD(+) oscillation in turn contributes to circadian physiology is not fully understood. To address this question we analyzed mice mutated for the NAD(+) hydrolase CD38. We found that rhythmicity of NAD(+) was altered in the CD38-deficient mice. The high, chronic levels of NAD(+) results in several anomalies in circadian behavior and metabolism. CD38-null mice display a shortened period length of locomotor activity and alteration in the rest-activity rhythm. Several clock genes and, interestingly, genes involved in amino acid metabolism were deregulated in CD38-null livers. Metabolomic analysis identified alterations in the circadian levels of several amino acids, specifically tryptophan levels were reduced in the CD38-null mice at a circadian time paralleling with elevated NAD(+) levels. Thus, CD38 contributes to behavioral and metabolic circadian rhythms and altered NAD(+) levels influence the circadian clock.

AIMS Gender-related phenotypes in the cardiovascular system have been observed in various genetically modified mice. Here, we report that cardiac functions are significantly improved only in male CD38-null mice and we explore the potential mechanisms of the sexual dimorphism mediated by CD38 deficiency. MAIN METHODS Cardiac functions of mice were measured by pressure-volume conductance catheter technique and echocardiography. Serum sex steroids were determined by radioimmunoassay. Relative mRNA levels of myocardial contractile-associated proteins in cardiomyocytes were analyzed by real-time PCR analysis. To clarify the effects of testosterone on the sexual dimorphism, flutamide, an androgen receptor antagonist, was subcutaneously infused into the male null mice for 6 weeks with an osmotic mini-pump. KEY FINDINGS The myocardial contractility, contraction and relaxation velocities were significantly enhanced only in male CD38-null mice, in which the levels of serum testosterone were markedly elevated. The elevated testosterone levels in the null mice were correlated to an obvious decrease in expression of androgen receptor and dramatic increases in expressions of major genes involved in myocardial contraction, including ryanodine receptor type 2 (RyR2), sarcoplasmic reticular Ca(2+) ATPase (SERCA2) and Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchanger protein 1 (NCX1), and α myosin heavy chain (α-MHC). More importantly, all of the alternations that were observed in the male null mice were almost completely restored by flutamide administration. SIGNIFICANCE Elevated serum level of testosterone in the male CD38(-/-) mice enhances cardiac functions through upregulation of major calcium regulatory proteins, which improve our understanding on sex disparities and molecular mechanisms in the incidence and manifestation of heart diseases.

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) catalyzes the first reversible step in NAD biosynthesis and nicotinamide (NAM) salvage. The enzyme is designed for efficient capture of nicotinamide by coupling of ATP hydrolysis to assist in extraordinary NAM binding affinity and formation of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). NAMPT provides the mechanism to replenish the NAD pool in human metabolism. In addition to its role in redox biochemistry, NAD fuels the sirtuins (SIRTs) to regulate transcription factors involved in pathways linked to inflammation, diabetes and lifespan. NAMPT-mediated lifespan expansion has caused a focus on the catalytic mechanism, regulation and inhibition of NAMPT. Structural, mechanistic and inhibitor design all contribute to a developing but yet incomplete story of NAMPT function. Although the first generation of NAMPT inhibitors has entered clinical trials, disappointing outcomes suggest more powerful and specific inhibitors will be needed. Understanding the ATP-linked mechanism of NAMPT and the catalytic site machinery may permit the design of improved NAMPT inhibitors as more efficient drugs against cancer.

Both acute and chronic neurodegenerative diseases are frequently associated with mitochondrial dysfunction as an essential component of mechanisms leading to brain damage. Although loss of mitochondrial functions resulting from prolonged activation of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore has been shown to play a significant role in perturbation of cellular bioenergetics and in cell death, the detailed mechanisms are still elusive. Enzymatic reactions linked to glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and mitochondrial respiration are dependent on the reduced or oxidized form of nicotinamide dinucleotide [NAD(H)] as a cofactor. Loss of mitochondrial NAD(+) resulting from MPT pore opening, although transient, allows detrimental depletion of mitochondrial and cellular NAD(+) pools by activated NAD(+) glycohydrolases. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is considered to be a major NAD(+) degrading enzyme, particularly under conditions of extensive DNA damage. We propose that CD38, a main cellular NAD(+) level regulator, can significantly contribute to NAD(+) catabolism. We discuss NAD(+) catabolic and NAD(+) synthesis pathways and their role in different strategies to prevent cellular NAD(+) degradation in brain, particularly following an ischemic insult. These therapeutic approaches are based on utilizing endogenous intermediates of NAD(+) metabolism that feed into the NAD(+) salvage pathway and also inhibit CD38 activity. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

CD38 is an ecto-enzyme that hydrolyzes NAD. Its expression is a prognostic marker for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We have characterized individual variation in CD38 expression in lymphoblastoid cell lines from 288 healthy subjects of three ethnicities. Expression varied widely, with significant differences among ethnic groups, and was correlated significantly with CD38 enzymatic activity and protein levels. The CD38 gene was then resequenced using DNA from the same cell lines, with the identification of 53 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and one indel, 39 novel. One SNP, rs1130169, was significantly associated with CD38 mRNA expression and explained a portion of the difference in expression among ethnic groups. EMS assay showed nuclear protein binding at or near this SNP. We also determined that variation in CD38 expression in these cell lines was associated with variation in antineoplastic drug sensitivity. These results represent a step toward understanding mechanisms involved in CD38 expression.

The enzyme sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a critical regulator of many cellular functions, including energy metabolism. However, the precise mechanisms that modulate SIRT1 activity remain unknown. As SIRT1 activity in vitro was recently found to be negatively regulated by interaction with the deleted in breast cancer-1 (DBC1) protein, we set out to investigate whether DBC1 regulates SIRT1 activity in vivo. We found that DBC1 and SIRT1 colocalized and interacted, and that DBC1 modulated SIRT1 activity, in multiple cell lines and tissues. In mouse liver, increased SIRT1 activity, concomitant with decreased DBC1-SIRT1 interaction, was detected after 24 hours of starvation, whereas decreased SIRT1 activity and increased interaction with DBC1 was observed with high-fat diet (HFD) feeding. Consistent with the hypothesis that DBC1 is crucial for HFD-induced inhibition of SIRT1 and for the development of experimental liver steatosis, genetic deletion of Dbc1 in mice led to increased SIRT1 activity in several tissues, including liver. Furthermore, DBC1-deficient mice were protected from HFD-induced liver steatosis and inflammation, despite the development of obesity. These observations define what we believe to be a new role for DBC1 as an in vivo regulator of SIRT1 activity and liver steatosis. We therefore propose that the DBC1-SIRT1 interaction may serve as a new target for therapies aimed at nonalcoholic liver steatosis.

A century after the identification of a coenzymatic activity for NAD(+), NAD(+) metabolism has come into the spotlight again due to the potential therapeutic relevance of a set of enzymes whose activity is tightly regulated by the balance between the oxidized and reduced forms of this metabolite. In fact, the actions of NAD(+) have been extended from being an oxidoreductase cofactor for single enzymatic activities to acting as substrate for a wide range of proteins. These include NAD(+)-dependent protein deacetylases, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases, and transcription factors that affect a large array of cellular functions. Through these effects, NAD(+) provides a direct link between the cellular redox status and the control of signaling and transcriptional events. Of particular interest within the metabolic/endocrine arena are the recent results, which indicate that the regulation of these NAD(+)-dependent pathways may have a major contribution to oxidative metabolism and life span extension. In this review, we will provide an integrated view on: 1) the pathways that control NAD(+) production and cycling, as well as its cellular compartmentalization; 2) the signaling and transcriptional pathways controlled by NAD(+); and 3) novel data that show how modulation of NAD(+)-producing and -consuming pathways have a major physiological impact and hold promise for the prevention and treatment of metabolic disease.

The SIRT 1 enzyme is a NAD dependent deacetylase implicated in ageing, cell protection, and energy metabolism in mammalian cells. How the endogenous activity of SIRT 1 is modulated is not known. The enzyme CD38 is a multifunctional enzyme capable of synthesis of the second messenger, cADPR, NAADP, and ADPR. However, the major enzymatic activity of CD38 is the hydrolysis of NAD. Of particular interest is the fact that CD38 is present on the inner nuclear membrane. Here, we investigate the modulation of the SIRT 1 activity by CD38. We propose that by modulating availability of NAD to the SIRT1 enzyme, CD38 may regulate SIRT1 enzymatic activity. We observed that in CD38 knockout mice, tissue levels of NAD are significantly increased. We also observed that incubation of purified recombinant SIRT1 enzyme with CD38 or nuclear extracts of wild-type mice led to a significant inhibition of its activity. In contrast, incubation of SIRT1 with cellular extract from CD38 knockout mice was without effect. Furthermore, the endogenous activity of SIRT1 was several time higher in nuclear extracts from CD38 knockout mice when compared to wild-type nuclear extracts. Finally, the in vivo deacetylation of the SIRT1 substrate P53 is increased in CD38 knockout mice tissue. Our data support the novel concept that nuclear CD38 is a major regulator of cellular/nuclear NAD level, and SIRT1 activity. These findings have strong implications for understanding the basic mechanisms that modulate intracellular NAD levels, energy homeostasis, as well as ageing and cellular protection modulated by the SIRT enzymes.

Previous studies have suggested that the proinflammatory cytokine, TNF-alpha, contributes to airway hyperresponsivness by altering airway smooth muscle (ASM) Ca(2+) responses to agonist stimulation. The present study examined the effects of TNF-alpha on Ca(2+) influx pathways in cultured human ASM cells (HASMCs). Proteins encoded by the transient receptor potential (TRP) gene family function as channels through which receptor-operated and store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) occur. In the present study, the presence of TRPC1, TRPC3, TRPC4, TRPC5, and TRPC6 mRNA and protein expression was confirmed in cultured HASMCs using RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. TNF-alpha treatment significantly increased TRPC3 mRNA and protein levels in HASMCs as well as SOCE. TNF-alpha treatment also increased both the peak and plateau intracellular Ca(2+) concentration responses in HASMCs elicited by acetylcholine and bradykinin. The effects of TNF-alpha treatment on SOCE and agonist-induced intracellular Ca(2+) concentration responses were attenuated using small interfering RNA transfection, which knocked down TRPC3 expression. Thus, in inflammatory airway diseases, TNF-alpha treatment may result in increased myocyte activation due to altered Ca(2+) influx pathways. These results suggest that TRPC3 may be an important therapeutic target in inflammatory airway diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Oxytocin-induced Ca(2+) transients play an important role in myometrial contractions. Here, using a knockout model, we found that the enzyme CD38, responsible for the synthesis of the second messenger cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR), plays an important role in the oxytocin-induced Ca(2+) transients and contraction. We also observed that CD38 is necessary for TNF-alpha-increased agonist-stimulated Ca(2+) transients in human myometrial cells. We provide experimental evidence that the TNF-alpha effect is mediated by increased expression of the enzyme CD38. First, we observed that TNF-alpha increased oxytocin-induced Ca(2+) transients and CD38 expression in human myometrial cells. Moreover, using small interference RNA technology, we observed that TNF-alpha stimulation of agonist-induced Ca(2+) transients was abolished by blocking the expression of CD38. In control experiments, we observed that activation of the component of the TNF-alpha signaling pathway, NF-kappaB, was not affected by the treatments. Finally, we observed that the effects of TNF-alpha on CD38 cyclase and oxytocin-induced Ca(2+) transients are abolished by progesterone. In conclusion, we provide the first experimental evidence that CD38 is important for myometrial Ca(2+) transients and contraction. Moreover, CD38 is necessary for the TNF-alpha-mediated augmentation of agonist-induced Ca(2+) transients in myometrial cells. We propose that the balance between cytokines and placental steroids regulates the expression of CD38 in vivo and cell responsiveness to oxytocin.

Metabolic syndrome is a growing health problem worldwide. It is therefore imperative to develop new strategies to treat this pathology. In the past years, the manipulation of NAD(+) metabolism has emerged as a plausible strategy to ameliorate metabolic syndrome. In particular, an increase in cellular NAD(+) levels has beneficial effects, likely because of the activation of sirtuins. Previously, we reported that CD38 is the primary NAD(+)ase in mammals. Moreover, CD38 knockout mice have higher NAD(+) levels and are protected against obesity and metabolic syndrome. Here, we show that CD38 regulates global protein acetylation through changes in NAD(+) levels and sirtuin activity. In addition, we characterize two CD38 inhibitors: quercetin and apigenin. We show that pharmacological inhibition of CD38 results in higher intracellular NAD(+) levels and that treatment of cell cultures with apigenin decreases global acetylation as well as the acetylation of p53 and RelA-p65. Finally, apigenin administration to obese mice increases NAD(+) levels, decreases global protein acetylation, and improves several aspects of glucose and lipid homeostasis. Our results show that CD38 is a novel pharmacological target to treat metabolic diseases via NAD(+)-dependent pathways.

BACKGROUND Halothane inhibits airway smooth muscle contraction in part by inhibiting the functional coupling between muscarinic receptors and one of its cognate heterotrimeric G proteins, Galphaq. Based on previous studies indicating a more potent effect of halothane and sevoflurane on airway smooth muscle contraction compared with isoflurane, the current study hypothesized that at anesthetic concentrations of 2 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) or less, halothane and sevoflurane but not isoflurane inhibit acetylcholine-promoted Galphaq guanosine nucleotide exchange. METHODS Galphaq guanosine nucleotide exchange was measured in crude membranes prepared from COS-7 cells transiently coexpressing the human M3 muscarinic receptor and human Galphaq. A radioactive, nonhydrolyzable analog of guanosine-5'-triphosphate,[35S]GTPgammaS, was used as a reporter for nucleotide exchange at Galphaq. RESULTS Acetylcholine caused a concentration-dependent increase in Galphaq [35S]GTPgammaS-GDP exchange. Neither anesthetic affected constitutive Galphaq [35S]GTPgammaS-GDP exchange in the absence of acetylcholine. Conversely, each anesthetic caused a concentration-dependent and reversible inhibition of Galphaq [35S]GTPgammaS-GDP exchange when promoted by acetylcholine. At concentrations of 3 MAC or less, the effect of halothane and sevoflurane were significantly greater than that of isoflurane, with only a minimal inhibition by isoflurane observed at 2 MAC. CONCLUSION The differential effects of volatile anesthetics on acetylcholine-promoted guanosine nucleotide exchange at Galphaq are consistent with the apparent more potent direct effect of halothane and sevoflurane compared with isoflurane on muscarinic receptor-mediated contraction of isolated airway smooth muscle. These differential effects also suggest a mode of anesthetic action that could be due to anesthetic-protein interactions and not simply anesthetic accumulation in the lipid membrane.

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) has recently been shown to act as a second messenger controlling intracellular Ca(2+) responses in mammalian cells. Many questions remain regarding this signaling pathway, including the role of the ryanodine receptor (RyR) in NAADP-induced Ca(2+) transients. Furthermore, the exact metabolic pathway responsible for the synthesis of NAADP in vivo has not been determined. Here, we demonstrate that the NAADP mediated Ca(2+) release system is present in human myometrial cells. We also demonstrate that human myometrial cells use the NAADP second messenger system to generate intracellular Ca(2+) transients in response to histamine. It has been proposed in the past that the NAADP system in mammalian cells is dependent on the presence of functional RyRs. Here, we observed that the histamine-induced Ca(2+) transients are dependent on both the NAADP and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate signaling pathways but are independent of RyRs. The enzyme CD38 has been shown to catalyze the synthesis of NAADP in vitro by the base-exchange reaction. Furthermore, it has been proposed that this enzyme is responsible for the intracellular generation of NAADP in vivo. Using CD38 knockout mice, we observed that both the basal and histamine stimulated levels of NAADP are independent of CD38 and the base-exchange reaction. Our group is the first to demonstrate that NAADP is a second messenger for histamine-elicited Ca(2+) transients in human myometrial cells. Furthermore, the NAADP mediated mechanism in mammalian cells can be independent of RyRs and CD38. Our data provides novel insights into the understanding of the mechanism of action and metabolism of this new second messenger system.

We examined the role of the second-messenger cyclic-ADP-ribose (cADPR) on the regulation of ACTH secretion using AtT20 corticotroph tumor cell line. We found that the cADPR antagonist, 8-Br-cADPR, substantially diminished the secretion of ACTH induced by CRH and potassium in these cells, whereas xestospongin C, an inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor antagonist, had no effect. In addition, the cADPR agonist, 3-deaza-cADPR, augmented ACTH secretion. The presence of the components of the cADPR system, namely ryanodine receptor, CD38, and cADPR itself, was determined in AtT20 cells. Furthermore, we observed that antagonists of the ryanodine channel and cADPR system can decrease the potassium-induced Ca2+ transients in these cells. These results suggest that cADPR is a second messenger in pituitary cells and regulates ACTH secretion by a mechanism dependent on activation of the ryanodine channel by extracellular Ca2+.

Human myometrial contraction plays a fundamental role in labor. Dysfunction of uterine contraction is an important cause of labor progression failure. Although the mechanisms controlling uterine contraction are not completely understood, intracellular Ca2+ mobilization plays an important role during uterine contraction. Several mechanisms of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization are present in smooth muscle, but in the human uterus, only 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced Ca2+ release has been studied extensively. Ryanodine receptor channels are present in myometrium. We determined the role of the cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR)-signaling pathway in oxytocin-induced intracellular Ca2+[(Ca2+)i] transients in human myometrial cells. We found that oxytocin-induced Ca2+ transient is dependent on several sources of Ca2+, including extracellular Ca2+ and intracellular Ca2+ stores. In addition, we found that both the 1,4,5-trisphosphate- and the cADPR-induced Ca2+ releasing systems are important for the induction of [Ca2+]i transients by oxytocin in human myometrial cells. Furthermore, we investigated TNFalpha regulation of oxytocin-induced [Ca2+]i transients, CD38 cyclase activity, and CD38 expression in human myometrial cells. We found that oxytocin-induced [Ca2+]i transients were significantly increased by 50 ng/ml TNF. Similarly, CD38 mRNA levels, CD38 expression, and cyclase activity were increased by TNFalpha, thus increasing cADPR levels. We propose that a complex interaction between multiple signaling pathways is important for the development of intracellular Ca2+ transients induced by oxytocin and that TNFalpha may contribute for the myometrium preparation for labor by regulating the cADPR-signaling pathway. The observation that the cADPR-signaling pathway is important for the development of intracellular Ca2+ transients in human myometrial cells raises the possibility that this signaling pathway could serve as a target for the development of new therapeutic strategies for abnormal myometrial contraction observed during pregnancy.

Large-scale soil application of biochar may enhance soil fertility, increasing crop production for the growing human population, while also sequestering atmospheric carbon. But reaching these beneficial outcomes requires an understanding of the relationships among biochar's structure, stability, and contribution to soil fertility. Using quantitative 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, we show that Terra Preta soils (fertile anthropogenic dark earths in Amazonia that were enriched with char >800 years ago) consist predominantly of char residues composed of ~6 fused aromatic rings substituted by COO- groups that significantly increase the soils' cation-exchange capacity and thus the retention of plant nutrients. We also show that highly productive, grassland-derived soils in the U.S.(Mollisols) contain char (generated by pre-settlement fires) that is structurally comparable to char in the Terra Preta soils and much more abundant than previously thought (~40-50% of organic C). Our findings indicate that these oxidized char residues represent a particularly stable, abundant, and fertility-enhancing form of soil organic matter.

Upon contact with bodily fluids/tissues, exogenous materials spontaneously develop a layer of proteins on their surface. In the case of biomedical implants and equipment, biological processes with deleterious effects may ensue. For biosensing platforms, it is synonymous with an overwhelming background signal that prevents the detection/quantification of target analytes present in considerably lower concentrations. To address this ubiquitous problem, tremendous efforts have been dedicated over the years to engineer protein-resistant coatings. There is now extensive literature available on stealth organic adlayers able to minimize fouling down to a few ng cm(-2), however from technologically irrelevant single-protein buffered solutions. Unfortunately, few coatings have been reported to present such level of performance when exposed to highly complex proteinaceous, real-world media such as blood serum and plasma, even diluted. Herein, we concisely review the surface chemistry developed to date to minimize fouling from these considerably more challenging blood-based fluids. Adsorption dynamics is also discussed.

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is a key enzyme for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) biosynthesis, and can be found either intracellularly (iNAMPT) or extracellularly (eNAMPT). Studies have shown that both iNAMPT and eNAMPT are implicated in aging and age-related diseases/disorders in the peripheral system. However, their functional roles in aged brain remain to be established. Here we showed that upon aging, NAMPT level increased in serum but decreased in brain, decreased in cortex and hippocampus but remained unchanged in cerebellum and striatum in brain, and increased in microglia but likely decreased in neuron. Accordingly, total NAD (tNAD) level significantly decreased in hippocampus, cerebellum and striatum in aged brain. Application of recombinant NAMPT, mimicking the elevated serum NAMPT level, enhanced the susceptibility of cerebral endothelial cells to ischemic injury, while inhibition of iNAMPT by FK866, a specific inhibitor, reduced intracellular NAD level and induced neuronal death. Taken together, we have revealed a region- and cell-specific change of NAMPT level in brain and serum upon aging, deduced its potential consequences, which suggests that NAMPT is a regulatory factor in aging and age-related brain diseases.

In the past few years, several new protein post-translational modifications that use intermediates in metabolism have been discovered. These include various acyl lysine modifications (formylation, propionylation, butyrylation, crotonylation, malonylation, succinylation, myristoylation) and cysteine succination. Here, we review the discovery and the current understanding of these modifications. Several of these modifications are regulated by the deacylases, sirtuins, which use nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), an important metabolic small molecule. Interestingly, several of these modifications in turn regulate the activity of metabolic enzymes. These new modifications reveal interesting connections between metabolism and protein post-translational modifications and raise many questions for future investigations.

The discovery of sirtuins (SIRT), a family of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent deacetylases, has indicated that intracellular NAD level is crucial for the hypertrophic response of cardiomyocytes. Nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (Nmnat) is a central enzyme in NAD biosynthesis. Here we revealed that Nmnat2 protein expression and enzyme activity were down-regulated during cardiac hypertrophy. In neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, overexpression of Nmnat2 but not its catalytically inactive mutant blocked angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cardiac hypertrophy, which was dependent on activation of SIRT6 through maintaining the intracellular NAD level. Our results suggested that modulation of Nmnat2 activity may be beneficial in cardiac hypertrophy.

The ability of NAD(+) to act as a metabolic cofactor and as a rate-limiting cosubstrate for many enzymes, particularly the sirtuins, has led to the identification of a pivotal role of NAD(+) levels in the control of whole-body metabolic homeostasis. Bioavailability and compartmentalization of NAD(+) have become highly relevant issues that we need to understand in order to elucidate how NAD(+) acts both as a readout of the metabolic milieu and as an effector triggering appropriate cellular adaptations.

Seven mammalian sirtuins are nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)(+)-dependent deacetylases and are important modulators of energy metabolism and stress resistance. Two new studies by Du et al.(2011) and Peng et al.(2011) identify a new enzymatic activity for SIRT5, expanding the cellular repertoire of posttranslational modifications targeted by the sirtuins.

The Intracellular levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) are rhythmic and controlled by the circadian clock. However, whether NAD(+) oscillation in turn contributes to circadian physiology is not fully understood. To address this question we analyzed mice mutated for the NAD(+) hydrolase CD38. We found that rhythmicity of NAD(+) was altered in the CD38-deficient mice. The high, chronic levels of NAD(+) results in several anomalies in circadian behavior and metabolism. CD38-null mice display a shortened period length of locomotor activity and alteration in the rest-activity rhythm. Several clock genes and, interestingly, genes involved in amino acid metabolism were deregulated in CD38-null livers. Metabolomic analysis identified alterations in the circadian levels of several amino acids, specifically tryptophan levels were reduced in the CD38-null mice at a circadian time paralleling with elevated NAD(+) levels. Thus, CD38 contributes to behavioral and metabolic circadian rhythms and altered NAD(+) levels influence the circadian clock.

Sirtuins are protein deacetylases/mono-ADP-ribosyltransferases found in organisms ranging from bacteria to humans. This group of enzymes relies on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) as a cofactor linking their activity to the cellular metabolic status. Originally found in yeast, Sir2 was discovered as a silencing factor and has been shown to mediate the effects of calorie restriction on lifespan extension. In mammals seven homologs (SIRT1-7) exist which evolved to have specific biological outcomes depending on the particular cellular context, their interacting proteins, and the genomic loci to where they are actively targeted. Sirtuins biological roles are highlighted in the early lethal phenotypes observed in the deficient murine models. In this chapter, we summarize current concepts on non-metabolic functions for sirtuins, depicting this broad family from yeast to mammals.

Adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP)-ribosylation is a protein posttranslational modification that is catalyzed by ADP-ribosyltransferases (ARTs), using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) as a substrate. Mono-ribosylation can be extended into polymers of ADP-ribose (PAR). Poly(ADP-ribosyl)polymerase (PARP) 1, the best-characterized cellular enzyme catalyzing this process, is the prototypical member of a family of mono- and poly(ADP-ribosyl)transferases. The physiological consequences of ADP-ribosylation are inadequately understood. PARP2010, the 18th International Conference on ADP-Ribosylation, attracted scientists from all over the world to Zurich, Switzerland. Highlights from this meeting include promising clinical trials with PARP inhibitors and new insights into cell, structural, and developmental biology of ARTs and the (glyco)hydrolase proteins that catalyze de-ADP-ribosylation of mono- or poly-ADP-ribosylated proteins. Moreover, potential links to the NAD-dependent sirtuin family were explored on the basis of a shared dependence on cellular NAD(+) concentrations and the relationship of ADP-ribosylation with intermediary metabolism and cellular energetics.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) is an essential co-enzyme that can be released in the extracellular milieu. Here, it may elicit signals through binding purinergic receptors. Alternatively, NAD(+) may be dismantled to adenosine, up-taken by cells and transformed to reconstitute the intracellular nucleotide pool. An articulated ecto-enzyme network is responsible for the nucleotide-nucleoside conversion. CD38 is the main mammalian enzyme that hydrolyzes NAD(+), generating Ca(2+)-active metabolites. Evidence suggests that this extracellular network may be altered or used by tumor cells to (i) nestle in protected areas, and (ii) evade the immune response. We have exploited chronic lymphocytic leukemia as a model to test the role of the ecto-enzyme network, starting by analyzing the individual elements that make up the whole picture.

Melatonin (MEL) is a neuroendocrine hormone secreted by the pineal gland in association with the suprachiasmatic nucleus and peripheral tissues. MEL has been observed to play a critical role in the reproductive process and in the fetomaternal interface. Extrapineal synthesis has been reported in mammalian models during pregnancy, especially by the placenta tissue. MEL can regulate intracellular processes (e.g., G-proteins) and the activity of second messengers (e.g., cAMP, IP(3,) Ca(2+)). During neurodevelopment, these activities regulated by melatonin have an important role as an intracellular signaling for gene expression regulation. To review the role of MEL in neurodevelopment, we built interactome networks of different proteins that act in these processes using systems biology tools. The analyses of interactome networks revealed that MEL could modulate neurodevelopment through the regulation of Ca(2+) intracellular levels and influencing BMP/SMAD signaling, thus affecting neural gene responses and neuronal differentiation.