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Boosting NAD+ Levels: A Promising Approach for Halting Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Metastasis

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The decline of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels with age and in certain disease conditions has captured the attention of researchers investigating treatments for age-related diseases. Recent studies have shown that boosting NAD+ levels through supplementation can counteract age-related ailments in mouse models. However, understanding the role of NAD+ metabolism in cancer, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), has remained elusive.



In this blog post, we explore a groundbreaking study that sheds light on the potential of NAD+ supplementation in suppressing tumor metastasis in a TNBC model. The research reveals the crucial involvement of Sirtuin1 lysine deacetylase (SIRT1) and its interaction with p66Shc, providing new avenues for inhibiting the aggressive nature of TNBC. These findings present exciting prospects for using SIRT1 activators as effective interventions in the prevention and treatment of TNBC.

Declining NAD+ Levels and Age-Associated Diseases: As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, and declining NAD+ levels have been linked to age-related diseases. NAD+ plays a crucial role in cellular energy metabolism and is involved in DNA repair, gene expression regulation, and protein homeostasis. Unfortunately, NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, compromising these essential functions and contributing to the development of age-related conditions.

Efforts to boost NAD+ levels have shown promise in animal models, where NAD+ precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) stimulate NAD+ biosynthesis and alleviate age-related symptoms. These findings have sparked interest in exploring NAD+ supplementation as a potential therapy for human diseases, including cancer.

NAD+ Supplementation and its Role in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. TNBC has limited treatment options and a poorer prognosis compared to other breast cancer subtypes, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers investigated the effects of NAD+ supplementation on tumor metastasis using a TNBC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model. They observed a significant suppression of tumor metastasis upon NAD+ supplement administration, suggesting its potential as a targeted intervention for TNBC treatment.

The study focused on Sirtuin1 lysine deacetylase (SIRT1), a protein involved in NAD+-dependent enzymatic reactions. By conducting SIRT1 knockdown experiments, the researchers demonstrated that SIRT1 is essential for the inhibitory effects of NAD+ supplementation on tumor metastasis. Additionally, the overexpression of SIRT1 effectively impaired TNBC metastatic potential, highlighting its significance in TNBC progression.

The researchers also discovered an intriguing interaction between SIRT1 and p66Shc, a protein associated with cell proliferation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. SIRT1 was found to deacetylate and inactivate p66Shc, ultimately inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process involved in cancer metastasis. The SIRT1-p66Shc axis emerges as a key regulator in the NAD+-mediated suppression of tumor metastasis, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.

Implications and Future Directions: The findings of this study hold significant implications for the development of new strategies to combat TNBC and other aggressive forms of cancer. NAD+ supplementation, coupled with the activation of the SIRT1-p66Shc axis, presents a promising approach to inhibit tumor metastasis and suppress TNBC progression. These discoveries open doors for innovative therapeutic interventions.

Further research is necessary to validate the efficacy of NAD+ supplementation and SIRT1 activators through human clinical trials. Additionally, understanding the broader implications of NAD+ metabolism in different cancer types and its interactions with other signaling pathways will be critical for maximizing the therapeutic benefits.

Conclusion: The declining levels of NAD+ with age and in certain diseases have driven scientific exploration into NAD+ supplementation. In the case of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a groundbreaking study reveals the potential of NAD+ supplementation in suppressing tumor metastasis. The study emphasizes the critical role of SIRT1 and its interaction with p66Shc, providing new insights for inhibiting the aggressive nature of TNBC.

NAD+ supplementation, in conjunction with the activation of the SIRT1-p66Shc axis, holds promise for combating TNBC and other aggressive cancers. As research continues in this area, we anticipate further advancements that may revolutionize cancer treatment approaches.

From: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41388-023-02592-y

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