What is NAD+?
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every living cell. Strictly speaking it is not a peptide but a nucleotide, although it is often listed alongside research peptides. Here you can read how NAD+ is built, what it does in the cell and why it is so widely studied.
NAD+ at a glance
NAD+ consists of two nucleotides joined through their phosphate groups: one carrying the base adenine and one carrying nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3. The '+' refers to the oxidized form; the reduced form is called NADH.
- Full name: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
- Type: coenzyme (dinucleotide), not a peptide
- Molecular weight: about 663 g/mol
- Forms: NAD+ (oxidized) and NADH (reduced)
- Form: white to off-white lyophilized powder
The role of NAD+ in the cell
NAD+ is one of the main electron carriers in metabolism. In glycolysis and the citric acid cycle it accepts electrons and becomes NADH; in the mitochondria, NADH passes those electrons to the respiratory chain, where ATP is made.
NAD+ is also a substrate for several enzyme families, such as the sirtuins, the PARP enzymes (involved in DNA repair) and CD38. These enzymes consume NAD+, so the cell has to keep making or recycling it.
Research areas
NAD+ has been a research focus for years. Key areas include:
- Energy metabolism and mitochondrial function
- Sirtuin activity in cell and animal models
- DNA repair through PARP enzymes
- The decline of NAD+ levels with age in animal models
- Synthesis pathways and precursors such as NMN and nicotinamide riboside
NAD+ alongside MOTS-c and SS-31
In mitochondrial research, NAD+ is often mentioned alongside the mitochondrial peptide MOTS-c and the peptide SS-31, which binds to the inner mitochondrial membrane. They are three very different molecules, each shedding light on another aspect of mitochondrial function.
Storage and quality
Store lyophilized NAD+ cool, dry and protected from light. NAD+ in solution degrades more easily, especially at higher temperatures and in basic conditions; keep the solution at 2–8 °C and use it promptly.
Virexa Labs supplies NAD+ in 500 mg and 1000 mg vials, tested by HPLC for ≥99% purity. NAD+ from Virexa Labs is intended solely for laboratory research and not for human or veterinary use.
Products
Frequently asked questions
Is NAD+ a peptide?
No. NAD+ is a coenzyme made of two nucleotides. It is often sold and studied alongside research peptides, but chemically it is not a peptide.
What is the difference between NAD+ and NADH?
NAD+ is the oxidized form that can accept electrons. Once it has accepted electrons it becomes NADH, the reduced form.
What does NAD stand for?
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.
Is NAD+ from Virexa Labs intended for human use?
No. It is a research reagent intended solely for laboratory research and not for human or veterinary consumption.