Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) is the universal currency of energy metabolism and electron transfer.

Recent studies indicate that apart from its role as a coenzyme, NAD(+) and its metabolites also function in cell signaling pathways; for example, they are substrates for nucleotide-metabolizing enzymes and ligands for extra- and intracellular receptors and ion channels.

Moreover, the NAD(+) and NAD(+) phosphate metabolites adenosine 5'-diphosphoribose (ADP-ribose), cyclic ADP-ribose, and nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) have emerged as key second messengers in Ca(2+) signaling.

A symposium in Hamburg, Germany, brought together 120 researchers from various fields, who were all engaged in the molecular characterization of the key players of NAD(+) signaling.

About the Authors

Koch-Nolte F, Haag F, Guse AH, Lund F, Ziegler M. (2009) Emerging roles of NAD+ and its metabolites in cell signaling. Sci Signal. 2009 Feb 10;2(57):mr1. Institute of Immunology, Diagnostic Department, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, Hamburg, Germany.