Up until recently, it was believed that aging was just the natural way of things. That as time passed, our bodies aged, degraded, often became more susceptible to sickness, and eventually would give out and we would cease to be any longer.

Modern medicine, nutraceuticals, and science are amazing and stranger than fiction these days.

Shin-Ichiro Imai, MD, PhD, (right) and Alessia Grozio, PhD, Researchers at Washington University have identified a new route within the cells of the body that can transport cellular fuel. This discovery could help scientists understand the various chronic diseases associated with the aging processes.

As cells get age, they start to lose their ability to process and take in nutritional fuel needed to sustain. This is a major issue that researchers are working on to address in order to improve energy in aging cells.

The fuel supply chain within a cell is important for many reasons, one of which is the production of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, or NAD+. Studies have shown that the levels of this chemical in tissues decrease with age. One way that cells can make this chemical is by using a precursor molecule known as Nicotinamide Mono Nucleotide, or NMN, which is found in foods such as avocados, broccoli, and green vegetables. However, exactly how this chemical penetrates these cells has always been a mystery.

A new study conducted by researchers led by Shin-ichiro Imata, PhD, revealed that a protein known as NMN is responsible for moving the non-nuclear material (NMN) into cells. This protein can then be used to produce cellular fuel.

The Journal of Nature Metabolism – Inaugural Study published January 7th, 2022.

For years, Imai and his team had been searching for a way to get NMN into cells. They believed that the pathway involved in this process could be explained by the speed at which it moves from the gut to the bloodstream and eventually into tissues. However, they decided that there wasn’t enough time to develop complex biochemical reactions that would convert the protein into another form.

“To achieve such fast uptake of NMN into the tissues, we speculated that there must be a specific NMN transporter that moves NMN directly into cells, even though no one had ever seen such a thing,” Imai said.

The study, which was conducted by Dr. Alessia Grozio, a staff scientist in the developmental biology department of the University of California, identified the protein Slc12a8 as the mystery transporter. They also found that the presence of sodium ions in the environment can help transport non-nuclear factors (NMN) into cells.

Scientists discovered that when NAD levels fall, the expression of the Slc12a8 gene shows a rise. They also found that when Grozio decreased the levels of NAD inside cells, the resulting increase in the NAD produced by the cell exceeded her expectations.

It was suggested that cells do not just passively accept the loss of NAD, they actively work to maintain their fuel supply. This is because by increasing the number of their NMN transporters, they can increase their capacity to transport the raw materials needed to make NAD. Cells that are aging can also compensate for their depleted fuel supply.

Researchers discovered that when the levels of NAD fall, the expression of a gene known as Slc12a8 goes up. They also found that when Grozio lowers the levels of this chemical inside cells, the cell’s production of NAD goes up.

It was suggested that cells do more than passively accept the loss of NAD. They also work to maintain their fuel supply by increasing their number of N-methyl-N-terminal (NMN) carriers. This strategy can help them transport the necessary raw materials for making NAD. Cells that are aging may also help replenish their depleted fuel supply.

In Imai’s lab, studies have shown that giving older mice NNM can help boost their metabolism and improve various body functions, such as bone density, insulin sensitivity, and skeletal muscle. They also found that the effects of this supplement were only seen in older animals.

“What may be important in a future strategy is the combination of giving NMN along with stimulating the transport of NMN into cells,” Imai said. “With aging, we see a bottleneck in NAD production. The body loses its ability to manufacture NAD over time. At the same time, it seems to begin burning more NAD, likely due to chronic inflammation. If we can give NMN and aid its transport into cells, that may be a way to bypass the bottleneck.”

Through the work of Imai’s lab, researchers have identified small molecules that can enhance the function of the protein known as NMN. They have partnered with a Japanese company called Teijin Limited to develop new therapies for the treatment of chronic diseases of aging. A clinical trial is also being conducted at the School of Medicine to study the effects of this drug on older adults.

At RenovoVita we have harnessed the anti-aging power of NMN and NAD+ in our formulation of With-N Cell Activation. It is available in capsule form for supplementation and doing wonders for our clients already. Read our testimonials to see what people are saying!

Visit www.RenovoVita.com to learn more or experience the RenovoVita difference!

FDA & Legal Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

*Source: https://medicine.wustl.edu/news/scientists-identify-new-fuel-delivery-route-for-cells/