13
Oct
A year ago, scientists discovered that the “elusive” transport system can efficiently shuttle the N-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) into cells, which can then be converted into NAD+. This discovery has opened up new doors for various health and anti-aging studies.
While most articles gloss over the science speak we give our readers far more credit than the average person for wanting to understand not only that something works but why and how.
The Basics of NAD+ and NMN
NAD is a vital component of life that helps us carry out various tasks, such as converting food into fuel. It also repairs DNA damage and helps maintain a healthy aging process.
Unfortunately, decreasing levels of NAD+ (which is normal as we get up in years) can lead to physical cellular aging. It’s also involved in regulating the function of certain proteins, which are known to play a role in the aging process. These proteins, called sirtuins, can help increase the survival rate of cells after they have been exposed to harmful chemicals.
Disease and aging are directly related to the decline in NAD+ levels
Maintaining a healthy level of NAD+ is important for graceful aging. One way to maintain this is by taking supplements that contain the precursors such as as NR and NMN. These molecules, which are similar to vitamin B3, can be found in various food products such as cabbage and cucumbers. Unfortunately, even taking these supplements is often not be enough to boost the levels of NAD+ in our bodies.
Supplementing with NMN has been shown to quickly and efficiently boost NAD+ levels in mice, as reported in the journal Cell Metabolism. The mice in the study showed markers for elevated energy, metabolism, and insulin sensitivity, reduced age-related weight gain, and even, improved eye function.
The Discovery of this NMN Transporter
The study, which was published in January 2019, explained how a protein known as Slc12a8 can transport NMN into cells. This process, instead of using NR as an intermediary, results in the conversion of the substance into NAD.
Shin-ichiro Imai, the study’s lead author, explained that Slc12a8 is a specific type of transport protein that can prevent NR from entering cells. By increasing the number of this protein, our cells can maintain a steady supply of fuel, which helps them convert the substance into NAD+. Unfortunately, as our bodies get older, the production of this substance can still be hindered.
It’s believed that providing your cells with both the NMN and Slc12a8 could help increase their energy levels throughout their lifespan. Hopefully, more effective ways to enhance the function of this protein will be developed in the future.
The Slc Super Gene Family
After learning that Slc12a8 is involved in this process, researchers are now looking into the other roles it plays in the cellular environment. The Slc gene is a super-family of transport proteins that can help transport various nutrients and drugs.
Although the Slc gene is mainly involved in this process, there are 52 sub-families that are also involved in this process. The specificity of each sub-family’s transport protein varies widely. As the number of Slc-associated genes continues to increase, researchers are constantly looking for new sub-families and genes. From 2004 to 2013, the number of Slc-associated genes has increased from 298 to 396.
The Slc gene’s name is the first step in the process of identifying the various sub-families. After a letter is used to indicate the family, the next step is to create a number that describes the individual transport protein. For instance, the Slc12a8 gene is part of the solute carrier family 12, which is a member 8 that has not been separated.
The Slc12 family is composed of a group of cation-coupled chloride carriers, which are known to transport various drugs and nutrients. The Slc12a8 gene, on the other hand, uses a sodium ion instead of chloride to transport the nutrients into cells.
Research into Slca8
In November 2019, a study presented at the Kidney Week of the American Society of Nephrology revealed that the relationship between the Slc12a8 gene and kidney health was revealed in mice.
The study, which was presented at the Kidney Week of the American Society of Nephrology, revealed that the relationship between the Slc12a8 gene and kidney health was revealed in mice.
The researchers were hoping to find out how the expression and location of Slc12a8 in the kidney can play a role in the development of metabolic-related conditions.
The results of the study revealed that poor metabolic health was associated with increased kidney loss. The researchers also found that the expression of Slc12a8 in the kidney was increased in unhealthy and metabolically healthy mice. In addition, the animals that were unhealthy also exhibited a significant increase in the translocation of the Slc12a8 gene to the apical side of the kidney.
The researchers also noted that the metabolically damaged animals exhibited a significant increase in the resorption of nutrients from their tubules. They concluded that the Slc12a8 gene’s translocation was designed to compensate for the loss of nutrients caused by the NAD+ loss.
Another area of research that is related to the Slc12a8 gene is the development of autoimmune-related conditions. It is believed that the gene could play a role in these conditions.
A study conducted by researchers in Sweden revealed that the genes that are involved in this process were highly expressed in families that have inflammatory skin conditions. However, the authors noted that the presence of the Slc12a8 gene in this condition could not be applied to other countries.
Although the exact role of the Slc12a8 gene in the development of autoimmune-related conditions is not yet known, it is believed that it could play a role in other health conditions. More studies are expected to reveal the relationship between the Slc12a8 gene and various health conditions.
At RenovoVita we believe in the science of health and medicine. This is why we combined the power of nature and science to create our proprietary blend known simply as With-N Cell Activation. www.RenovoVita.com/with-n allows your body to use the power of NMN and NAD+ to increase the speed and quality of cellular replication leading to a feeling and look that is youthful beyond your years.
https://www.asn-online.org/education/kidneyweek/2019/program-abstract.aspx?controlId=3224565
FDA & Legal Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.