The NAD+ Discovery: A Brief History

The discovery of NAD+ was not driven by a single, specific inspiration, but rather emerged from a series of scientific inquiries and observations.¹ Here are some key factors that contributed to its discovery:

1. Early Observations of Fermentation:

• Arthur Harden and William John Young were studying yeast fermentation in the early 20th century.²
• They noticed that boiled yeast extracts, when added to unboiled extracts, significantly accelerated the fermentation process.³
• This observation suggested the presence of a heat-stable factor essential for fermentation.⁴

2. Identification of “Cozymase”:

• Harden and Young named this unidentified factor “cozymase.”⁵
• Subsequent research by Hans von Euler-Chelpin identified important chemical features of cozymase, including the presence of a sugar, adenine, and phosphate.⁶

3. Linking NAD+ to Energy Metabolism:

• Albert Szent-Györgyi and colleagues made significant contributions by linking NAD+ to cellular respiration and energy production.
• They demonstrated that NAD+ plays a crucial role in the oxidation-reduction reactions involved in the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation.⁷

4. Recognizing NAD+’s Role in Other Cellular Processes:

• Over time, scientists discovered that NAD+ is involved in various cellular processes beyond energy metabolism, including:
  • DNA repair
  • Cell signaling
  • Gene expression

5. The Rise of Aging Research:

• The increasing interest in aging research has led to a renewed focus on NAD+ and its potential role in age-related diseases.⁸
• Studies have shown that NAD+ levels decline with age, and that boosting NAD+ levels may have beneficial effects on cellular health and longevity.⁹

In summary, the discovery of NAD+ was a culmination of decades of research and the collective efforts of many scientists.

It was driven by curiosity, careful observation, and a desire to understand the fundamental mechanisms of life.

The ongoing exploration of NAD+ continues to reveal its importance in various biological processes and holds promise for future therapeutic interventions

Why is NAD Important?