NAD Metabolism Regulates Proliferation of Macrophages in Atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND: -methyltransferase), an enzyme that degrades nicotinamide, as the causal gene in the locus and show that the underlying mechanism involves salvage of nicotinamide to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). METHODS: Gain/loss of function studies in macrophages were performed to examine the role of NAD levels in macrophage proliferation and apoptosis in atherosclerosis. RESULTS: knockout mice exhibited reduced proliferation, increased apoptosis, and an increased NAD/NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, reduced) ratio. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal a role for nicotinamide salvage and NAD turnover in macrophage proliferation and survival in the context of atherosclerosis.