Characterization of NAD uptake in mammalian cells.

Recent evidence has shown that NAD(P) plays a variety of roles in cell-signaling processes. Surprisingly, the presence of NAD(P) utilizing ectoenzymes suggests that NAD(P) is present extracellularly. Indeed, nanomolar concentrations of NAD have been found in plasma and other body fluids. Although very high concentrations of NAD have been shown to enter cells, it is not known whether lower, more physiological concentrations are able to be taken up. Here we show that two mammalian cell types are able to transport low NAD concentrations effectively. Furthermore, extracellular application of NAD was able to counteract FK866-induced cell death and restore intracellular NAD(P) levels. We propose that NAD uptake may play a role in physiological NAD homeostasis.