Clock-Dependent NAD+ Synthesis Controls Mitochondrial Metabolism

[anne_likes_red]

This article is reporting on a mouse study: Clock-Dependent NAD+ Synthesis Controls Mitochondrial Metabolism.
...Possibly interesting to those interested in a circadian tie-in to mitochondria, or anyone researching the SIRT pathways.

Mitochondria regulate the supply of energy to cells when we are at rest, with no glucose available from food. In a study of mice, the researchers found that the circadian clock supplies the match to light the furnace and on the match tip is a critical compound called NAD+. It combines with an enzyme in mitochondria called Sirtuin 3, which acts as the flint, to light the furnace. When the clock in an animal isn't working, the animal can't metabolize stored energy and the process doesn't ignite.

 

[alex3619]

NAD has been discussed a fair bit on these forums.

 

[dannybex]

"Mitochondria regulate the supply of energy to cells when we are at rest, with no glucose available from food."

I don't get it. Wouldn't there be glucose available if one has sufficient stores of glycogen?

 

[anne_likes_red]

Heh yes but presumably they're talking about "fasting" (overnight for example) when it is available from glycogen - as opposed to directly after a meal.
Fasting stimulates the sirtuin pathways (same as exercise, cold exposure and some other things like resveratrol....certain wavelengths of light too I think).
No doubt the actual study will be worded more precisely than that article!

 

[alex3619]

http://forums.phoenixrising.me/index.php?threads/nad-controls-circadian-clock-in-mice.25398/

 

[alex3619]

The point of the article is that without proper activation the mitochondria go into power saving mode, I think. Its not about glucose being available, its about the furnace being shut down.