Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt) in carcinogenesis: new clinical opportunities

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt) is the rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the first step in the mammalian nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) salvage pathway. Aberrant NAD metabolism was associated with oncogenic signal transduction, suggesting the critical roles of Nampt in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Additionally, Nampt can be secreted out of the cell, and this extracellular form of Nampt (eNampt) was shown to induce inflammation and angiogenesis due to its cytokine activity, which may also be involved in carcinogenesis.

Areas covered: This article reviews recent advances in the studies of Nampt in carcinogenesis, with a special highlight on Nampt inhibitors and future clinical application, including cancer diagnosis, prognosis and therapy.

Expert commentary: Nampt not only maintains the balance of cellular metabolism, but also has a profound influence on multiple aspects of carcinogenesis. Therefore, elucidation of these mechanisms opens the door for future clinical applications targeting this protein. Additional studies are needed to address important questions including the relationship between extracellular Nampt and carcinogenesis.

KEYWORDS:

• Nampt
• NAD metabolism
• cytokine
• carcinogenesis biomarker
• inhibitor therapy

Declaration of interest

This work was supported by the key research and development program of Hainan Province [grant number ZDYF2016128, ZDYF2016138], the social development project of science and technology in Hainan province [grant number 2015SF13], the medical scientific research project of Hainan province health and family planning commission [grant number 2014-07], and Sichuan Science-Technology Innovative Research Team for Young Scientist [grant number 2013TD0001]. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.