NMNAT1 inhibits axon degeneration via blockade of SARM1-mediated NAD+ depletion

• DOI: 10.7554/elife.19749
• Publication Date: 2016-10-13T11:02:13Z
• Authors: Yo Sasaki; Takashi Nakagawa; Xianrong Mao; Aaron DiAntonio; Jeffrey Milbrandt
• Keywords: Dorsal root ganglion

Overexpression of the NAD+ biosynthetic enzyme NMNAT1 leads to preservation injured axons. While increased or decreased NMN levels are thought be critical this process, mechanism(s) axon protection remain obscure. Using steady-state and flux analysis metabolites in healthy mouse dorsal root ganglion axons, we find that rather than altering synthesis, instead blocks injury-induced, SARM1-dependent consumption is central degeneration.