Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase: More Than a Vitamin B3 Clearance Enzyme

Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2017 May;28(5):340-353. doi: 10.1016/j.tem.2017.02.004. Epub 2017 Mar 11.

Abstract

Nicotinamide (NAM) N-methyltransferase (NNMT) was originally identified as the enzyme responsible for the methylation of NAM, one of the forms of vitamin B3. Methylated NAM is eventually excreted from the body. Recent evidence has expanded the role of NNMT beyond clearance of excess vitamin B3. NNMT has been implicated in the regulation of multiple metabolic pathways in tissues such as adipose and liver as well as cancer cells through the consumption of methyl donors and generation of active metabolites. This review examines recent findings regarding the function of NNMT in physiology and disease and highlights potential new avenues for therapeutic intervention. Finally, key gaps in our knowledge about this enzymatic system and future areas of investigation are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / enzymology
  • Adipose Tissue / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Liver / enzymology
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Niacinamide / genetics
  • Niacinamide / metabolism*
  • Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase / genetics
  • Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase / metabolism*

Substances

  • Niacinamide
  • Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase