The Circadian NAD Metabolism: Impact on Chromatin Remodeling and Aging.

Gene expression is known to be a stochastic phenomenon. The stochastic gene expression rate is thought to be altered by topological change of chromosome and/or by chromatin modifications such as acetylation and methylation. Changes in mechanical properties of chromosome/chromatin by soluble factors, mechanical stresses from the environment, or metabolites determine cell fate, regulate cellular functions, or maintain cellular homeostasis. Circadian clock, which drives the expression of thousands of genes with 24-hour rhythmicity, has been known to be indispensable for maintaining cellular functions/homeostasis. During the last decade, it has been demonstrated that chromatin also undergoes modifications with 24-hour rhythmicity and facilitates the fine-tuning of circadian gene expression patterns. In this review, we cover data which suggests that chromatin structure changes in a circadian manner and that NAD is the key metabolite for circadian chromatin remodeling. Furthermore, we discuss the relationship among circadian clock, NAD metabolism, and aging/age-related diseases. In addition, the interventions of NAD metabolism for the prevention and treatment of aging and age-related diseases are also discussed.