NANS Activators

NANS activators encompass a class of compounds that, through various biochemical mechanisms, are postulated to increase the enzymatic activity of sialic acid synthase. These compounds do not activate NANS directly but can affect the cellular metabolic state, substrate availability, or energy balance, which in turn can enhance the pathway of sialic acid synthesis where NANS plays a critical role. Compounds like NMN and Acetyl-CoA are pivotal in increasing the cellular pools of key metabolites and energy carriers. The availability of these metabolites may upregulate the biosynthesis of the precursors to sialic acid, thus potentially increasing the activity of NANS.

Further, compounds such as citric acid, pyruvate, and Glucosamine serve as integral players in metabolic pathways that can contribute to the synthesis of UDP-GlcNAc, a direct precursor for sialic acid production. Ensuring a sufficient supply of such precursors can be a determinant of the activity of NANS. Vitamins and cofactors such as biotin, folate, vitamin B12, and pantothenate are crucial for maintaining the metabolic processes that provide the building blocks for sialic acid synthesis. Their presence in sufficient quantities is essential for the optimal functioning of the biosynthetic pathway and, by extension, could enhance NANS activity.