**Background of NAMPT Antibodies**
Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), also known as pre-B-cell colony-enhancing factor (PBEF) or visfatin, is a key enzyme in the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) biosynthesis pathway. It catalyzes the conversion of nicotinamide into nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a rate-limiting step in NAD+ production. NAD+ is essential for cellular energy metabolism, DNA repair, and signaling processes, linking NAMPT to critical physiological functions such as aging, inflammation, and stress responses.
NAMPT exists in two forms: intracellular (iNAMPT) and extracellular (eNAMPT). While iNAMPT maintains NAD+ homeostasis, eNAMPT acts as a cytokine, influencing inflammation and immune regulation. Dysregulation of NAMPT is associated with various diseases, including cancer, metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes, obesity), neurodegenerative conditions, and cardiovascular diseases. Elevated NAMPT levels in tumors, for instance, promote cancer cell survival and chemoresistance by sustaining NAD+-dependent pathways.
NAMPT antibodies are vital tools for studying its expression, localization, and function. They enable detection of NAMPT in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and ELISA, aiding research into its role in disease mechanisms. Additionally, NAMPT inhibitors (e.g., FK866) and therapeutic antibodies are under investigation for targeting NAMPT-overexpressing cancers or inflammatory conditions. However, challenges remain in understanding tissue-specific NAMPT dynamics and balancing therapeutic efficacy with potential side effects.
Overall, NAMPT antibodies are crucial for both basic research and translational studies, offering insights into its dual roles in health and disease.