Nampt/PBEF/visfatin and cancer
Nampt, also known as PBEF or visfatin, is the rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the initial step in NAD biosynthesis from nicotinamide. It plays a critical role in regulating mammalian cell growth, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Initially identified as a putative cytokine, Nampt was shown to enhance B cell precursor maturation in the presence of IL-7 and stem cell factor. Elevated expression of Nampt has been observed in several cancers, where it modulates key signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt, ERK1/2, and STAT3. Two notable inhibitors of Nampt, FK866 (also known as APO866) and CHS828 (GMX1777), have been investigated as potential anticancer agents in clinical studies. This review highlights the role of Nampt in carcinogenesis and cancer progression, as well as its potential as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment.