Innovative Technology Developed by Shimadzu and Washington University is Expected to Improve Healthy Life Expectancy

February 13, 2024

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Shimadzu Corporation and Shimadzu Scientific Instruments (SSI) announce the development of an innovative technology – double isotope-mediated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (dimeLC-MS/MS) – that holds the potential to further advance aging research and extend healthy life expectancy. SSI is collaborating with Shin-ichiro Imai, MD, PhD, the Theodore and Bertha Bryan Distinguished Professor in Environmental Medicine and a professor in the Department of Developmental Biology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, in developing the technology.

Washington University entered into a joint research agreement with SSI in 2021 to apply mass spectrometry technology toward the development of tools to quantitate nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)* and related compounds in biological samples. The Technology Research Laboratory of Shimadzu also entered into the agreement in 2021 and “dimeLC-MS/MS” technology was developed as the result of this joint research.

This technology combines a novel metabolite extraction method with stable isotope compounds made by Alsachim, a Shimadzu Group Company, enabling precise quantification of NMN in biological samples. Utilizing two different stable isotopes not only accurately quantifies NMN but also detects errors in the extraction process simultaneously. Shimadzu Corporation's LCMS-8060 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer played a pivotal role in this joint research.

Compared to traditional organic solvent-based metabolite extraction methods, this technological advancement offers rapid and accurate NMN quantification. Its applications span a wide range, from the development of anti-aging therapies to the treatment of aging-related diseases and advancing aging research in general. The research results were published in the renowned open-access journal "npj Aging" (Springer Nature) on January 2, 2024 (U.S. time). *NMN is a key intermediate in the synthesis pathway of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is essential to activate the sirtuin family of NAD-dependent protein deacetylases/deacylases, enzymes involved in controlling aging and lifespan. Thus, NMN has been demonstrated to mitigate aging- associated functional decline in tissues and organs.

The research results were published in the renowned open-access journal "npj Aging" (Springer Nature) on January 2, 2024 (U.S. time).

*NMN is a key intermediate in the synthesis pathway of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is essential to activate the sirtuin family of NAD-dependent protein deacetylases/deacylases, enzymes involved in controlling aging and lifespan. Thus, NMN has been demonstrated to mitigate aging- associated functional decline in tissues and organs.

Publication Information

Journal: npj Aging

Title: Absolute quantification of nicotinamide mononucleotide in biological samples by double isotope- mediated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (dimeLC-MS/MS) Authors: Junya Unno, Kathryn F. Mills, Tairo Ogura, Masayuki Nishimura, Shin-ichiro Imai

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41514-023-00133-1

Professor Shin-ichiro Imai remarked, " My collaboration with Shimadzu Corporation's Technology Research Laboratory and SSI has led to the development of dimeLC-MS/MS, making it possible to precisely and absolutely quantify NMN and related substances, which has been a long-standing challenge in the field of NAD biology. Using this method, precise measurement of the dynamics of NMN and related substances in humans will be an extremely important next step."

Professor Shin-ichiro’s research focuses on understanding the systemic regulation of aging and longevity in mammals and translating that knowledge into an effective anti-aging intervention that makes people’s later lives as healthy and productive as possible.

Masayuki Nishimura, Director of the New Strategy Department at SSI, added, "As a result of joint research carried out by sending a researcher to Professor Imai's research group, it has become possible to accurately measure the concentration of NMN and related compounds in biological samples. We are enthusiastic about the potential of our research collaboration to boost advancements in the field of healthcare. Our goal is to make meaningful contributions that accelerate research and development, ultimately enhancing healthcare outcomes and improving lives."

LCMS and HPLC from Shimadzu