A multidisciplinary team at Rutgers University has identified a remarkable gut microbe-derived molecule, N-methylnicotinamide (N-MNA), capable of reversing severe intestinal tissue damage in preclinical models. Supported by a newly awarded $3.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, researchers are now mapping the human enzymes that process this compound and investigating its broader potential to protect aging neurons and extend lifespan. The discovery underscores the rapidly growing consensus among longevity scientists that preserving gut microbiome diversity and microbial metabolites is central to preventing age-related inflammation and cognitive decline.
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