NAF1
Nuclear Assembly Factor 1 Ribonucleoprotein (NAF1) is a protein with a relatively poor understood function which is encoded for by the NAF1 gene. It is known that NAF1 plays a fundamental role in maintaining telomere length by associating with other proteins such as TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase) to form the telomerase enzyme 1,2.
Telomeres are the buffers present at the ends of chromosomes which protect our DNA from damage during cell division. It is well understood how telomerase functions and the role of proteins such as TERT within this structure; however, the precise role of NAF1 in this enzyme is unknown.
| rsID Number | Major Allele | Minor Allele | Minor Allele Frequency (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| rs7675998 | g | a | 19 |
Risk Description
The risk allele ‘A’ of the SNP rs7675998 in the NAF1 associated with an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease with a potential earlier onset. 3,4.
It is not clear how shortened telomeres contribute to an increased risk of coronary heart disease, or how the risk allele ‘A’ influences telomere length.
Indirect Nutrients:*
| Ingredient | Active Ingredient | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium |
A proper dietary intake of magnesium has been shown to provide a protective effect against coronary heart disease 5. Therefore, supplementation may prove beneficial to those at a greater risk of developing coronary heart disease, such as those carrying the ‘A’ risk allele. |
|
| Vitamin E | α-tocopherol |
Vitamin E has been shown to educe the risk of developing coronary heart disease, and therefore supplementation may prove beneficial to those with an existing elevated risk, as associated with the risk ‘A’ allele 6. |
| Nattō | Nattokinase |
Reducing blood pressure has a major protective effect in terms of cardiovascular risk. Nattokinase, an enzyme secreted by bacteria during the fermentation of the Japanese food nattō, has been shown to have excellent blood pressure reducing characteristics. Additionally nattokinase has been shown to efficiently breakdown fibrin blood clots, this dual activity is highly beneficial in those at cardiovascular risk, such as those carrying the risk ‘A’ allele 7. |
| Ubiquinol | Coenzyme Q10 |
Coenzyme Q10 (CQ10) is a naturally occurring coenzyme with numerous health benefits 8. A beneficial effect was observed in those with high blood pressure, although no effect was seen in a healthy comparison group 9. Reduction in blood pressure is a major driver in reducing coronary heart disease in both men and women, and so supplementation may prove beneficial to those carrying the risk ‘A’ allele. |
Discuss this information with your doctor before taking any course of action.
Citations:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12515383
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19383767
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24904205
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23535734/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14963055
- http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199605023341803
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28264497
- https://dx.doi.org/10.1002%2F14651858.CD008684.pub2
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17287847