5-Amino-1mq Research Compound

The 5-amino-1mq research compound is a membrane-permeable quinolinium derivative evaluated for its selective inhibition of cytosolic nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). By suppressing NNMT activity, this small molecule serves as a critical biochemical tool for investigating intracellular NAD+ availability, adipocyte energy expenditure, and mitochondrial bioenergetics in vitro and in animal models. PX1 Research supplies high-purity 5-Amino-1MQ exclusively for laboratory evaluation and preclinical study.

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Quick answer

The 5-amino-1mq research compound is a membrane-permeable quinolinium derivative evaluated for its selective inhibition of cytosolic nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). By suppressing NNMT activity, this small molecule serves as a critical biochemical tool for investigating intracellular NAD+ availability, adipocyte energy expenditure, and mitochondrial bioenergetics in vitro and in animal models. PX1 Research supplies high-purity 5-Amino-1MQ exclusively for laboratory evaluation and preclinical study.

Reviewed by PX1 Research scientific team

Key takeaways

  • The [5-amino-1mq](/research-peptides/5-amino-1mq) research compound (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a selective, membrane-permeable small-molecule inhibitor of the cytosolic enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT).
  • Structurally, 5-amino-1-methylquinolinium consists of a bicyclic quinolinium scaffold bearing an amino substituent at the 5-position and a methyl group on the nitrogen atom.
  • Inhibition of NNMT by [5-amino-1MQ](/research-peptides/5-amino-1mq) modulates two core metabolic nodes: nucleotide salvage pathways and methyl group availability.
  • Mitochondrial efficiency depends heavily on the ratio of oxidized to reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ([NAD+](/research-peptides/nad-plus)/NADH).

Direct Summary: What is the 5-Amino-1MQ Research Compound?

The 5-amino-1mq research compound (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a selective, membrane-permeable small-molecule inhibitor of the cytosolic enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). By blocking NNMT activity, it prevents the irreversible methylation and clearance of nicotinamide, directly supporting intracellular NAD+ pools, elevating mitochondrial respiration, and altering lipid flux in preclinical adipocyte and myocyte models.

Because NNMT is overexpressed in high-fat diet rodent models and dysfunctional metabolic tissues, researchers utilize the 5-amino-1mq research compound to isolate the physiological consequences of NNMT suppression without genetic knockout techniques. All data regarding this agent stem from controlled preclinical research settings.

Chemical Structure and Enzymatic Target Identification

Structurally, 5-amino-1-methylquinolinium consists of a bicyclic quinolinium scaffold bearing an amino substituent at the 5-position and a methyl group on the nitrogen atom. This charged, compact architecture allows the molecule to act as a substrate-competitive inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme predominantly expressed in liver and adipose tissue.

Under physiological conditions, NNMT transfers a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to nicotinamide (NAM), producing 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MNA) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). Because 1-MNA is excreted or further oxidized, NNMT activity permanently removes nicotinamide from the cellular NAD+ salvage pathway. Pharmacological inhibition via the 5-amino-1mq research compound halts this drain, allowing NAM to remain available for conversion into nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and subsequently NAD+.

Mechanism of Action: NNMT Inhibition and Cellular Energetics

Inhibition of NNMT by 5-amino-1MQ modulates two core metabolic nodes: nucleotide salvage pathways and methyl group availability. In vitro assays demonstrate that 5-amino-1MQ binds the NNMT active site with low micromolar affinity, blocking the access of endogenous nicotinamide and SAM.

In cellular models, the accumulation of unmethylated nicotinamide directly enhances the activity of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), the rate-limiting enzyme in the primary NAD+ salvage pathway. Consequently, intracellular NAD+ concentrations rise, driving the activity of NAD+-dependent enzymes such as sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs). To explore broader nucleotide and energetic pathways, researchers frequently cross-reference data from our NAD+ research compound guide.

Impact on Mitochondrial Output and Bioenergetic Respiration

Mitochondrial efficiency depends heavily on the ratio of oxidized to reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+/NADH). Preclinical studies using oxygen consumption rate (OCR) assays demonstrate that culturing adipocytes with the 5-amino-1mq research compound elevates basal respiration, ATP-linked respiration, and maximal respiratory capacity.

Mechanistically, elevated NAD+ levels stimulate SIRT1-mediated deacetylation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α). Activated PGC-1α acts as the master transcriptional coactivator for mitochondrial biogenesis, increasing electron transport chain complex subunit expression. In vitro fluorescence imaging confirms higher mitochondrial membrane potential and density in cells treated with 5-amino-1MQ relative to vehicle controls.

Preclinical Findings in Adipose and Muscle Tissue Models

Preclinical investigation into obesity and metabolic dysfunction frequently focuses on adipose tissue remodeling. In diet-induced obese rodent models, administration of NNMT inhibitors such as 5-amino-1MQ resulted in reduced adipocyte volume and decreased overall body mass without altering daily caloric intake. This indicates an intrinsic shift toward increased basal metabolic expenditure.

Furthermore, in vitro skeletal muscle cell cultures exposed to 5-amino-1MQ demonstrate accelerated glucose uptake and enhanced fatty acid oxidation rates. Researchers investigating tissue-specific energy expenditure often evaluate 5-amino-1MQ alongside other metabolic regulators available across our research peptides catalog to compare pathways regulating lipolysis and substrate utilization.

Comparative Analysis: 5-Amino-1MQ vs. Parallel Metabolic Regulators

When designing preclinical metabolic protocols, laboratory investigators frequently compare 5-amino-1MQ with alternative research compounds targeting energy homeostasis and mitochondrial function. While 5-amino-1MQ acts upstream via direct NNMT enzymatic blockade, compounds like MOTS-c influence metabolic transcription directly through mitochondrial-derived signaling pathways.

Similarly, research involving AICAR focuses on direct, pharmacological activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), bypassing the NAD+ salvage cascade entirely. In contrast, 5-amino-1MQ operates by preserving endogenous nicotinamide pools and altering methyl donor ratios (SAM/SAH), offering a unique mechanistic vantage point for studying fat-metabolism kinetics and epigenetic methylation dynamics.

Solubility, Reconstitution, and Laboratory Storage Guidelines

To ensure precise molar concentrations during in vitro screening, researchers must observe specific solubility parameters for 5-amino-1MQ. The compound exhibits limited solubility in plain aqueous buffer solutions at neutral pH, but dissolves readily in organic solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or dimethylformamide (DMF) at concentrations up to 20 mg/mL.

For aqueous cell culture media applications, stock solutions should first be prepared in 100% molecular-grade DMSO before diluting into working media, ensuring final DMSO concentrations remain below 0.1% (v/v) to avoid cytotoxic interference. Solid lyophilized material should be stored at -20°C in a desiccated container protected from light. Aliquoted liquid stock solutions in DMSO remain stable at -80°C for extended periods; repeated freeze-thaw cycles must be strictly avoided to prevent chemical degradation.

Analytical Purity Verification: HPLC, MS, and Endotoxin Standards

Rigorous experimental reproducibility demands uncompromised reagent purity. Off-target enzymatic inhibition or false cytotoxicity in cellular assays often traces back to residual synthetic intermediates, heavy metals, or bacterial endotoxins. PX1 Research subjects every production lot of the 5-amino-1mq research compound to rigorous analytical testing in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.

Purity is verified via Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC), ensuring a chromatographic purity profile exceeding 98.0%. Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS) confirms molecular identity by verifying exact monoisotopic mass. Furthermore, every lot undergoes chromogenic Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) testing to verify endotoxin levels remain below stringent laboratory thresholds (<0.01 EU/mg), preventing confounding inflammatory responses in sensitive cell lines.

Sourcing Laboratory-Grade 5-Amino-1MQ from PX1 Research

PX1 Research is an established USA-based supplier dedicated to providing research institutions, contract research organizations (CROs), and academic laboratories with verified chemical reagents. All compounds are manufactured in accordance with GMP-compliant facility standards, ensuring strict lot-to-lot consistency and total supply chain traceability.

Every shipment includes a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) detailing raw HPLC chromatograms, mass spectra, and endotoxin assay results. Institutional buyers seeking bulk allocations or dedicated recurring orders can access specialized fulfillment schedules and volume pricing through our wholesale lab account portal. Orders placed Monday through Friday before cut-off times ship same-day from our primary distribution hubs located in California and Arizona.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary molecular target of the 5-amino-1mq research compound?

The primary molecular target is nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), a cytosolic enzyme that transfers a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to nicotinamide (NAM).

How does 5-amino-1MQ increase cellular NAD+ levels in preclinical models?

By inhibiting NNMT, 5-amino-1MQ prevents the conversion of nicotinamide into 1-methylnicotinamide. This preserves nicotinamide within the cell, allowing it to re-enter the NAD+ salvage pathway via NAMPT to form NMN and NAD+.

Is the 5-amino-1mq research compound suitable for human consumption or clinical use?

No. The 5-amino-1mq research compound is synthesized strictly for laboratory research use only (RUO), including in vitro cellular assays and animal models. It is not approved for human or veterinary medical use.

What solvents are recommended for reconstituting 5-amino-1MQ?

5-Amino-1MQ is best dissolved in organic solvents such as DMSO or DMF. Stock solutions can subsequently be diluted into aqueous culture media, maintaining a final DMSO concentration below 0.1% for cell-based experiments.

What analytical tests are performed on PX1 Research 5-amino-1MQ lots?

Each lot undergoes Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) for purity assessment, Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS) for identity verification, and LAL assays for endotoxin quantification.

How should 5-amino-1MQ be stored upon arrival at the laboratory?

Lyophilized powder should be stored at -20°C in a dry, dark environment. Reconstituted stock solutions in DMSO should be aliquoted and stored at -80°C to minimize degradation from freeze-thaw cycles.

How does 5-amino-1MQ differ from direct NAD+ precursors like NMN or NR?

While NMN and NR serve as direct biosynthetic substrates for NAD+, 5-amino-1MQ acts as an enzymatic inhibitor that blocks the degradation and excretion route of existing nicotinamide, indirectly driving salvage pathway flux.

Where does PX1 Research ship 5-amino-1MQ from?

All PX1 Research compounds ship directly from our domestic dispatch centers located in California and Arizona, offering same-day dispatch for orders verified before cut-off times Monday through Friday.

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All products are sold strictly for laboratory and research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, diagnosis, treatment or consumption. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.