AICAR Comprare: Sourcing High-Purity AICAR for Laboratory Research

When evaluating options for AICAR comprare (sourcing research-grade AICAR), principal investigators and laboratory managers must prioritize verified chemical identity, quantitative purity, and batch-to-batch consistency. AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) is an adenosine monophosphate (AMP) analog utilized strictly in in vitro assays and preclinical animal models to investigate cellular energy homeostasis and metabolic pathways.

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When evaluating options for AICAR comprare (sourcing research-grade AICAR), principal investigators and laboratory managers must prioritize verified chemical identity, quantitative purity, and batch-to-batch consistency. AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) is an adenosine monophosphate (AMP) analog utilized strictly in in vitro assays and preclinical animal models to investigate cellular energy homeostasis and metabolic pathways.

Reviewed by PX1 Research scientific team

Key takeaways

  • AICAR, systematically known as 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide or Acadesine (CAS 2627-69-2), is a nucleoside analog that serves as a cornerstone reagent in cellular biochemistry.
  • The primary mechanism of AICAR centers on its ability to stimulate 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a master regulatory enzyme governing cellular energy balance.
  • For institutions executing search queries such as AICAR comprare to select a reliable chemical vendor, establishing rigorous supplier evaluation criteria is essential.
  • To guarantee analytical rigor, candidate lots of AICAR must be validated through complementary analytical methodologies.

Understanding AICAR: Molecular Identity and Chemical Profile

AICAR, systematically known as 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide or Acadesine (CAS 2627-69-2), is a nucleoside analog that serves as a cornerstone reagent in cellular biochemistry. In biological systems, AICAR is converted intracellularly into its phosphorylated form, ZMP (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide monophosphate). ZMP structurally mimics adenosine monophosphate (AMP), enabling it to interact directly with regulatory metabolic enzymes without altering absolute cellular ATP, ADP, or AMP concentration ratios.

In academic and industrial research settings, researchers search for verified procurement sources (often queried as AICAR comprare) to examine downstream kinase signaling cascades. High-purity AICAR allows investigators to isolate metabolic signaling pathways from mechanical stress or nutrient deprivation, rendering it an indispensable tool for molecular biology, oncology, and metabolic disease research.

Mechanism of Action: Direct AMPK Activation in Preclinical Models

The primary mechanism of AICAR centers on its ability to stimulate 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a master regulatory enzyme governing cellular energy balance. Upon intracellular phosphorylation into ZMP, the molecule binds specifically to the gamma subunit of AMPK. This binding event induces a conformational change that promotes the phosphorylation of the Thr-172 residue on the alpha subunit by upstream kinases such as LKB1.

In vitro assays demonstrate that AMPK activation by AICAR triggers a shift from anabolic pathways (energy consumption) to catabolic pathways (energy generation). Preclinical studies indicate that exposure to AICAR upregulates glucose uptake via GLUT4 translocation, enhances fatty acid oxidation via acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) inhibition, and stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis through PGC-1alpha pathways. Researchers studying the broader scope of cellular metabolism frequently consult the AMPK pathway research literature to contextualize these signal transduction events.

Procurement Criteria: Vendor Evaluation and Chemical Quality

For institutions executing search queries such as AICAR comprare to select a reliable chemical vendor, establishing rigorous supplier evaluation criteria is essential. Research compounds intended for cell culture or animal models must meet stringent quality thresholds to ensure experimental reproducibility and eliminate confounding variables introduced by impurities.

When auditing a supplier, principal investigators should verify that the compound is synthesized in GMP-compliant facilities and that every production lot undergoes independent verification. Substandard reagents containing residual solvents, heavy metals, or structural isomers can alter cell viability and yield false-positive or false-negative signaling responses. Qualified vendors provide transparent supply chain documentation, state-side inventory fulfillment, and comprehensive laboratory verification for every lot offered across their catalog of research peptides.

Analytical Verification: RP-HPLC, Mass Spectrometry, and Endotoxin Standards

To guarantee analytical rigor, candidate lots of AICAR must be validated through complementary analytical methodologies. Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) is used to establish chemical purity, ensuring that the active compound represents no less than 98% of the total peak area. Mass Spectrometry (MS)—typically via Electrospray Ionization (ESI-MS)—is simultaneously conducted to confirm exact molecular weight and chemical identity against reference standards.

Equally critical for in vitro cellular assays and in vivo rodent models is endotoxin quantification. Bacterial endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides) can trigger immune responses in cell cultures and animal tissue, completely invalidating metabolic data. Quality-driven suppliers like PX1 Research implement rigorous Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) testing to ensure endotoxin levels remain below strictly controlled laboratory thresholds. Researchers can access fully documented analytical reports across all reagents in the PX1 research library hub.

Comparative Analysis: AICAR, MOTS-c, GW501516, and 5-Amino-1MQ

Within preclinical metabolic research, AICAR is frequently evaluated alongside or compared to other small molecules and peptides targeting energetic pathways. Understanding the mechanistic distinctions between these research compounds allows investigators to select the precise reagent required for their experimental design.

While AICAR directly targets AMPK via ZMP accumulation, mitochondrial-derived peptides like MOTS-c regulate metabolic homeostasis by targeting the folate cycle and downstream AMPK phosphorylation in nuclear compartments. In contrast, compounds like GW501516 act as selective agonists of the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor delta (PPARδ), bypassing direct AMPK interaction entirely to drive lipid oxidation gene expression. Additionally, small molecule inhibitors such as 5-Amino-1MQ work through an alternative pathway by inhibiting nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), thereby elevating intracellular NAD+ and indirectly influencing metabolic flux. Comparative studies utilizing these distinct agents help delineate redundant versus non-redundant signaling networks in cellular models.

Preclinical Findings in Metabolic and Cellular Literature

Literature evaluating AICAR spans multiple decades of cellular biology. In primary skeletal muscle cell cultures, AICAR administration has been shown to increase insulin-independent glucose transport and stimulate fatty acid oxidation rates. In rodent models of metabolic dysfunction, systemic administration of AICAR demonstrated marked shifts in systemic energy expenditure, altered hepatic lipogenesis, and improved lipid handling parameters.

Furthermore, in vitro oncology research explores AICAR's capacity to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in select neoplastic cell lines. By suppressing mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling downstream of AMPK activation, AICAR limits protein synthesis and cell proliferation in nutrient-deprived tumor models. These preclinical observations highlight AICAR's versatility as a probe for probing fundamental survival and growth pathways.

Laboratory Reconstitution and Handling Protocols

Proper reconstitution and handling are critical to maintain the chemical stability and biological activity of AICAR in laboratory settings. AICAR is typically supplied as a lyophilized powder or crystalline solid. It exhibits high solubility in aqueous buffers such as sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or water for injection, as well as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).

To prepare stock solutions for cell culture applications, researchers should reconstitute the compound under sterile laminar flow conditions. Stock solutions prepared in aqueous buffers should be filtered through a 0.22-micron polyethersulfone (PES) membrane to ensure sterility. Because repeated freeze-thaw cycles can induce chemical degradation, working aliquots should be prepared immediately after initial solubilization and stored at -20°C or -80°C depending on the intended duration of the study.

Storage Stability and Inventory Management for Research Facilities

In its dry, lyophilized form, AICAR demonstrates excellent long-term chemical stability when stored under controlled conditions. Research facilities should store unopened vials in a desiccated environment at -20°C, protected from light exposure. Under these baseline conditions, the compound maintains its structural integrity and target purity for extended periods.

When managing bulk inventory for multi-phase laboratory trials, establishing centralized procurement protocols reduces lot-to-lot variability. Laboratories establishing recurring procurement orders or high-volume experimental protocols can utilize PX1 wholesale accounts to secure unified single-lot batches, ensuring consistent analytical baselines throughout multi-year research projects.

Why Principal Investigators Choose PX1 Research for AICAR Sourcing

PX1 Research serves as a trusted domestic supplier of research-grade peptides and small molecules for academic institutions, biotechnology firms, and contract research organizations across the United States. When investigators search for AICAR comprare to source verified reagents, PX1 Research delivers an uncompromised standard of analytical quality and logistics execution.

Every lot of AICAR distributed by PX1 Research undergoes strict verification, including HPLC purity assessment, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, and low-endotoxin validation performed by independent ISO 17025 accredited laboratories. Orders are fulfilled directly from state-of-the-art dispatch facilities located in California and Arizona, offering same-day shipping (Monday through Friday) to eliminate transit delays and maintain cold-chain integrity for temperature-sensitive reagents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AICAR used for in laboratory research?

AICAR is a cell-permeable nucleoside analog used in preclinical research to directly activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Researchers use it to study cellular energy regulation, glucose uptake, lipid oxidation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and mTOR signaling pathways in cell cultures and animal models.

What purity level is required for research-grade AICAR?

For reliable, reproducible in vitro and in vivo research, AICAR must have a verified purity of ≥98% as measured by Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC), alongside identity confirmation via Mass Spectrometry (MS).

How should AICAR be reconstituted for cell culture protocols?

AICAR can be dissolved in sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), sterile water, or DMSO. Reconstitution should occur under sterile conditions, and solution aliquots should be frozen at -20°C or -80°C to avoid multiple freeze-thaw cycles.

What is the difference between AICAR and MOTS-c?

AICAR is a synthetic small-molecule adenosine analog that directly converts to ZMP to activate AMPK. MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that translocates to the nucleus under metabolic stress to regulate metabolic gene expression and indirectly promote AMPK phosphorylation.

Why is endotoxin testing critical when procuring AICAR?

Bacterial endotoxins can induce inflammatory signaling and alter cell viability in cell culture assays or animal models, creating confounding experimental noise. Endotoxin testing via LAL assay ensures the reagent does not introduce immunological artifacts.

How does PX1 Research verify the quality of its AICAR?

PX1 Research subjects every batch of AICAR to independent third-party testing at ISO 17025 accredited laboratories. Verification includes RP-HPLC purity analysis, mass spectrometry weight confirmation, and endotoxin quantification, with Lot-Specific Certificates of Analysis (COA) publicly available.

Can AICAR be shipped at ambient temperatures?

In its lyophilized, solid state, AICAR is chemically stable during short-term ambient transit. PX1 Research packages reagents efficiently and dispatches orders same-day from CA and AZ hubs to minimize transit times.

Is AICAR intended for human administration or medical use?

No. AICAR supplied by PX1 Research is strictly designated for laboratory research use only (RUO). It is not intended for human or animal therapeutic, diagnostic, or clinical applications under any circumstances.

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