Aicar Store

Evaluating an AICAR Store for Laboratory Research

A dedicated AICAR store supplies 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (also known as Acadesine or AICA-riboside) strictly intended for in vitro and preclinical research applications. Principal investigators evaluate suppliers based on analytical verification, including reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) purity analysis, mass spectrometry (MS) characterization, and quantitative endotoxin testing per batch.

Acquiring high-purity research compounds requires a supplier that transparently provides lot-specific Certificates of Analysis (COAs) generated by third-party laboratories. Without rigorous analytical verification, experimental protocols examining cellular energetics, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, or gene expression cascades risk contamination by synthetic byproducts, heavy metals, or bacterial endotoxins.

What is AICAR? Molecular Identity and AMPK Activation Mechanism

AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) is an analog of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) capable of entering cells through nucleoside transporters. Once inside the intracellular environment, AICAR undergoes phosphorylation by adenosine kinase to form ZMP (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide monophosphate), an AMP mimetic.

ZMP binds directly to the gamma subunit of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), triggering allosteric activation and facilitating phosphorylation of the alpha subunit at Threonine-172 by upstream kinases such as LKB1. In preclinical models, AMPK functions as a master metabolic sensor. Its activation signals cellular energy stress (a high AMP/ATP ratio), initiating catabolic pathways that generate ATP while simultaneously downregulating ATP-consuming anabolic processes.

When sourcing through an established AICAR research reagent store, researchers must ensure the compound maintains structural integrity to achieve predictable receptor binding and activation kinetics in culture media or biochemical assays.

Preclinical Findings: AMPK Signaling and Cellular Energetics

In vitro data indicate that AICAR administration in rodent primary cell cultures stimulates glucose uptake independently of insulin signaling. This occurs via AMPK-mediated translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) to the plasma membrane. Furthermore, cell culture assays demonstrate that AICAR upregulation alters acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) activity via direct phosphorylation, which reduces malonyl-CoA levels and enhances mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation.

Animal studies examining skeletal muscle tissue from rodent models have highlighted AICAR's role in promoting mitochondrial biogenesis. Preclinical evidence suggests that sustained AMPK stimulation increases the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), leading to heightened transcription of mitochondrial nuclear genes and enhanced oxidative phosphorylation capacity.

In addition to metabolic investigation, preclinical literature explores AICAR in models of cellular senescence, ischemic preconditioning, and inflammatory cytokine suppression. Scientists investigating these diverse pathways rely on standardized compounds sourced from our comprehensive catalog of research peptides to ensure reproducibility across experimental cohorts.

Comparative Analysis: AICAR vs. MOTS-c and GW501516 in Metabolic Research

When designing protocols around cellular energy regulation, researchers frequently compare AICAR to other metabolic modulation agents available in the PX1 research library. Understanding the distinct mechanisms of these compounds allows investigators to select the appropriate tool for target pathway isolation.

AICAR operates directly as a small-molecule nucleoside analog that generates ZMP to activate AMPK. In contrast, mitochondrial-derived peptides like MOTS-c peptide research reagents target the folate cycle and indirectly promote AMPK phosphorylation to modulate systemic metabolic homeostasis. Meanwhile, non-peptide PPARδ agonists such as GW501516 research compounds act upstream of nuclear transcription factors, upregulating oxidative gene networks without requiring direct AMP mimetic binding.

Additionally, investigators evaluating clock-gene modulation and circadian metabolic regulation frequently analyze AICAR in parallel with Rev-ErbA agonists like SR9009 research compounds. While SR9009 targets nuclear receptors to alter lipid and glucose oxidation cycles, AICAR specifically interrogates cellular energy state signaling via the AMPK/PGC-1α axis.

Quality Criteria for Sourcing AICAR: Analytical Testing Standards

Selecting a qualified AICAR vendor necessitates demanding total transparency regarding product verification. Institutional buyers should require suppliers to demonstrate adherence to strict analytical parameters prior to completing purchase orders.

First, high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) must confirm a chromatographic purity profile of ≥98.0%. This ensures the absence of unreacted starting materials, structural isomers, or degradation products that could confound cell assay results.

Second, mass spectrometry (ESI-MS or MALDI-TOF) must accurately match the theoretical molecular weight of AICAR (258.23 g/mol for the free base or corresponding salt mass), confirming molecular identity. Third, chromogenic LAL assays must verify low endotoxin levels (typically <0.1 EU/mg), ensuring that cellular responses in culture are attributable to compound activity rather than lipopolysaccharide (LPS) toxicity.

PX1 Research maintains these rigorous standards by utilizing independent ISO 17025 accredited laboratories to test every production batch. Each shipment includes access to comprehensive, lot-traceable documentation.

Laboratory Reconstitution and Handling Protocols

AICAR is typically supplied as a lyophilized powder or crystalline solid to ensure maximum long-term stability. For in vitro assay preparation, researchers must use sterile, laboratory-grade solvents and maintain aseptic techniques inside a laminar flow hood.

Solubility parameters vary depending on the target concentration and solvent system. AICAR exhibits high solubility in aqueous buffers, such as phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.2) or sterile water, up to concentrations of approximately 50 mg/mL. For organic solvent systems used in specialized assays, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or dimethylformamide (DMF) can be utilized.

To reconstitute lyophilized AICAR, allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening to prevent condensation. Add the desired volume of sterile solvent directly to the inner wall of the vial, gently swirling until complete dissolution is achieved. Avoid violent vortexing, which can introduce shear forces. Aliquot reconstituted stock solutions into single-use microcentrifuge tubes to eliminate freeze-thaw degradation cycles.

Storage Stability and Degradation Prevention

Lyophilized AICAR should be stored at -20°C for long-term preservation, desiccated and protected from direct light exposure. Under these conditions, the solid compound remains stable for up to 24 months without significant hydrolysis or structural breakdown.

Once dissolved in aqueous buffers, stock solutions should be kept at -80°C and utilized within 3 to 6 months. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles accelerate chemical degradation and alter target concentration accuracy. If temporary storage at 2–8°C is required, aqueous solutions should be used within 24 to 48 hours.

For complex protocols involving automated fluid handling or high-throughput screens, researchers can review our guidance on endotoxin-tested research reagents to ensure solution integrity throughout extended assay durations.

Why PX1 Research is the Leading USA AICAR Supplier

PX1 Research operates as a dedicated partner for academic laboratories, contract research organizations (CROs), and corporate R&D divisions. We eliminate the uncertainty common in vendor sourcing by enforcing stringent quality assurance standards across our entire supply chain.

All compounds are synthesized in state-of-the-art, GMP-compliant facilities located in the United States. We reject third-party relabeling practices, choosing instead to verify every production run via independent third-party laboratories. Our distribution network, operating out of fulfillment hubs in California and Arizona, facilitates same-day dispatch for orders placed Monday through Friday prior to cutoff times.

Institutions requiring bulk quantities, tailored lot reservations, or specialized analytical documentation can establish institutional purchasing arrangements through our bulk lab accounts portal.