5-Amino-1MQ
A small molecule NNMT inhibitor studied for effects on adipose tissue function, metabolic health, and cellular energy expenditure in research.
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What is 5-Amino-1MQ?
5-Amino-1MQ (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium iodide) is a small molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme increasingly implicated in metabolic dysfunction, aging, and obesity. Unlike most compounds in this catalog, 5-Amino-1MQ is not a peptide — it is a small organic molecule based on a quinoline scaffold. It is included in peptide and bioactive compound catalogs due to its prominent role in current metabolic and aging research and its conceptual relationship to NAD+ metabolism.
5-Amino-1MQ is notable in research because NNMT activity is elevated in adipose tissue of obese individuals, in cancer tissues, and in various other pathological contexts, with elevated NNMT thought to promote metabolic dysfunction through multiple mechanisms. The compound was developed as a research tool for studying NNMT inhibition and has been investigated in preclinical models examining whether NNMT inhibition can reverse metabolic dysfunction phenotypes. As of current research, 5-Amino-1MQ remains an investigational compound that has not been advanced through formal clinical trials, and large-scale human safety data is limited.
Mechanism of action
5-Amino-1MQ’s mechanisms of action have been investigated across multiple pathways:
- NNMT inhibition: The compound inhibits nicotinamide N-methyltransferase, the enzyme that uses S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as a methyl donor to methylate nicotinamide, producing N1-methylnicotinamide and S-adenosylhomocysteine.
- Cellular energy expenditure effects: NNMT inhibition has been shown to increase cellular energy expenditure in adipocytes, potentially through effects on futile metabolic cycles, polyamine flux, and master metabolic regulators.
- NAD+ metabolism interaction: By reducing the conversion of nicotinamide to N1-methylnicotinamide, NNMT inhibition theoretically preserves nicotinamide for use in NAD+ synthesis, providing a mechanistic connection to NAD+ research.
- SAM and methylation effects: NNMT activity affects the SAM cycle and overall cellular methylation capacity, with NNMT inhibition theoretically preserving SAM for other methylation reactions including DNA methylation and protein methylation.
- Adipocyte gene expression: Studies have demonstrated effects on adipocyte gene expression patterns that favor energy expenditure over fat storage, with downstream effects on adipose tissue metabolism.
These pathways are characterized primarily in rodent models and in vitro systems.
Research applications
5-Amino-1MQ has been investigated across several research domains, with the most active areas including:
- Obesity and adipose tissue research: The most extensively studied application is in models of obesity and adipose tissue dysfunction. Studies in obese mice have demonstrated reductions in body weight and fat mass, improvements in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and changes in adipose tissue gene expression patterns favoring metabolic health.
- Sarcopenia and muscle function research: Some research has examined NNMT inhibition effects on muscle function, with findings suggesting potential benefits for muscle quality in aged populations through cellular energy expenditure effects translated to skeletal muscle.
- Cancer research: NNMT is overexpressed in many cancer types, and NNMT inhibition has been studied as a potential anti-cancer research strategy, with research examining effects in models of various cancer types.
- Aging research: Connections between NNMT activity, NAD+ metabolism, and cellular aging have driven research interest in NNMT inhibition as a potential longevity intervention, with the compound studied within the broader framework of metabolic-targeted longevity approaches.
- Cellular metabolism research: The compound serves as a research tool for studying NNMT biology and its connections to broader cellular metabolism, contributing to mechanistic understanding of methylation, energy expenditure, and metabolic regulation.
This compound is intended for laboratory research use only. It has not been approved for human therapeutic use by any regulatory agency.
Storage & reconstitution
In its lyophilized or solid form, 5-Amino-1MQ is generally stable at room temperature when protected from light, though refrigerated storage at 2-8°C is appropriate for extended periods. Properly stored material remains stable for 24 months or longer.
Once reconstituted per supplier instructions, solutions should be stored refrigerated at 2-8°C and used within 28 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can accelerate degradation.
Visual inspection should be performed before each use. The reconstituted solution should be clear and colorless to pale yellow. Reject any solution that appears cloudy, has significant discoloration, or contains visible particulate matter.
For step-by-step reconstitution calculations, see our reconstitution calculator.
For laboratory research use only. The compound described on this page is intended exclusively for in vitro research and laboratory experimentation by qualified researchers and is not for human or veterinary use. It is not a drug, food, dietary supplement, or cosmetic, and has not been approved by the FDA, Health Canada, EMA, or any other regulatory authority for the diagnosis, treatment, cure, mitigation, or prevention of any disease or medical condition. The information provided on this page is for educational and reference purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. By accessing this content you confirm that you are a qualified researcher purchasing for legitimate laboratory purposes.