What Is 5-Amino-1MQ?
5-Amino-1MQ (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a small-molecule research compound — not technically a peptide — that functions as a potent inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme that plays a central role in methylation biology, NAD+ metabolism, and energy homeostasis. NNMT was originally characterised in the liver but has since been found in adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and other metabolically active tissues. Its upregulation has been associated with altered cellular energy states in various preclinical disease models. TrueCanPeptides supplies 5-Amino-1MQ 10mg for verified laboratory research use.
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Mechanism of Action
NNMT catalyses the methylation of nicotinamide (a form of vitamin B3) using S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as the methyl donor, producing 1-methylnicotinamide and S-adenosylhomocysteine. This reaction draws on the cellular SAM pool and, indirectly, on NAD+ precursor availability. 5-Amino-1MQ competitively inhibits NNMT, which in preclinical cell models has been shown to alter SAM availability, shift NAD+ precursor flux, and modulate downstream metabolic signalling including SIRT1 activation pathways.
In adipocyte and rodent models, NNMT inhibition by compounds including 5-Amino-1MQ has been investigated for effects on fat cell differentiation (adipogenesis), lipid accumulation, and cellular energy expenditure. Some preclinical studies suggest associations with changes in UCP1 expression and thermogenic gene programmes in adipose tissue models — areas that remain active fields of investigation.
Research Applications
5-Amino-1MQ has been investigated in the following preclinical research contexts:
- NNMT biology: Used as a selective NNMT inhibitor to probe methyltransferase function and downstream SAM/NAD+ pathway interactions in cell-based assays.
- Adipogenesis research: Studied in adipocyte models for effects on fat cell differentiation and lipid accumulation pathways.
- NAD+ metabolism: Investigated for its ability to alter NAD+ precursor availability and influence sirtuin-dependent signalling in cellular energy homeostasis models.
- Metabolic research: Examined in rodent models of diet-induced metabolic dysfunction, where NNMT inhibition has been associated with altered metabolic parameters in preclinical settings.
All applications are investigational. Visit the TrueCanPeptides Research Hub →
Storage & Handling
5-Amino-1MQ is typically supplied as a powder and should be stored at −20°C in a sealed container away from moisture and light. Dissolve in DMSO or an appropriate solvent for your specific assay, following solubility guidance from verified supplier documentation. Prepare working solutions fresh or store aliquots at −80°C to preserve compound integrity.
See the TrueCanPeptides Storage Guide and quality and purity page for full handling notes.
Related Research
Researchers working in cellular metabolism and energy biology may also find value in:
- SLU-PP-332 — pan-ERR agonist investigated in mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism
- SS-31 — mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide studied in oxidative stress and bioenergetics research
- Glutathione — master antioxidant studied in cellular redox biology
Disclaimer: This content is intended for educational and research purposes only. The compounds discussed on this page are not approved for human therapeutic use by Health Canada or any other regulatory authority. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. TrueCanPeptides supplies research compounds strictly for in vitro and laboratory research use. All information presented is derived from published preclinical and early-phase research literature and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
NNMT and NAD+ Metabolism: Research Background
5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule inhibitor of NNMT (nicotinamide N-methyltransferase) — an enzyme that methylates nicotinamide (a NAD+ precursor) to produce 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MN), diverting nicotinamide away from NAD+ biosynthesis. NNMT is expressed primarily in adipose tissue and liver, where high activity has been associated with reduced cellular NAD+ availability and altered methyl group metabolism.
5-Amino-1MQ (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a competitive NNMT inhibitor — a quinolinium salt that occupies the NNMT active site and blocks nicotinamide methylation. By inhibiting NNMT, 5-Amino-1MQ is proposed to preserve cellular nicotinamide availability for NAD+ synthesis, potentially increasing intracellular NAD+ levels. This makes it a research tool of interest in the NAD+ biology, metabolic regulation, and cellular aging fields.
Chemistry
- Full name: 5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium iodide (or as the free base/other salts)
- Type: Small molecule NNMT inhibitor (not a peptide)
- Molecular weight: ~271 Da (free base ~160 Da)
- Solubility: Water-soluble (quinolinium salt form)
- Format: Lyophilized powder
Research Findings
Research published in Nature Communications (2021, Kasbekar et al. / Rabinowitz lab, Princeton) demonstrated that 5-Amino-1MQ treatment in obese mouse models was associated with reduced adiposity and body weight without changes in food intake or activity, via NNMT inhibition and methyl group redistribution. The study showed increased SAM (S-adenosylmethionine) availability and altered NAD+ metabolism in adipose tissue as mechanistic correlates.
5-Amino-1MQ represents an emerging approach to studying NAD+ metabolism and adipose tissue biology through an upstream enzymatic target (NNMT) rather than direct NAD+ precursor supplementation (as with NMN or NAD+ itself). Its research profile is complementary to direct NAD+ precursor compounds.
5-Amino-1MQ vs NAD+ Precursors
| Approach | Target | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Amino-1MQ | NNMT enzyme (inhibitor) | Blocks NAD+ precursor diversion; increases SAM |
| NMN / NAD+ | NAD+ biosynthesis (substrate) | Direct precursor supplementation |
Storage and Handling
- Store at −20°C, desiccated and away from light
- Water-soluble; prepare in sterile water or PBS for aqueous assays
- Stable in solution at 4°C for up to 7 days; freeze longer-term aliquots
5-Amino-1MQ is supplied for qualified in vitro laboratory research purposes only. Not for human or animal administration. Not evaluated or approved by Health Canada.
Available: 5-Amino-1MQ from TrueCanPeptides | NAD+ 1000mg | NAD+ research guide