What Is 5-Amino-1MQ?
5-Amino-1MQ (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a small molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) — an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) to nicotinamide, converting it to 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MNA). NNMT is overexpressed in adipose tissue, liver, and multiple cancer cell types, and its inhibition has been studied as a strategy to redirect methyl group availability toward NAD+ biosynthesis and one-carbon metabolism, with downstream effects on epigenetic regulation and cellular energy metabolism.
5-Amino-1MQ is a selective, cell-permeable NNMT inhibitor that has generated significant research interest as a potential tool for studying the relationship between methylation status, NAD+ availability, and metabolic phenotype — particularly in the context of obesity, adipogenesis, and cancer biology research.
5-Amino-1MQ Mechanism of Action
- NNMT inhibition: Competitively inhibits NNMT by occupying the nicotinamide binding site of the enzyme, reducing 1-MNA production and the consumption of SAM by NNMT
- SAM:SAH ratio elevation: By reducing SAM consumption by NNMT, inhibition increases the SAM:SAH (S-adenosylhomocysteine) ratio — a key regulator of cellular methylation capacity affecting histone methylation and gene expression patterns
- NAD+ precursor availability: Nicotinamide not consumed by NNMT is available for NAD+ biosynthesis via the NAMPT salvage pathway, potentially increasing intracellular NAD+ pools and sirtuin activity
- Anti-adipogenic signaling: NNMT inhibition in adipocyte models suppresses PPARγ and C/EBPα expression — master regulators of adipocyte differentiation — reducing lipid accumulation in differentiating pre-adipocyte cell lines
- Epigenetic remodeling: Changes in histone methylation resulting from increased SAM:SAH ratios may alter gene expression programs relevant to metabolic and cancer research models
5-Amino-1MQ Research Data
- Obesity/metabolic research (mouse models): Published studies demonstrated that NNMT inhibition with small molecule inhibitors including 5-Amino-1MQ reduced body weight, adipose tissue mass, and plasma lipids in diet-induced obese mice, with improved insulin sensitivity markers — without apparent changes in food intake in some models, suggesting a metabolic rate effect
- Adipogenesis inhibition (in vitro): 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte differentiation studies consistently show NNMT inhibition reduces lipid droplet accumulation and adipogenic gene expression (PPARγ, FABP4, adiponectin) in a dose-dependent manner
- Cancer biology: NNMT overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in multiple cancer types including oral squamous cell carcinoma, bladder cancer, and colorectal cancer. Research using NNMT inhibitors explores whether reducing NNMT activity alters cancer cell energy metabolism and tumor microenvironment signaling
- NAD+ pathway interaction: Studies confirm 5-Amino-1MQ treatment increases intracellular NAD+ in cell culture models, supporting the proposed mechanism of redirecting nicotinamide toward the NAMPT salvage pathway
5-Amino-1MQ Dosage Reference
| Research Context | Dose / Concentration | Application |
|---|---|---|
| In vitro (adipocyte differentiation) | 1–100 μM | Cell culture media |
| In vitro (cancer cell lines) | 10–500 μM | Cell culture media |
| Mouse metabolic studies | 10–50 mg/kg/day | IP or oral gavage |
| NNMT enzyme inhibition (IC50) | ~1–10 μM range | Biochemical assay |
Published research data provided for reference only. Not dosing guidance for human use.
5-Amino-1MQ vs. NMN — NAD+ Pathway Research Comparison
| Parameter | 5-Amino-1MQ | NMN |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | NNMT inhibition → indirect NAD+ increase | NAD+ precursor → direct NAD+ increase |
| Primary research application | Adipogenesis, cancer metabolism, methylation | Aging, metabolic health, muscle function |
| Epigenetic effects | Yes — via SAM:SAH ratio changes | Indirect (via sirtuin activation) |
| Anti-adipogenic effect | Direct (PPARγ suppression) | Not a primary mechanism |
| Human data availability | None published (2026) | Multiple RCTs published |
Where to Buy 5-Amino-1MQ for Research
5-Amino-1MQ is a relatively specialized research compound with limited supplier availability. Key criteria:
- HPLC purity ≥99% with batch documentation
- MS/MS identity confirmation
- Third-party independent COA
- Solubility data — 5-Amino-1MQ is water-soluble, facilitating aqueous cell culture use
Core Power Peptides supplies 5-Amino-1MQ 5mg at ≥99% purity, HPLC and MS/MS verified per batch, with third-party COA available on request.
Research Disclaimer: All information on this page is for educational and scientific reference purposes only. 5-Amino-1MQ has no approved clinical applications and no published human data. This product is sold strictly for in vitro research and laboratory use only. Not for human consumption. Not medical advice.