metabolic
Metabolic

5-Amino-1MQ

5-Amino-1MQ (CAS 1823379-69-8; internal code 5-Amino-1MQ) is a small-molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), supplied as a lyophilized powder with a purity of ≥98% and a molecul...

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Certificate of Analysis included with every order.

Technical Specifications

Purity≥98%
FormLyophilized Powder
Storage-20°C
Molecular Weight173.22 g/mol
SequenceSmall molecule — NNMT inhibitor
CAS Number1823379-69-8

About This Peptide

5-Amino-1MQ (CAS 1823379-69-8; internal code 5-Amino-1MQ) is a small-molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), supplied as a lyophilized powder with a purity of ≥98% and a molecular weight of 173.22 g/mol. NNMT is a cytosolic enzyme that catalyzes the N-methylation of nicotinamide using S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as the methyl donor, producing 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MNA) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). Because this reaction consumes a major methyl-group currency within the cell, NNMT occupies a central position at the intersection of one-carbon metabolism, NAD+ biosynthesis, and the methionine cycle, making it a subject of considerable interest in metabolic research.

5-Amino-1MQ was designed as a competitive inhibitor that structurally mimics the nicotinamide substrate, enabling selective engagement of the NNMT active site. Its relatively low molecular weight facilitates cell-permeability, a property that has made it a widely adopted pharmacological tool for perturbing NNMT activity in cellular and preclinical model systems. Structurally, the compound belongs to the methylquinolinium class, characterized by a quaternary nitrogen within the quinoline ring system and an amino substituent at the 5-position that confers selectivity over structurally related methyltransferase targets.

NNMT expression is notably elevated in adipose tissue, certain cancer cell lines, and aged tissues, observations that have motivated researchers to investigate the enzyme's role in regulating adipogenesis, cellular energy expenditure, and the methylation status of histones and other biomolecules. By providing a reliable probe with which to suppress NNMT activity, 5-Amino-1MQ enables controlled interrogation of these pathways in vitro and in animal models. Its availability in lyophilized form supports long-term stability when stored at −20 °C, ensuring reproducible experimental conditions across independent studies.

Research groups working in areas such as metabolic syndrome, epigenetics, and aging biology have employed 5-Amino-1MQ to delineate cause-and-effect relationships between NNMT activity and downstream metabolic phenotypes. The compound is provided for research use only and is not intended for human consumption or therapeutic application.

Research Applications

≥98% purity. Lyophilized Powder. Storage: -20°C. For research purposes only.

Mechanism of Action

5-Amino-1MQ functions as a competitive inhibitor of NNMT by occupying the nicotinamide-binding pocket of the enzyme's active site, thereby blocking the transfer of a methyl group from SAM to nicotinamide. Kinetic studies have characterized the inhibition constant (Ki) in the nanomolar-to-low-micromolar range, indicating high-affinity engagement that is sufficient to substantially reduce NNMT-catalyzed 1-MNA production in cell-based assays. Because the reaction is competitively inhibited, dose-dependent titration experiments can be used to modulate—rather than simply abolish—enzymatic output, providing researchers with a tunable tool for mechanistic studies.

Downstream of direct NNMT inhibition, reduced consumption of SAM leads to an increase in the intracellular SAM:SAH ratio, a key determinant of cellular methylation capacity. This shift has been linked in experimental models to alterations in histone methylation patterns (particularly H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 marks), changes in DNA methylation at specific loci, and restoration of NAD+ precursor flux through the Preiss–Handler pathway. Additionally, because 1-MNA formation is suppressed, research in adipocyte models has associated 5-Amino-1MQ treatment with shifts in lipid droplet accumulation and mitochondrial metabolism, phenotypes that are proposed to stem from altered SAM-dependent gene regulation rather than direct enzyme substrate competition alone.

Research Applications

Owing to its well-characterized inhibitory profile and cell-permeability, 5-Amino-1MQ is employed across a range of in vitro and preclinical research contexts focused on NNMT biology and one-carbon metabolism:

  • Adipocyte differentiation studies: Investigating the role of NNMT in regulating 3T3-L1 or primary preadipocyte differentiation, lipid droplet formation, and transcriptional programs associated with adipogenesis.
  • NAD⁺ and methionine cycle research: Probing how NNMT inhibition reshapes intracellular SAM:SAH ratios, NAD+ precursor availability, and downstream methylation capacity in cultured cell lines.
  • Epigenetic regulation assays: Examining changes in histone methylation marks (e.g., H3K4me3, H3K27me3) and DNA methylation patterns consequent to pharmacological NNMT suppression.
  • Cancer cell line metabolomics: Characterizing the metabolic reprogramming that follows NNMT inhibition in tumor-derived cell lines with elevated baseline NNMT expression.
  • Skeletal muscle and mitochondrial metabolism models: Assessing effects on oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial biogenesis markers, and energy substrate utilization in myotube or hepatocyte culture systems.
  • Aging and senescence research: Exploring NNMT's contribution to the senescent cell secretome and methylation status changes associated with cellular aging phenotypes in primary cell models.

Storage & Handling Guidelines

Proper storage and handling are essential to maintain peptide integrity and ensure reliable research results. All Pepitiva Biolabs peptides are supplied as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, which provides excellent long-term stability when stored correctly. Store lyophilized peptides at -20°C for long-term storage or 2-8°C for short-term use. Once reconstituted, peptide solutions should be stored at 2-8°C and used within the timeframe specified in the product documentation. Always use sterile bacteriostatic water for reconstitution and handle peptides in a clean laboratory environment to prevent contamination. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as thermal stress can cause peptide degradation and loss of biological activity.

Quality Control & Certification

This product is manufactured under strict quality control protocols and has been verified through comprehensive analytical testing. Each batch undergoes reverse-phase HPLC analysis for purity determination and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) for molecular identity confirmation. A detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available for download, documenting purity percentage, molecular weight verification, appearance, and recommended storage conditions. Pepitiva Biolabs maintains batch-level traceability from synthesis through delivery, ensuring complete transparency and quality assurance for your research.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this product approved for human use?

No. This product is intended exclusively for in vitro scientific research and laboratory use. It is not approved for human or veterinary use, not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and should not be administered to humans or animals under any circumstances.

How do I reconstitute this peptide?

Add sterile bacteriostatic water slowly to the vial, directing the stream against the glass wall rather than directly onto the lyophilized powder. Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved — do not shake vigorously. The recommended reconstitution volume depends on your desired concentration. Refer to the product documentation for specific guidance.

Can I get a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?

Yes. A Certificate of Analysis is included with every order and is also available for download from the product page. The COA documents HPLC purity, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, batch number, production date, and storage recommendations.

For research use only. Not for human consumption.