5-Amino-1MQ
5-Amino-1MQ — A small molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), studied for its role in cellular energy metabolism and fat cell regulation.
What Is 5-Amino-1MQ?
5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium (5-Amino-1MQ) is a small molecule (not technically a peptide, but commonly studied alongside peptide compounds) with a molecular weight of 173.21 Da. It is a selective inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme involved in cellular energy metabolism and fat storage regulation.
Mechanism of Action
5-Amino-1MQ inhibits NNMT, which catalyzes the methylation of nicotinamide using S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as the methyl donor. By blocking NNMT, the compound increases intracellular NAD+ and SAM levels, redirecting cellular metabolism toward increased energy expenditure. NNMT is overexpressed in adipose tissue and has been identified as a metabolic regulator linking obesity to epigenetic changes.
Research Profile
- Adipogenesis: Cell culture studies showed reduced adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation when NNMT was inhibited
- NAD+ metabolism: NNMT inhibition increased intracellular NAD+ levels, connecting to the sirtuin-mediated longevity pathway
- Body composition: Mouse studies demonstrated reduced body weight and fat mass without changes in food intake
- Muscle: Research showed increased stem cell proliferation in muscle tissue when NNMT was inhibited
Storage
Store at -20°C protected from light and moisture. 5-Amino-1MQ is soluble in water and DMSO. Unlike peptides, it does not require reconstitution from a lyophilized state in all cases, though lyophilized forms are common for research supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 5-Amino-1MQ?
A small molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), studied for its role in cellular energy metabolism and fat cell regulation.
Why is 5-Amino-1MQ important in peptide research?
5-Amino-1MQ is a fundamental concept in compound as it relates to peptide science. It directly influences experimental design, compound characterization, and the reliability of research outcomes across biochemistry and molecular biology disciplines.