Metabolic · NNMT Inhibitor · NAD⁺ Modulator

5-Amino-1MQ

5-amino-1-methylquinolinium small molecule — selective inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). Studied for intracellular NAD⁺ elevation, SIRT1 activation, and thermogenic effects in white adipose tissue research models.

HPLC Purity
99.1% Batch AV-2025-1MQ-008
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Molecular Specifications
Compound ClassSmall molecule
IUPAC Name5-amino-1-methylquinolinium
Molecular Weight159.2 Da (cation)
Molecular FormulaC₁₀H₁₁N₂⁺
TargetNNMT enzyme
BioavailabilityOral (room-temp stable)
Plasma Half-LifeSeveral hours (oral)
FormCapsules / powder
Our Purity≥99.1% (RP-HPLC)

Mechanism of Action

5-Amino-1MQ (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium iodide) is a small-molecule selective inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). Unlike peptide research compounds, it is an orally bioavailable, room-temperature stable quinolinium derivative that crosses cell membranes readily and accumulates in tissues with high NNMT expression — notably white adipose tissue and liver.

NNMT Inhibition
5-Amino-1MQ binds NNMT's active site, blocking the methylation of nicotinamide (NAM) to N1-methylnicotinamide (MNA). With NAM no longer cleared, intracellular NAM concentrations rise — feeding directly into the NAD⁺ salvage pathway.
NAD⁺ Elevation
Intracellular NAD⁺ pools rise as NAMPT converts the accumulating NAM into NMN → NAD⁺. Elevated NAD⁺ powers SIRT1 deacetylation, PARP DNA-repair, and oxidative phosphorylation — the metabolic signature of caloric restriction and exercise.
Adipose Thermogenesis
NNMT is highly expressed in white adipose tissue, where its inhibition shifts the metabolic phenotype toward energy expenditure. Preclinical models show reduced adipocyte size, increased UCP1 expression, and improved insulin sensitivity.

Mechanism Steps

  1. Selective Active-Site Binding

    5-Amino-1MQ is structurally a transition-state analogue of NNMT's natural substrate. It binds with high affinity (Ki low μM range) and selectivity over other methyltransferases.

  2. NAM Salvage Redirection

    With NNMT blocked, NAM is preferentially salvaged into NAD⁺ via NAMPT → NMNAT enzymatic conversion. The metabolic flux shifts from methylation/excretion toward redox cofactor regeneration.

  3. SIRT1 / AMPK Activation

    Elevated NAD⁺ activates SIRT1 deacetylase activity, which in turn deacetylates LKB1 → activates AMPK. The combined SIRT1/AMPK axis drives mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolic efficiency.

Research Overview

Adipose Metabolism

In diet-induced obesity mouse models, 5-Amino-1MQ administration reduced fat mass by 30–40%, improved glucose tolerance, and increased white-adipose mitochondrial density. The effects appear specific to NNMT-high tissues, with skeletal muscle showing more modest changes.

Refs: Kraus D et al., Nature (2014); Neelakantan H et al., Biochem Pharmacol (2018)

Aging & NAD⁺ Decline

NNMT expression rises with age, contributing to the well-documented age-related decline in tissue NAD⁺ levels. 5-Amino-1MQ has been studied alongside NAD⁺ precursors (NR, NMN) as a complementary approach — addressing NAD⁺ consumption rather than supplementation.

Refs: Sampath D et al., Bone (2015); Liu M et al., Cell Metab (2018)

Certificate of Analysis — Batch AV-2025-1MQ-008

Each batch is independently tested by a third-party ISO-accredited laboratory. The analysis below reflects Batch AV-2025-1MQ-008, tested 15 January 2025.

5-Amino-1MQ — Batch AV-2025-1MQ-008
RP-HPLC (C18) · MS/APCI+
99.1%
Test Date: 15 Jan 2025 · Release Date: 22 Jan 2025
Test ParameterMethodSpecificationResultStatus
IdentityAPCI-MS / NMR (¹H, ¹³C)Matches referenceConfirmedPASS
Purity (HPLC)RP-HPLC C18, 254nm≥98.0%99.1%PASS
Residual solventsGC-headspaceICH Q3C limitsBelow LOQPASS
Heavy metalsICP-MS≤10 ppm<2 ppmPASS
Microbial limitsUSP <61>≤100 CFU/gConformsPASS
Request Full COA
Includes raw chromatograms, NMR spectra, residual solvent analysis.

Storage Protocol

FormTemperatureDuration
Capsules (sealed)Room temperature, dry36 months
Bulk powderRoom temperature, desiccated36 months
Aqueous solution2–8°C, light-protected≤14 days
Small Molecule Stability Advantage
Unlike peptides, 5-Amino-1MQ is a small organic molecule with excellent thermal and aqueous stability. It does not require cold-chain shipping or lyophilisation, and reconstituted solutions remain stable considerably longer than peptide preparations.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. 5-Amino-1MQ is a small organic molecule — specifically a methylated quinolinium derivative. This gives it advantages over peptide research compounds: oral bioavailability, room-temperature stability, no cold-chain requirements, and significantly longer shelf life. Like peptides, it is supplied for laboratory research use only.

NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide riboside) are NAD⁺ precursors that add to the pool by supplying substrate for synthesis. 5-Amino-1MQ takes the opposite approach: it prevents NAD⁺ depletion by blocking the methylation pathway that consumes nicotinamide. Some research protocols combine the two approaches to study additive or synergistic NAD⁺ elevation.

NNMT is highly expressed in white adipose tissue, liver, and certain cancer cell types. White adipose expression rises with obesity and age, which explains why NNMT inhibition produces more pronounced metabolic effects in these contexts. Lower expression in skeletal muscle and brain limits effects in those tissues.

Published preclinical studies have evaluated doses from 25–150 mg daily equivalent in rodent models. Higher doses do not appear to scale linearly with efficacy due to enzymatic saturation kinetics. AVREA supplies pre-dosed capsules and bulk powder; researchers should follow IACUC-approved protocols for animal dosing.

Related Research Compounds

HPLC-Verified ≥99.1% · Batch-Tested · Room-Temp Stable

5-Amino-1MQ — Research-Grade Supply

Independently verified by third-party ISO-accredited laboratory. Available as pre-dosed capsules or bulk powder.

View 5-Amino-1MQ in Store → Reconstitution Protocol Guide