Description

5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium (5-Amino-1MQ) is a cell-permeable, selective, and potent small molecule inhibitor of the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). NNMT is a cytosolic enzyme predominantly expressed in the liver and adipose tissue, where it plays a central role in metabolic regulation by methylating nicotinamide using S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) as the methyl donor.

 

Performance Peptides Canada provides 5-Amino-1MQ at 99%+ purity. As a primary entity in metabolic research, our 5-Amino-1MQ is rigorously tested to ensure the chemical stability required for investigating adipose tissue metabolism and skeletal muscle regeneration in Canadian laboratory models.

 

Technical Specifications & Chemical Profile

• Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₁N₂⁺ (as an iodide or salt)
• Molecular Weight: 159.21 g/mol (cation)
• Chemical Name: 5-amino-1-methylquinolin-1-ium
• Purity: ≥99.0% (Verified via HPLC/MS)
• Physical Form: Fine crystalline powder

 

Primary Research Mechanisms & Metabolic Flux

5-Amino-1MQ is studied for its ability to shift cellular metabolism through the modulation of the NAD+ salvage pathway.

1. NNMT Inhibition & NAD+ Preservation

By inhibiting NNMT, 5-Amino-1MQ prevents the conversion of nicotinamide (NAM) into 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MNA). This inhibition preserves the pool of available NAM, which can then be recycled back into NAD+ through the salvage pathway. Researchers utilize this molecule to study the secondary effects of elevated intracellular NAD+ levels, such as increased sirtuin activity and improved mitochondrial function.

2. Adipose Tissue & Energy Expenditure

NNMT expression is significantly upregulated in obese and diabetic models. Research suggests that inhibiting this enzyme with 5-Amino-1MQ can lead to increased energy expenditure and reduced lipid accumulation in adipocytes. It is a vital tool for investigating the “browning” of white adipose tissue and systemic insulin sensitivity.

3. Muscle Regeneration & Sarcopenia Research

In skeletal muscle research, 5-Amino-1MQ is studied for its ability to stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of satellite cells (muscle stem cells). By lowering NNMT activity, the molecule appears to enhance the regenerative capacity of aged or damaged muscle tissue, making it a primary entity for researching sarcopenia and muscle wasting syndromes.

 

Handling & Solubility Protocol

As a small molecule, 5-Amino-1MQ has different handling requirements than standard peptides:

• Solubility: 5-Amino-1MQ is generally soluble in DMSO (up to 20 mg/mL) or Ethanol. It has limited solubility in plain water or saline.
• Storage: Store the dry powder at -20°C for long-term stability. Avoid exposure to direct light and moisture.
• Reconstitution: For research applications, it is often prepared as a stock solution in DMSO and then further diluted into the experimental medium.

 

Stability Benchmarks

Storage Condition	Physical State	Estimated Stability
-20°C (Freezer)	Dry Powder	24+ Months
Room Temp (20°C)	Dry Powder	6 Months (protect from light)
-80°C (Ultra-Low)	Stock Solution (DMSO)	3-6 Months

5-Amino-1MQ Research FAQ

Q: Is 5-Amino-1MQ a peptide?

A: No, 5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule heterocyclic cation. While it is often grouped with peptides in research circles due to its metabolic effects, its chemical structure and handling (requiring solvents like DMSO) are distinct.

 

Q: Can it be studied alongside NAD+ precursors?

A: Yes. Many researchers study the synergy between 5-Amino-1MQ (which prevents NAD+ depletion) and NAD+ precursors like NMN or NR (which increase NAD+ production) to observe the combined effect on mitochondrial biogenesis.

 

Q: Why is your 5-Amino-1MQ superior for Canadian research?

A: Small molecules like 5-Amino-1MQ are often subject to strict scrutiny during international transit. Performance Peptides Canada provides domestic shipping from within Canada, ensuring that your research materials arrive without the risk of seizure or degradation in customs warehouses.