5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule membrane-permeable inhibitor of the enzyme Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). While not a peptide in the traditional sense, it is frequently categorized alongside metabolic research reagents due to its specific action on the NAD+ salvage pathway. Preclinical research suggests that by inhibiting NNMT, 5-Amino-1MQ may prevent the “waste” of Nicotinamide, thereby supporting higher intracellular NAD+ levels. It is primarily investigated in models of obesity, muscle wasting (sarcopenia), and metabolic bioenergetics. Supplied as a lyophilized powder strictly for laboratory research.

Area of Interest

Research on 5-Amino-1MQ has focused on several critical metabolic pathways:

• Adipocyte Metabolism: Investigated for its ability to reduce white adipose tissue mass by shifting cellular metabolism away from storage and towards energy expenditure (without affecting food intake in murine models).
• NAD+ Flux Regulation: Studies focus on its mechanism of blocking NNMT, which may otherwise drain methyl groups and Nicotinamide, theoretically boosting the available pool of NAD+.
• Sarcopenia & Muscle Physiology: Research explores its potential to rejuvenate aged muscle stem cells (satellite cells) and improve contractile function in tissue models.
• Metabolic Syndrome: Preclinical trials examine its influence on insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles within controlled dietary models.

These properties make 5-Amino-1MQ a critical reagent for laboratories studying the intersection of aging, obesity, and cellular energy dynamics.

Technical Information

• Chemical Name: 5-amino-1-methylquinolinium
• Synonyms: 5-Amino-1MQ, NNMT Inhibitor
• Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₁N₂⁺ (Cation)
• Molecular Weight: 159.21 g/mol (Cation base)
• Sequence: N/A (Small Molecule)
• CAS Number: 42464-96-0
• Classification: Selective NNMT Inhibitor / Small Molecule

Storage Guidelines

• Lyophilized powder is stable at room temperature for shipping.
• For long-term storage, keep at −20°C or below.

• Once reconstituted, store at 2–8 °C. Use within the timeframe dictated by the solvent choice.

Solubility

5-Amino-1MQ is soluble in sterile water, saline, or bacteriostatic water. For higher concentrations, some protocols utilize a small percentage of DMSO or Ethanol before aqueous dilution.

References

• Neelakantan, H., Vance, V., Wetzel, M. D., et al. (2019). “Selective and membrane-permeable small molecule inhibitors of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase reverse diet-induced obesity in mice.” Nature Medicine, 25(11), 1761–1771. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-019-0604-9
• Neelakantan, H., & Watowich, S. S. (2016). “Small molecule inhibitors of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT).” Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 59(19), 9039–9056. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00969
• Sperry, J., & Bräse, S. (2019). “Targeting NNMT to Combat Obesity.” Nature Medicine, News & Views coverage of primary research.
• Campagna, R., et al. (2021). “Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) in health and disease.” Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 78, 6241–6257. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-021-03909-6

Certificate of Analysis (COA): Available here