5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule strictly for Research Use Only (RUO), investigated in laboratory settings as a targeted inhibitor of the NNMT enzyme. Researchers utilize this compound to study cellular metabolism, energy homeostasis, and NAD+ salvage pathways in preclinical models. All 5-Amino-1MQ compounds are sold exclusively for in vitro laboratory research and are strictly not for human consumption, medical, veterinary, or cosmetic use.
Unlike traditional amino acid chains, 5-Amino-1MQ features a unique structure allowing researchers to investigate specific enzyme interactions. By selectively blocking nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), it alters cellular energy regulation and NAD+ concentration pathways in vitro. This guide explores the 5-Amino-1MQ mechanism, its molecular structure, and the rigorous storage protocols required to maintain greater than 99 percent purity during metabolic research studies.
What is 5-Amino-1MQ investigated for in laboratory research?
5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule strictly for Research Use Only (RUO), investigated in laboratory settings as a targeted inhibitor of the NNMT enzyme. Researchers study this compound exclusively in preclinical models to understand its role in cellular metabolism, energy regulation, and NAD+ salvage pathways.
It is utilized to observe how the inhibition of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) affects the cellular “methyl economy”[1]. NNMT typically consumes S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to methylate nicotinamide, producing 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MNA) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH)[2][3]. In vitro studies on adipocytes demonstrate that 5-Amino-1MQ reduces intracellular 1-MNA and suppresses lipogenesis by 50 to 70 percent at concentrations of 30 to 60 µM[4][3].
Animal data indicates that NNMT inhibition via 5-Amino-1MQ increases energy expenditure and reduces white adipose mass in diet-induced obese mice[3][5].
All 5-Amino-1MQ compounds are sold exclusively for in vitro laboratory research and are strictly not for human consumption, medical, or veterinary use. Researchers seeking where to buy 5-Amino-1MQ must source from vendors providing independent third-party HPLC and mass spectrometry testing to verify the compound’s identity and purity.
What is the molecular structure of 5-Amino-1MQ?
5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule compound (1-methylquinolin-1-ium-5-amine) rather than a peptide, offering a distinct structural profile for enzyme binding studies. Its low molecular weight and specific charge distribution are key areas of interest in preclinical chemical synthesis and enzyme interaction assays.
The core cation features a quinoline ring system, consisting of a benzene ring fused to a pyridine ring[6][7]. The nitrogen at position 1 is methylated, creating a permanently charged quaternary ammonium center (quinolinium)[8][9].
In research applications, the compound is almost universally utilized as an iodide salt (1-methylquinolin-1-ium-5-amine iodide)[10][9]. The 5-Amino-1MQ molecular weight varies depending on whether the core cation or the iodide salt is measured.
| Structural Property | Core Cation | Iodide Salt (Research Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| IUPAC Name | 1-methylquinolin-1-ium-5-amine[8] | 1-methylquinolin-1-ium-5-amine; iodide[10] |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₀H₁₁N₂⁺[8] | C₁₀H₁₁IN₂[10][9] |
| Formal Charge | +1[8] | 0 (ionic pair)[10] |
| Molecular Weight | 159.21 g/mol[8] | 286.11 g/mol[10][9] |
This low molecular weight and high membrane permeability allow the compound to effectively enter cells in vitro to access intracellular NNMT[4][11]. The primary amino group attached at the 5-position of the quinoline ring further distinguishes its structure, enabling the highly selective binding required for targeted 5-Amino-1MQ research applications in modern metabolic assays.
How does 5-Amino-1MQ inhibit the NNMT enzyme in laboratory models?
The primary mechanism of 5-Amino-1MQ is the direct, selective inhibition of the NNMT enzyme, preventing the methylation of nicotinamide. By blocking NNMT, researchers observe downstream alterations in cellular energy regulation and NAD+ concentration pathways in laboratory models.
The 5-Amino-1MQ mechanism operates through a highly selective, membrane-permeable blockade of the NNMT active site[4][11]. In enzymatic assays, the compound exhibits an IC₅₀ of approximately 1 µM for NNMT inhibition in vitro, and an EC₅₀ of 2.3 µM in fully differentiated adipocytes[4].
- Membrane Penetration: The small-molecule methylquinolinium structure allows 5-Amino-1MQ to permeate cell membranes efficiently, reaching the intracellular cytosol where NNMT resides[4][11].
- Enzyme Binding: The compound binds selectively to the NNMT active site without significantly inhibiting other SAM-dependent methyltransferases or NAD+ salvage enzymes[4][3].
- Pathway Diversion: By inhibiting NNMT, the compound prevents the conversion of nicotinamide into 1-MNA. This preserves the intracellular nicotinamide pool, shunting it toward the NAD+ salvage pathway driven by the NAMPT enzyme[4][2][3].
- Metabolic Reprogramming: The preservation of nicotinamide and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) increases intracellular NAD+ and SAM levels[4][3][11]. In preclinical models, this biochemical shift increases oxygen consumption in adipocytes, indicating a transition toward higher energy expenditure[3].
This precise 5-Amino-1MQ NNMT inhibitor mechanism is what positions the compound as a central tool for investigating the intersection of NAD+ biosynthesis, methionine methylation pathways, and cellular energy homeostasis in vitro.
How should researchers store 5-Amino-1MQ to maintain purity?
Laboratory protocols require storing 5-Amino-1MQ at minus 20 degrees Celsius to maintain greater than 99 percent purity during long-term metabolic research studies. Proper handling involves minimizing moisture exposure and avoiding repeated freeze-thaw cycles to preserve chemical stability.
Researchers must adhere to rigorous laboratory handling and storage protocols to prevent degradation.
| Storage Condition | Recommended Protocol | Rationale for Stability |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Powder | Lyophilized at -20°C (-4°F)[12][13] | Maintains ≥95% purity for up to 24 months by preventing hydrolysis[14][15]. |
| Light Exposure | Amber or opaque sealed vials[13][16] | Prevents photo-oxidative degradation of the quinoline ring structure[17][18]. |
| Reconstituted (Short-Term) | 2 to 8°C (35.6 to 46.4°F)[19][20] | Solutions in bacteriostatic water remain viable for 2 to 4 weeks[19][21]. |
| Reconstituted (Long-Term) | Aliquoted at -20°C (-4°F)[19][13] | Single-use aliquots prevent structural damage from repeated freeze-thaw cycles[19][16]. |
When preparing the compound for in vitro application, researchers typically reconstitute the lyophilized powder using bacteriostatic water. The vial must be allowed to equilibrate to room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes prior to opening to prevent condensation from introducing moisture[12][13]. The diluent should be injected slowly down the vial wall, and the solution gently swirled to avoid mechanical stress[12][16]. Exposure of reconstituted 5-Amino-1MQ to room temperature drastically shortens its usable life and should be strictly limited to immediate assay preparation[19].
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 5-Amino-1MQ investigated for in laboratory research?
5-Amino-1MQ is investigated strictly in preclinical laboratory settings as a targeted inhibitor of the nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) enzyme. Researchers utilize it to study cellular metabolism, NAD+ salvage pathways, and energy homeostasis in vitro. It is strictly for Research Use Only (RUO) and not for human consumption.
How does 5-Amino-1MQ inhibit the NNMT enzyme?
The compound acts as a membrane-permeable small molecule that selectively binds to the NNMT active site[4][11]. This blockade prevents the enzyme from methylating nicotinamide, preserving intracellular nicotinamide pools and shunting them into the NAD+ salvage pathway[4][2].
What is the molecular structure of 5-Amino-1MQ?
5-Amino-1MQ is a methylquinolinium-based small molecule, not a peptide. It features a fused benzene-pyridine quinoline ring with a methylated nitrogen, creating a permanently charged quaternary ammonium center[8][9]. In research, it is commonly utilized as an iodide salt with a molecular weight of 286.11 g/mol[10][9].
How should researchers store 5-Amino-1MQ to maintain purity?
Researchers must store lyophilized 5-Amino-1MQ powder at minus 20 degrees Celsius in sealed, light-protected vials to maintain stability for up to 24 months[12][13]. Once reconstituted, the solution should be stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and utilized within 2 to 4 weeks to prevent degradation[19][20].
References
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- Quinoline derived small molecule inhibitors of nicotinamide n …. https://patents.google.com/patent/US20200102274A1/en (2018-03-29)
- Roles of Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase in Obesity and Type 2 …. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8337113/ (2021-07-27)
- Selective and membrane-permeable small molecule inhibitors of …. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5826726/ (2017-11-15)
- Reduced calorie diet combined with NNMT inhibition establishes a …. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-03670-5 (2022-01-10)
- Chemical Structure and Physical Properties of 5-Amino-1MQ Iodide. https://www.biolyphar.com/chemical-structure-and-physical-properties-of-5-amino-1mq-iodide/ (2025-11-17)
- Buy 5-Amino-1MQ (10mg) – 99% Purity USA-Made Peptide. https://biolongevitylabs.com/product/5-amino-1mq-10mg/ (2026-07-07)
- 5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium | C10H11N2+ | CID 950107 – PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium (2026-07-06)
- 5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium iodide ≥98% (HPLC) – Sigma-Aldrich. https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/sigma/sml2832 (2026-07-03)
- NNMTi | C10H11IN2 | CID 66522933 – PubChem – NIH. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/NNMTi (2025-07-12)
- [PDF] 5-Amino-1MQ | GenOracle. https://genoracle.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2022/09/5-Amino-1MQ-Doctor-Sheet.pdf (2026-06-25)
- 5-Amino-1MQ (10 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol. https://peptidedosages.com/single-peptide-dosages/5-amino-1mq-10-mg-vial-dosage-protocol/ (2026-06-14)
- Lyophilized Peptide Storage: Temperature, Humidity, & Light. https://verifiedpeptides.com/knowledge-hub/lyophilized-peptide-storage-temperature-humidity-light/ (2025-06-08)
- Best Practices for Storing and Handling CJC-1295 Research …. https://palmettopeptides.com/blogs/news/cjc1295-storage-stability (2026-04-02)
- Peptide Storage and Handling Guidelines – GenScript. https://www.genscript.com/peptide_storage_and_handling.html (2025-01-01)
- Handling and Storage Guidelines for Peptides – Bachem. https://www.bachem.com/knowledge-center/handling-and-storage-guidelines-for-peptides/ (2026-03-15)
- 5-Amino-1MQ | ≥99% Pure – Nationwide Peptides. https://www.nationwidepeptides.com/products/5-amino-1mq/ (2026-07-09)
- Peptide Stability: How Long Do Peptides Last?. https://www.jpt.com/blog/how-long-last-peptides/ (2026-07-09)
- How Long 5-Amino-1MQ Vial Lasts: 2026 Research Insights. https://www.realpeptides.co/how-long-5-amino-1mq-vial-lasts/ (2026-02-26)
- 5-Amino-1MQ (10 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol. https://www.dosagepeptide.com/single-peptide-dosages/5-amino-1mq-10-mg-vial-dosage-protocol/ (2025-12-24)
- How Long Do Peptides Last at Room Temperature?. https://www.creative-peptides.com/resources/how-long-do-peptides-last.html (2025-01-10)