5-Amino-1-MQ — NNMT Inhibitor (Metabolic Modulator)

5-Amino-1-MQ is a small-molecule nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) inhibitor that has attracted attention in research on energy metabolism, fat-cell activity, and NAD⁺ homeostasis. By reducing NNMT activity, it can help preserve cellular NAD⁺ levels and influence how adipocytes store and burn energy.

Identifiers

Chemical name: 5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium iodide
CAS No.: 1600960-84-8
PubChem CID: 135423191
Formula: C₁₀H₁₁IN₂ • Molecular weight: ~286 g/mol

How It Works (Plain English)

Acts as a selective NNMT inhibitor, blocking the enzyme that converts nicotinamide to 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MNA).
This preserves cellular NAD⁺ pools—vital for mitochondrial energy and sirtuin activity.
In adipose-tissue research, inhibition of NNMT has been linked to increased energy expenditure and reduced fat storage.

Why Researchers Use It

To explore how NNMT influences obesity, metabolic syndrome, and insulin sensitivity.
To study the relationship between NAD⁺ metabolism and mitochondrial function.
To investigate potential synergy with NAD⁺ precursors (NR/NMN) and sirtuin-activating compounds.

Key Study Findings

Adipose Energy Metabolism Models

What was tested: Mouse adipocytes ± 5-Amino-1-MQ; endpoints: NNMT activity, NAD⁺ levels, O₂ consumption, energy expenditure. (pubmed 31229444)
What changed: ↓ NNMT activity, ↑ NAD⁺, ↑ energy expenditure, ↓ fat-mass gain on high-fat diet.
Why it matters: Demonstrates NNMT inhibition as a viable target for metabolic research and fat-cell energy control.

NAD⁺ Preservation and Sirtuin Activity

What was tested: Cell culture studies measuring NAD⁺ and SIRT1/SIRT3 activity after NNMT inhibition. (pubmed 33077250)
What changed: Enhanced sirtuin activation and improved mitochondrial respiration profiles.
Why it matters: Links NNMT inhibition to NAD⁺-dependent longevity pathways and cellular repair.

Potential Research Applications

Metabolic Health & Obesity

Energy expenditure and fat-mass assays in diet-induced obesity models.
Insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance testing.

Cellular Energy & Longevity

NAD⁺ pool maintenance and sirtuin activation studies.
Mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative stress markers.

Comparative Pharmacology

NNMT inhibitors vs NAD⁺ precursors (NR, NMN) vs SIRT activators (Resveratrol, Pterostilbene).

Synergistic / Comparator Compounds

NMN / NR (NAD⁺ Precursors)

Why pair: NNMT inhibition slows NAD⁺ loss while precursors increase NAD⁺ supply — potential additive effect on energy metabolism.

MOTS-c or SS-31

Why pair: Combine mitochondrial-protective peptides with NNMT inhibition for enhanced bioenergetic research.

Resveratrol / Sirtuin Activators

Why compare: Direct sirtuin activation vs indirect NAD⁺ preservation approaches.

Known Concerns (Context)

Tool compound status: Limited human data; all evidence preclinical or in vitro.
Potency: Micromolar range activity — use careful dose titration in cell systems.
General: For laboratory research use only; not for human consumption or therapeutic use.

Specifications & Handling

Form: Small-molecule solid compound (lot-coded)
Purity: ≥ 98 % (HPLC/MS verified)
Storage: Cool, dry, dark conditions (≤ 25 °C)

In solution: Soluble in DMSO and ethanol — prepare fresh aliquots; avoid repeated freeze–thaw.
Labeling: Tamper-evident; “research use only” marking required.

Regulatory & Use Notice

Sold for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, medical, or veterinary use. No human-use instructions are provided. Buyer is responsible for safe handling and regulatory compliance.