5-Amino-1MQ: NNMT Inhibitor Research Overview

Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to nicotinamide, producing 1-methylnicotinamide and S-adenosylhomocysteine. The reaction effectively removes nicotinamide from the NAD+ salvage pathway, since methylated nicotinamide cannot be reincorporated into NAD+ biosynthesis.^[1]

NNMT has emerged as a research interest because elevated NNMT activity has been associated with various metabolic phenotypes in animal models. Inhibitors of NNMT, including 5-Amino-1MQ, were developed as research tools to interrogate NNMT biology by preserving nicotinamide for the salvage pathway.^[2]

5-Amino-1MQ is studied as a research reference compound. It has not been approved by the FDA for any human therapeutic or medical purpose.

5-Amino-1MQ is a small organic molecule:

• Chemical name: 5-amino-1-methylquinolinium

• Structure: quinoline scaffold with amino group at position 5 and methyl group on nitrogen 1

• Molecular weight: approximately 159 g/mol (cation; varies by salt form)

• Form: supplied in capsule form for research applications

5-Amino-1MQ was identified as an NNMT inhibitor through structure-activity relationship studies of quinoline scaffolds at the NNMT active site. The molecule's small size and water solubility make it favorable for cell-based research applications.^[3]

5-Amino-1MQ's research-characterized mechanism is at NNMT.

5-Amino-1MQ binds at or near the NNMT active site, competing with nicotinamide for catalysis. Inhibition has been characterized in enzymatic assays using recombinant NNMT and nicotinamide as substrate.^[3]

NNMT inhibition preserves the nicotinamide pool for the NAD+ salvage pathway. Preclinical cell-based studies have shown that 5-Amino-1MQ administration is associated with elevated cellular NAD+ levels in NNMT-expressing cell types.^[4]

Because NNMT consumes SAM and produces SAH, inhibiting NNMT also affects the SAM/SAH ratio, which is a central regulator of methylation reactions throughout the cell. This downstream effect provides a research avenue for examining methylation pathway crosstalk.^[1]

5-Amino-1MQ research is concentrated in metabolic and aging-related preclinical models.

NNMT is highly expressed in white adipose tissue. Preclinical studies have examined 5-Amino-1MQ effects in cultured adipocytes and in mouse models of obesity. Endpoints include adipocyte size, lipid accumulation, and adipose tissue gene expression panels.^[5]

Muscle cell preparations and rodent skeletal muscle studies have examined NNMT inhibition effects on muscle quality markers, mitochondrial function, and oxidative metabolism.^[6]

Because NAD+ levels decline with age in animal models, NNMT inhibition is a research tool for studies of NAD+ depletion and the cellular pathways downstream of NAD+ availability.^[4]

5-Amino-1MQ is a stable small molecule. Standard organic compound handling applies.

Supplied in capsule form, stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place. The compound itself is stable to standard organic storage conditions.

Quality verification includes HPLC for purity, mass spectrometry or NMR for identity confirmation, and trace impurity analysis. Each batch of Instant Peptides 5-Amino-1MQ ships with a full Certificate of Analysis.

Instant Peptides supplies 5-Amino-1MQ as a research reference compound. Material is supplied to qualified research professionals. Not for human or animal consumption.

View the product page for current pricing and the Certificate of Analysis for the active batch.