Metabolic & Incretin Research Guide

5-Amino-1MQ: Mechanism, Handling & Research Guide

Also known as: 5-amino-1-methylquinolinium, 5amino1MQ, 5-Amino-1-MQ, NNMT inhibitor

Key Facts

5-Amino-1MQ (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a small-molecule research compound studied as an inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme involved in cellular energy metabolism and NAD+ regulation. In preclinical metabolic and obesity research it has been investigated for its effect on fat-cell metabolism and energy expenditure. It is supplied as a lyophilized powder for laboratory and in-vitro research use only — not for human consumption.

Classification	Small-molecule nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) inhibitor
Molecular Formula	C10H11IN2
Molecular Weight	286.11 g/mol
CAS Number	42464-96-0
Research Half-Life	Not established in published human literature
Form	Lyophilized powder
Research Category	Metabolic & Incretin

What is 5-Amino-1MQ?

5-Amino-1MQ (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a small-molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme that methylates nicotinamide and depletes the cellular pool of S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), a critical methyl donor. By inhibiting NNMT, 5-Amino-1MQ is proposed to increase intracellular NAD+ levels and SAM availability, thereby enhancing cellular energy metabolism and epigenetic regulation. Research published by Neelakantan et al. The same research group at the University of Texas showed that NNMT expression is upregulated in visceral adipose tissue of obese subjects, suggesting the enzyme plays a direct role in metabolic dysfunction. Unlike GLP-1 receptor agonists that suppress appetite centrally, 5-Amino-1MQ operates at the cellular metabolic level by modulating the NAD+ salvage pathway and methylation balance, offering a mechanistically distinct approach. Compared to NMN or NR supplementation (NAD+ precursors), 5-Amino-1MQ addresses NAD+ depletion at the enzymatic level rather than through precursor loading. Studies also suggest NNMT inhibition may improve insulin sensitivity through modulated SIRT1 activity. Store lyophilized powder at -20C protected from moisture; reconstitute in sterile water. This compound is investigated by metabolic biochemistry laboratories, NAD+ biology researchers, and academic institutions studying the intersection of epigenetics and obesity.

5-Amino-1MQ Research Applications

In published and preclinical research, 5-Amino-1MQ has been studied across the following areas:

Metabolic and incretin-pathway research
Insulin-signaling and glucose-metabolism research
NAD+ and cellular-energy pathway research
Mitochondrial and bioenergetic research

5-Amino-1MQ in Research: Study Context

5-Amino-1MQ is studied as a potent, selective inhibitor of NNMT, an enzyme that methylates nicotinamide and influences the cellular pool of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and NAD+. Published preclinical work (Neelakantan et al., Biochemical Pharmacology, 2018) reported that NNMT inhibition in diet-induced obese mouse models reduced body weight and white adipose tissue mass while increasing energy expenditure, without changes in food intake. In laboratory research the lyophilized compound is reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water to a defined mg/mL concentration; the assay or model system dictates the working concentration, and there is no human concentration because 5-Amino-1MQ is not approved for human use. Researchers should reference the primary literature for study design and document the exact lot COA.

How 5-Amino-1MQ Compares

Researchers frequently evaluate 5-Amino-1MQ alongside related compounds:

5-Amino-1MQ vs Retatrutide — central GLP-1 mechanism vs. cellular NNMT/NAD+ mechanism

5-Amino-1MQ — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mechanism of action of 5-Amino-1MQ in research models?

5-Amino-1MQ is a small-molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). In published preclinical research, NNMT inhibition has been studied for its effect on the NAD+ salvage pathway and cellular metabolic regulation in adipocyte and metabolic models. These are in-vitro and animal-model findings only; 5-Amino-1MQ is not approved for human use.

How should 5-Amino-1MQ be stored, and is it stable to freeze-thaw?

Lyophilized 5-Amino-1MQ is generally stored cold and protected from light and moisture to preserve stability in the lab; reconstituted material is kept refrigerated and used within the stability window indicated by the study or COA. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles of solutions are best minimized by preparing single-use aliquots, consistent with standard handling of research reference compounds.

What concentration ranges of 5-Amino-1MQ have been used in published studies?

Published preclinical and in-vitro studies of 5-Amino-1MQ select concentrations specific to the assay or model system rather than a single standard concentration, and there is no established human concentration because the compound is not approved for human use. Researchers should reference the primary literature for the model in question when designing concentration ranges and document the exact lot used.

How does 5-Amino-1MQ differ from GLP-1 research peptides like retatrutide?

5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule that acts at the cellular metabolic level by inhibiting the NNMT enzyme and modulating the NAD+ salvage pathway, whereas GLP-1 / GIP / glucagon receptor agonists such as retatrutide act on appetite and metabolic signaling through receptor pathways. They are mechanistically distinct classes studied for different reasons.

Is 5-Amino-1MQ legal to buy for research?

5-Amino-1MQ is sold in the United States as a research chemical for laboratory and in-vitro use only. It is not approved by the FDA for human use and is not sold for human consumption. Researchers are responsible for compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations.

Does 5-Amino-1MQ come with a Certificate of Analysis?

Yes. Every batch of 5-Amino-1MQ from Elyte Peptides ships with a third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting identity and HPLC purity (≥98%), so research results can be traced to a verified lot.

What is 5-Amino-1MQ and how does it work?

5-Amino-1MQ (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a small-molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme that regulates cellular energy metabolism and NAD+ levels. By inhibiting NNMT, 5-Amino-1MQ has been observed in preclinical models to increase intracellular NAD+ concentrations and activate the sirtuin (SIRT1) pathway, influencing fat cell metabolism, energy expenditure, and metabolic homeostasis.

What research has been done on 5-Amino-1MQ?

Research published in Biochemical Pharmacology demonstrated that 5-Amino-1MQ inhibited NNMT activity in adipocyte models, leading to reduced fat cell size and lipid accumulation. Studies at the University of Texas Health Science Center showed that NNMT inhibition by this compound class increased SAM (S-adenosylmethionine) concentrations and decreased fat mass in diet-induced obesity models without affecting food intake.

How does 5-Amino-1MQ compare to other NNMT inhibitors?

5-Amino-1MQ is among the most potent and selective NNMT inhibitors studied to date. Compared to earlier NNMT inhibitors like JBSNF-000088, 5-Amino-1MQ demonstrates superior cell permeability and selectivity. Unlike broad-spectrum metabolic modulators such as metformin, it targets a single enzyme (NNMT) with high specificity, making it a valuable tool compound for studying the NNMT-NAD+ axis in metabolic research.

Is 5-Amino-1MQ third-party tested?

Yes. Every batch of 5-Amino-1MQ from Elyte Peptides is third-party tested and ships with an independent Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting identity and HPLC purity (≥98%), so research results can be traced to a verified lot.

Research References

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