5-Amino-1MQ: NNMT Inhibition and Adipocyte Metabolism
A small-molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase, and why it is studied alongside NAD+ biology.
5-Amino-1MQ (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a membrane-permeable small molecule that inhibits nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). Unlike most compounds sold as research peptides it is not a peptide at all, which matters for handling and solubility.
Mechanism overview
NNMT is a cytosolic enzyme that methylates nicotinamide using S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as the methyl donor, producing 1-methylnicotinamide and S-adenosylhomocysteine. NNMT expression is elevated in the adipose tissue of obese and diabetic mice. Inhibiting it is reported to raise intracellular NAD+ and SAM levels in adipocytes and to reduce lipogenesis.
Published research applications
In diet-induced obese mice, an NNMT inhibitor of this class was reported to reduce body weight and white-adipose mass without a reduction in food intake. Research uses include NAD+ and methyl-donor biology, adipocyte metabolism, and cell-culture studies of NNMT's role in cellular energy balance.
It is often studied alongside NAD+ itself, since NNMT inhibition and direct NAD+ supplementation address the same pool from different directions.
Handling
QSC supplies 5-Amino-1MQ in 10-vial packs of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 50 mg vials. As a small molecule, its solubility and stability differ from peptides; consult the published methods for your model when choosing a vehicle, and store lyophilized material at -20°C.
