5-Amino-1-Methylquinolinium
Also Known As5-amino-1-methylquinolinium · 5A1MQ
Developed as a selective, cell-permeable inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). Identified through structure-activity relationship studies of quinolinium-based NNMT inhibitors by Neelakantan et al. at the University of Texas Health Science Center.
How 5-Amino-1MQ Works
NNMT Inhibition
Selectively inhibits nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), the enzyme that methylates nicotinamide to form 1-methylnicotinamide. NNMT is overexpressed in white adipose tissue and metabolically active tissues, where it depletes the cellular SAM (S-adenosylmethionine) methyl donor pool and reduces NAD+ salvage pathway flux.
NAD+ Salvage Pathway Restoration
By inhibiting NNMT-mediated nicotinamide degradation, 5-Amino-1MQ increases intracellular nicotinamide availability for conversion to NAD+ via the NAMPT-catalyzed salvage pathway. This elevates cellular NAD+ levels, supporting sirtuin activity and mitochondrial function.
SAM-Dependent Methylation Regulation
NNMT inhibition prevents depletion of the SAM methyl donor pool, restoring substrate availability for histone methyltransferases and other SAM-dependent enzymes. This influences epigenetic regulation in adipose tissue, including H3K4 methylation patterns associated with adipogenesis gene expression.
Published Research
Adipocyte Metabolism & Obesity
ModerateDiet-induced obesity models in mice demonstrate that 5-Amino-1MQ treatment reduces body weight, white adipose depot mass, and adipocyte size without affecting food intake or lean mass. Effects are attributed to restored NAD+ flux and increased energy expenditure in adipose tissue. NNMT expression is elevated in human obesity.
NAD+ Biology & Aging
ModerateNNMT inhibition represents a distinct approach to boosting cellular NAD+ levels compared to precursor supplementation (NMN, NR). By preventing nicotinamide degradation, 5-Amino-1MQ increases substrate availability for the rate-limiting NAMPT enzyme. Elevated NAD+ supports sirtuin-mediated deacetylation and mitochondrial function.
Cancer Metabolism
PreclinicalNNMT is overexpressed in multiple cancers including renal cell carcinoma, gastric cancer, and glioblastoma, where it promotes an aggressive phenotype through epigenetic reprogramming and metabolic adaptation. NNMT inhibition has shown anti-proliferative effects in cancer cell lines, though in vivo evidence remains early-stage.
Muscle Stem Cell Function
PreclinicalNNMT is expressed in skeletal muscle satellite cells, and its inhibition has been associated with improved myogenic differentiation in culture models. The NAD+/sirtuin axis regulated by NNMT activity plays a role in muscle stem cell maintenance and regenerative capacity.
Safety Profile
5-Amino-1MQ has been studied in rodent models with no reported organ toxicity at effective doses. In diet-induced obesity studies, chronic administration (10 days, 10 mg/kg IP) produced no adverse effects on liver, kidney, or hematological parameters. No human clinical trial data is available. As a small molecule (not a peptide), its pharmacokinetic profile differs from injectable peptides.
Handling & Storage
5-Amino-1MQ is typically supplied as a hydrochloride salt powder. Soluble in water and DMSO. Store at -20°C in a desiccated, light-protected environment. Note: this is a small molecule, not a peptide — it does not require reconstitution with bacteriostatic water.
Peer-Reviewed Literature
- 1
Selective and membrane-permeable small molecule inhibitors of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase reverse high fat diet-induced obesity in mice
Neelakantan H, Vance V, Wetzel MD, et al.
- 2
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase knockdown protects against diet-induced obesity
Kraus D, Yang Q, Kong D, et al.
- 3
Structure-activity relationship for small molecule inhibitors of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase
Neelakantan H, Wang HY, Vance V, et al.
- 4
NNMT promotes epigenetic remodeling in cancer by creating a metabolic methylation sink
Ulanovskaya OA, Zuhl AM, Cravatt BF.
5-Amino-1MQ FAQ
What is 5-Amino-1MQ?
5-Amino-1MQ (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a small-molecule inhibitor of the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). By blocking NNMT, it preserves the cellular nicotinamide pool needed for NAD+ biosynthesis and prevents depletion of the SAM methyl donor used in epigenetic regulation.
Is 5-Amino-1MQ a peptide?
No. 5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule (quinolinium derivative, MW ~173 Da), not a peptide. It is included in research compound catalogs alongside peptides due to overlapping interest in metabolic and longevity research applications.
How does 5-Amino-1MQ differ from NMN or NR for NAD+ support?
NMN and NR are NAD+ precursors — they provide additional substrate for NAD+ biosynthesis. 5-Amino-1MQ works differently: it inhibits NNMT, the enzyme that degrades nicotinamide (the starting material for NAD+ salvage). This prevents the drain on the nicotinamide pool rather than simply adding more precursor.
How should 5-Amino-1MQ be stored?
Store the powder at -20°C, protected from light and moisture. It is soluble in water and DMSO. As a small molecule, it does not require reconstitution with bacteriostatic water like lyophilized peptides.
What is NNMT and why is it a research target?
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is an enzyme that methylates nicotinamide to form 1-methylnicotinamide using SAM as a methyl donor. It is upregulated in obesity, certain cancers, and metabolic dysfunction. Inhibiting NNMT preserves both the NAD+ precursor pool and the SAM methylation capacity, making it a dual-action metabolic target.
5-Amino-1MQ Products
All compounds 99%+ purity, verified by Janoshik Analytical. GMP-manufactured lyophilized powder.
5-Amino-1MQ
50mg × 60 CapsulesBurns fat at the cellular level — blocks the enzyme that makes fat cells expand, shrinking them while you keep eating normally.
- Shrinks fat cells without changing your diet
- Blocks the enzyme (NNMT) that makes fat cells grow
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Disclaimer: This monograph is provided for educational and research purposes only. G26x Peptides products are sold exclusively as research chemicals. They are not intended for human consumption, therapeutic use, or as dietary supplements. All research should be conducted in compliance with applicable laws and institutional review board protocols. Information presented here is sourced from published peer-reviewed literature and does not constitute medical advice.