5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium (5-Amino-1MQ) is a small molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) with a molecular weight of approximately 173.21 Da and the molecular formula C₁₀H₁₂N₂O. Unlike peptide-based research compounds, 5-Amino-1MQ is a cell-permeable quinolinium derivative that has garnered significant research interest for its role in modulating the NNMT-NAD⁺ metabolic axis.
NNMT catalyzes the methylation of nicotinamide to 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MNA), consuming S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as a methyl donor. This reaction directly depletes the NAD⁺ salvage pathway by diverting nicotinamide away from conversion to NAD⁺ via nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT). In vitro studies demonstrate that NNMT overexpression in adipocyte models is associated with reduced intracellular NAD⁺ levels and altered SAM/SAH ratios. 5-Amino-1MQ, as a selective NNMT inhibitor, has been shown to reverse these metabolic perturbations in cell culture systems.
In adipocyte differentiation models (3T3-L1 cells), 5-Amino-1MQ treatment has been associated with reduced lipid accumulation as measured by Oil Red O staining, decreased expression of adipogenic transcription factors (PPARγ, C/EBPα), and increased NAD⁺ concentrations. These findings have positioned 5-Amino-1MQ as a valuable tool for investigating the metabolic intersection of epigenetics and energy homeostasis. The SAM-depleting activity of NNMT also influences histone methylation status, linking NNMT inhibition research to epigenetic regulation.
Broader research applications include cancer cell metabolism studies, where NNMT overexpression has been identified as a feature of multiple tumor cell lines. In hepatocyte models, 5-Amino-1MQ has been used to study the interplay between one-carbon metabolism, NAD⁺ biosynthesis, and methyl donor availability. Skeletal muscle cell research has explored NNMT inhibition in the context of energy expenditure and mitochondrial function.
Erosyn Labs provides 5-Amino-1MQ as a high-purity crystalline powder at ≥98% purity by HPLC. Each lot includes a Certificate of Analysis with identity confirmation, purity, and residual solvent analysis. The compound is soluble in DMSO and partially soluble in water. Store at -20°C, protected from light and moisture. Reconstituted stock solutions in DMSO should be aliquoted and stored at -20°C, with working dilutions prepared fresh for each experiment.
