5-Amino-1MQ Research Guide: NNMT Inhibitor Mechanism & Dosing
5-Amino-1MQ is a small-molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), studied for adipose-tissue metabolism and NAD+ pool preservation.
What is 5-Amino-1MQ?
5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule, not a peptide. It is a selective inhibitor of the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), which is overexpressed in white adipose tissue in obesity and aging research models.
It has been studied at the Salk Institute and other groups as a potential research tool compound for adipose metabolism and methyl-donor biology.
Mechanism of action
NNMT methylates nicotinamide (a NAD+ precursor) using S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as the methyl donor. Overexpression of NNMT therefore drains both the cellular NAD+ salvage pathway and the cell's pool of methyl donors.
Inhibiting NNMT with 5-Amino-1MQ preserves both nicotinamide (and downstream NAD+) and SAM. Published rodent studies have reported reduced adiposity, improved metabolic markers, and preservation of muscle mass under high-fat-diet conditions.
Half-life and stability
Published rodent pharmacokinetic studies report reasonable oral bioavailability and a half-life in the multi-hour range. Formal human PK data is limited.
Compliance reminder
5-Amino-1MQ is sold for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, diagnosis, treatment, or cure of any disease.
Frequently asked questions
What is 5-Amino-1MQ?
5-Amino-1MQ (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a small-molecule, not a peptide, that selectively inhibits the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT).
Mechanism?
NNMT methylates nicotinamide (a NAD+ precursor) using SAM as the methyl donor, depleting both the NAD+ salvage pool and cellular methyl donors. Inhibiting NNMT preserves both NAD+ and SAM, with documented effects on adipose-tissue metabolism in rodent obesity models.
Why is it grouped with peptides?
Functionally, it is studied alongside metabolic peptides like NAD+ and MOTS-C because of its overlap with the NAD+ salvage pathway and energy-metabolism research.