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5-Amino-1MQ

5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium iodide (NNMT inhibitor)

Small-molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), used as a research probe for adipocyte biology and metabolic disease models.

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Molecular weight
~257-321 g/mol (depending on counter-ion)
Sequence
Not a peptide - small molecule with quinolinium core (C₁₀H₁₁N₂I as iodide salt)
Synonyms
5A1MQ

What is 5-Amino-1MQ?

5-Amino-1MQ is a small-molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), included in the Peptra Labs research catalog because of its widely used role in metabolic and adipocyte biology research. It is not a peptide. NNMT methylates nicotinamide, depleting cellular NAD+ precursor pools and consuming SAM (S-adenosylmethionine), which has linked NNMT to obesity, fatty liver, and energy expenditure regulation.

Mechanism of action (preclinical evidence)

5-Amino-1MQ is a competitive inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme that transfers a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to nicotinamide, producing 1-methylnicotinamide and S-adenosylhomocysteine. The compound is a substrate-analog inhibitor: its quinoline structure mimics the nicotinamide product, occupying the NNMT active site and preventing turnover. The pharmacological rationale stems from NNMT's dual metabolic role. First, NNMT depletes nicotinamide - a precursor for NAD+ synthesis through the salvage pathway (NAMPT, NMNAT). Inhibiting NNMT preserves nicotinamide for NAD+ synthesis, raising intracellular NAD+ levels and increasing substrate availability for sirtuins and PARPs. Second, NNMT consumes SAM, the universal methyl donor. Methylation reactions across the cell - histone methylation, DNA methylation, neurotransmitter biosynthesis - depend on SAM availability. NNMT overexpression in adipose tissue has been associated with reduced SAM, altered DNA methylation patterns, and metabolic dysfunction in preclinical obesity models. Inhibiting NNMT in these models has been described to restore SAM levels, normalize methylation marks, and improve insulin sensitivity. The 5-Amino-1MQ compound is a research tool: it provides a way to probe NNMT-dependent phenotypes in cell culture and animal models without genetic knockout. Its small-molecule nature means it can be administered orally in rodent studies, distinguishing it from biological inhibitors that would require parenteral administration.

Research applications

  • NNMT enzyme inhibition screens
  • Adipocyte differentiation and lipolysis studies
  • Obesity and metabolic disease preclinical models
  • NAD+/methylation crosstalk research
  • SAM/SAH ratio and histone methylation studies

Storage and handling

Store the lyophilised compound at -20 °C, protected from light and moisture. Standard small-molecule handling applies - fresh stock solutions in DMSO or water depending on counter-ion are typical for assay reproducibility.

Regulatory status

5-Amino-1MQ is an experimental research compound with no approved therapeutic use. Supplied by Peptra Labs for laboratory research only.

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Frequently asked questions

What is 5-Amino-1MQ?+
5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium iodide (5-Amino-1MQ) is a small-molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), not a peptide. It is included in research catalogs as part of the metabolic and aging research toolkit. Published research describes effects on adipose tissue metabolism and NAD+ salvage pathway through NNMT inhibition.
What is NNMT and why is it relevant?+
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) consumes nicotinamide (a NAD+ precursor) and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM, a methyl donor), producing 1-methylnicotinamide. Overexpression in adipose tissue has been associated with obesity and metabolic dysfunction in preclinical models. Inhibiting NNMT may preserve nicotinamide for NAD+ synthesis.
What 5-Amino-1MQ research applications exist?+
Preclinical research focuses on: adipocyte metabolism studies (3T3-L1 cell lines, primary adipose cultures), preclinical obesity and diet-induced metabolic dysfunction models, NAD+ salvage pathway research, NNMT enzyme inhibition assays, comparison with other NNMT inhibitors.
Is 5-Amino-1MQ a drug?+
No. 5-Amino-1MQ is not approved by FDA, EMA, or any regulator. It is a research chemical with no therapeutic indication or approval. Peptra Labs supplies it strictly for in-vitro and preclinical laboratory studies.
How should 5-Amino-1MQ be stored?+
5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule (not a peptide), so it is relatively stable. Store the lyophilized powder at -20°C, sealed, protected from light and moisture. Reconstitute in DMSO or water-buffer mixes appropriate to the cell culture system being used.

References

  1. Neelakantan H, et al. Selective and membrane-permeable small molecule inhibitors of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase reverse high fat diet-induced obesity in mice. Biochem Pharmacol. 2018;147:141-152.
  2. Kraus D, et al. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase knockdown protects against diet-induced obesity. Nature. 2014;508(7495):258-262.

Last reviewed: 4 May 2026