5-Amino-1MQ

5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium (5-Amino-1MQ) is a cell-permeable inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme that methylates nicotinamide using S-adenosylmethionine as the methyl donor. NNMT is expressed primarily in adipose tissue and liver, and its activity consumes both SAM and nicotinamide — reducing availability of the NAD⁺ precursor pool and shifting cellular methylation balance.

Research on 5-Amino-1MQ emerged from studies showing NNMT is dramatically upregulated in obesity and plays a role in adipocyte differentiation and metabolic activity. By inhibiting NNMT, 5-Amino-1MQ preserves nicotinamide for NAD⁺ synthesis (via the NAMPT pathway) and restores normal methylation balance. Published research demonstrated that 5-Amino-1MQ treatment in obese mice reduced body weight and fat mass without changes in food intake, with accompanying improvements in metabolic markers.

Research applications include adipocyte differentiation studies, NNMT biology, NAD⁺ metabolism, and obesity-related metabolic dysfunction research. As a small molecule powder, it is suitable for cell culture work (dissolve in DMSO) and in vivo rodent studies. Its mechanism via NNMT inhibition is distinct from GLP-1 agonists, representing an alternative angle on obesity research.