Small-Molecule
5-Amino-1MQ Protocol
A selective nicotinamide N-methyltransferase inhibitor investigated in research models for preservation of intracellular SAM and NAD+ pools — with downstream signalling implications for adipocyte energetics, white-fat browning and muscle stem-cell rejuvenation.
NNMT Inhibition Mechanism
How a single small-molecule blockade is studied across three downstream metabolic axes in laboratory research.
Enzymatic Inhibition
Selectively binds the NNMT active site, attenuating methylation of nicotinamide and conserving the methyl-donor pool — a primary upstream node studied in metabolic and longevity models.
Cofactor Preservation
Investigated for its capacity to spare S-adenosylmethionine and increase NAD+ salvage flux, supporting sirtuin-related signalling and mitochondrial bioenergetics in cellular research.
Tissue-Level Studies
Examined in adipocyte models for energy expenditure and white-fat browning, and in muscle stem-cell research for satellite-cell function and regenerative capacity with age.
Research Applications
Where 5-Amino-1MQ sits within the broader NAD+ and longevity research landscape.
Metabolic Models
Used in adipose-tissue research to investigate basal energy expenditure, lipid mobilisation and white-to-beige adipocyte transition under chronic NNMT-suppressed conditions.
Cofactor Pathway Studies
Studied alongside NMN and NR as an upstream regulator rather than a direct precursor — preserving endogenous NAD+ via methyl-donor conservation rather than substrate loading.
Stem-Cell Research
Featured in investigations of aged muscle satellite-cell quiescence, self-renewal capacity and regenerative output following injury in preclinical longevity research.
Compound Profile
Identity at a glance.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | 5-amino-1-methylquinolinium — a small molecule, not a peptide |
| Formula & weight | Cation C10H11N2+, 159.2 g/mol; commonly supplied as the iodide salt (C10H11IN2, 286.1 g/mol, CAS 42464-96-0) |
| Target | Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) |
| Human data | None published |
| Regulatory status | Not an approved medicine or dietary ingredient |
Published Research
The studies behind NNMT inhibition as a research strategy.
| Study | What it found |
|---|---|
| 2014 — NNMT knockdown | Reducing NNMT expression in adipose tissue and liver protected mice against diet-induced obesity by increasing energy expenditure, establishing NNMT as a metabolic target.1 |
| 2018 — Small-molecule inhibitors | Membrane-permeable NNMT inhibitors, including 5-amino-1MQ, reduced body weight, white fat mass and adipocyte size in diet-induced obese mice without changing food intake.2 |
| 2019 — Aged muscle | An NNMT inhibitor activated senescent muscle stem cells and improved regenerative capacity after injury in aged mice.3 |
| 2024 — Exercise in aged mice | NNMT inhibition mimicked and enhanced exercise-induced improvements in muscle function in aged mice.4 |
Evidence Quality & Limitations
All 5-amino-1MQ efficacy data come from mouse and cell studies, largely from one research group, and there are no published human pharmacokinetic or safety studies. Effects on SAM and NAD+ pools are inferred from NNMT biology and animal measurements. Because it is a small molecule rather than a peptide, its solubility, stability and handling differ from the peptides in these guides.
References
- Kraus D, et al. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase knockdown protects against diet-induced obesity. Nature. 2014;508:258–62. PubMed
- 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;147:141–52. PubMed
- Neelakantan H, et al. Small molecule nicotinamide N-methyltransferase inhibitor activates senescent muscle stem cells and improves regenerative capacity of aged skeletal muscle. Biochem Pharmacol. 2019;163:481–92. PubMed
- Dimet-Wiley AL, et al. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase inhibition mimics and boosts exercise-mediated improvements in muscle function in aged mice. Sci Rep. 2024;14:15554. PubMed
Technical FAQ
Questions researchers ask most often.
How does 5-Amino-1MQ differ from NMN or NR?
NMN and NR act as direct NAD+ precursors, loading the salvage pathway with substrate. 5-Amino-1MQ instead inhibits NNMT upstream, conserving the methyl-donor SAM and indirectly preserving NAD+ pools — a distinct mechanism studied in parallel rather than in competition.
What is the stability and storage profile?
5-Amino-1MQ is typically handled as a lyophilised small-molecule powder for maximum molecular stability. Store the dry vial in a cool, dark environment. Once reconstituted with an appropriate research-grade diluent, refrigerate and use within the validated stability window for the protocol.
What dosing protocol is used in research?
Preclinical research protocols typically employ once-daily administration in rodent metabolic and muscle-regeneration models, with dose ranges titrated against NNMT activity readouts and downstream NAD+/SAM measurements. Strictly for laboratory research use only.
