Small molecule · Research Monograph · Small-molecule NNMT inhibitor (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium)

5-Amino-1MQ

Blocks the NNMT enzyme to support fat loss and metabolism

5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule that blocks NNMT, an enzyme tied to fat storage. It's widely researched for reducing fat mass, revving up metabolism, and boosting cellular energy (NAD+).

For laboratory research use only — not for human or animal use

Available in the Eon catalog — 5-Amino-1MQ from $85.00 Certificate of analysis (PDF)

Molecular data

Molecular formulaC10H10N2
Molecular weight158.19 Da
CAS / identifier4213-45-0
Physical formLyophilized powder
Available sizes50mg

How it works

NNMT Inhibition

Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase Blockade

5-Amino-1MQ is a small-molecule competitive inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme that catalyzes the methylation of nicotinamide using S-adenosyl methionine (SAM). NNMT is overexpressed in adipose tissue of obese subjects, and its inhibition has been explored as a strategy to modulate methyl group flux and NAD+ precursor availability.

  • Competitive inhibitor of NNMT enzyme activity
  • Reduces 1-methylnicotinamide (MNA) production
  • Preserves SAM for other methylation reactions
NAD+ Metabolism

NAD+ Precursor Salvage Pathway Modulation

By blocking NNMT-mediated consumption of nicotinamide, 5-Amino-1MQ redirects nicotinamide back into the NAD+ salvage pathway. Preclinical studies demonstrate elevated intracellular NAD+ levels following NNMT inhibition, suggesting a role in metabolic energy regulation.

  • Redirects nicotinamide into NAD+ salvage pathway
  • Elevates intracellular NAD+ (~1.6× in preclinical models)
  • Modulates NAMPT-dependent NAD+ biosynthesis
Adipocyte Metabolism

Adipose Tissue Energy Expenditure

In diet-induced obese (DIO) mouse models, NNMT inhibition with 5-Amino-1MQ was associated with reduced white adipose tissue mass without affecting food intake, suggesting changes in energy expenditure rather than appetite suppression. Researchers observed upregulation of metabolic gene expression in adipocytes.

  • Reduced white adipose tissue mass in DIO mouse models
  • No change in food intake observed
  • Altered adipocyte gene expression patterns

What the research shows

Metabolic Research

Obesity & Adiposity

NNMT inhibition with 5-Amino-1MQ reduced white adipose tissue mass by ~35% in diet-induced obese mouse models without suppressing food intake, suggesting energy expenditure modulation.

Hong S et al. 2015

NAD+ Biology

NAD+ Salvage Pathway

5-Amino-1MQ preserves nicotinamide for NAD+ biosynthesis by blocking NNMT-catalyzed methylation, elevating intracellular NAD+ in adipocyte cell lines.

Kannt A et al. 2015

Epigenetic Regulation

SAM Methyl Donor Pool

NNMT consumes SAM as a methyl donor, competing with DNA and histone methyltransferases. NNMT inhibition may influence epigenetic programming in metabolic tissues.

Pissios P. 2017

Insulin Sensitivity

Glucose Homeostasis

NNMT knockdown in adipocytes was associated with improved markers of insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in preclinical in vitro models, linking NNMT to metabolic homeostasis.

Kraus D et al. 2014

Specification

Chemical Name5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium
CAS Number4213-45-0
Molecular Weight158.19 Da
Molecular FormulaC₁₀H₁₀N₂
TargetNicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT)
MechanismCompetitive NNMT enzyme inhibitor
FormLyophilized powder
Purity≥99% (HPLC verified)
TestingThird-party HPLC, Mass Spec, Endotoxin
Storage-20°C, protect from light
COAIncluded with every order

Frequently asked questions

What is 5-Amino-1MQ?

5-Amino-1MQ (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a small-molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme that methylates nicotinamide using S-adenosyl methionine (SAM). NNMT is upregulated in adipose tissue in obesity, and its inhibition is studied as a potential strategy to modulate NAD+ metabolism and metabolic gene expression. It is used exclusively as a research tool compound.

How does NNMT inhibition affect NAD+ levels?

NNMT metabolizes nicotinamide into 1-methylnicotinamide (MNA), diverting it away from the NAD+ salvage pathway. When NNMT is inhibited by compounds like 5-Amino-1MQ, more nicotinamide becomes available for conversion to NAD+ via NAMPT. Preclinical studies report approximately 1.6× increases in intracellular NAD+ following NNMT inhibition in adipocyte models.

What were the main findings in obesity research models?

In diet-induced obese (DIO) mouse models, NNMT inhibition led to approximately 35% reduction in white adipose tissue mass compared to controls. Importantly, food intake remained unchanged in treated animals, suggesting the compound's effects relate to energy expenditure pathways rather than appetite. These findings have not been replicated in human trials.

Is 5-Amino-1MQ the same as NAD+ supplements?

No. 5-Amino-1MQ is a mechanistically distinct research compound. Rather than directly supplying NAD+ precursors (like NMN or NR), it works by blocking an enzyme that consumes nicotinamide, theoretically preserving the substrate pool for endogenous NAD+ production. Its effects on overall NAD+ biology are still being characterized in preclinical research.

Is 5-Amino-1MQ approved for any use?

No. 5-Amino-1MQ has not been approved by the FDA or any regulatory agency for human use. No human clinical trials have been completed. It is sold exclusively as a research tool compound for in vitro laboratory use and is not intended for human consumption.

How should 5-Amino-1MQ be stored for research use?

Store lyophilized 5-Amino-1MQ at -20°C and protect from light. For in vitro studies, it is typically dissolved in DMSO or aqueous buffer depending on the experimental protocol. Consult published literature for solubility parameters relevant to your research application.

Literature

  • PubMed Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase: More than a vitamin B3 clearance enzyme 2017 — Pissios P.
  • PubMed Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase knockdown protects against diet-induced obesity 2014 — Kraus D et al.
  • PubMed Identification of novel NNMT inhibitors as potential anti-obesity agents 2015 — Kannt A et al.
  • PubMed Overexpression of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase in adipose tissue in obesity 2015 — Hong S et al.

For laboratory research use only. Not a drug, supplement, or medical product; not for human or animal use. All findings referenced are from published preclinical/laboratory research.