Small molecule · Research Monograph · Adenosine analog studied as an AMPK pathway activator

AICAR

AMPK Activation Studies

AICAR is an adenosine analog widely used as a pharmacological AMPK activator in metabolic research. Inside the cell it is phosphorylated to ZMP, an AMP mimetic that allosterically activates AMP-activated protein kinase. It is one of the standard reference tools for AMPK-pathway work in culture and in rodent models. For laboratory research use only.

Size
50mg
Form
Lyophilized powder
View product & pricing → Lot records & COAs

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

AICAR vial from the Eon Peptides research catalog
AICAR · 50mg · catalog photograph
Available in the Eon catalog - AICAR from $70.00

Molecular data

Physical formLyophilized powder
Available sizes50mg

How it works

  1. Metabolism

    Intracellular Conversion to ZMP

    AICAR is taken up by adenosine transporters and phosphorylated to ZMP. ZMP mimics AMP and allosterically activates AMPK without changing cellular AMP levels, which is what makes AICAR a standard pharmacological tool.

    • Adenosine transporter uptake
    • Phosphorylation to ZMP
    • AMP-mimetic activation
  2. Signalling

    AMPK Pathway Activation

    AMPK activation is measured by phosphorylation of downstream substrates including acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Glucose-uptake and fatty-acid-oxidation endpoints follow in the characterised literature.

    • ACC phosphorylation
    • Glucose uptake endpoints
    • Fatty-acid oxidation
  3. Cellular

    Mitochondrial Biogenesis

    Downstream PGC-1α signalling and mitochondrial biogenesis endpoints are characterised in skeletal muscle models.

    • PGC-1α signalling
    • Mitochondrial biogenesis
    • Skeletal muscle models

What the research shows

  1. Metabolic

    AMPK Pathway Research

    AICAR is one of the standard pharmacological AMPK activators used as a positive control in pathway work.

  2. Metabolic

    Glucose Uptake Models

    Glucose-uptake endpoints in skeletal muscle culture are widely characterised.

  3. Cell Biology

    Mitochondrial Biogenesis

    PGC-1α signalling and biogenesis endpoints are measured downstream of AMPK activation.

  4. Analytical

    Reference Compound

    Frequently used as a characterised reference activator in assay development.

Specification

Chemical NameAICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside)
ClassAdenosine analog / AMPK activator
Content50 mg per vial
Active MetaboliteZMP (AMP mimetic)
Pathway TargetAMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
FormLyophilized powder
Purity≥99% by HPLC
SolubilityWater, DMSO
Storage-20°C, protected from light
ClassificationResearch use only

Frequently asked questions

What makes AICAR a standard AMPK tool?

It is converted intracellularly to ZMP, which mimics AMP and activates AMPK allosterically without altering the cell's actual AMP levels. That lets a protocol activate the pathway pharmacologically.

Is AICAR a peptide?

No. It is a small-molecule adenosine analog, not a peptide. It is included here as a metabolic-research reference compound.

Is a molecular weight listed?

The molecular weight will be published here from the lot's Certificate of Analysis rather than quoted from a secondary source.

What purity is documented?

Each lot is analysed by reverse-phase HPLC and released at ≥99%, with a Certificate of Analysis.

How is it stored?

Store lyophilized at -20°C for long-term stability, protected from light and moisture, and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

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.