5-Amino-1MQ

5-Amino-1MQ (5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a synthetic quinolinium salt studied as a selective competitive inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). NNMT is a cytosolic enzyme expressed at high levels in white adipose tissue and liver that consumes nicotinamide — a direct NAD+ precursor — diverting it from the NAD+ salvage pathway while simultaneously depleting S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) methyl donors available for DNA, histone, and RNA methylation reactions.

Molecular formula: C10H11N2+ | Molecular weight: 159.21 g/mol | CAS: 1835656-97-7 | Chemical class: Quinolinium salt | Target: NNMT (competitive inhibition) | Purity: greater than or equal to 98% as verified by HPLC | Form: Lyophilised powder | Appearance: Yellow to orange crystalline powder | Storage: -20°C desiccated

5-Amino-1MQ achieves NNMT selectivity through structural mimicry of the nicotinamide substrate. The N-methyl group at position 1 mimics the product (1-methylnicotinamide) geometry within the enzyme active site, and the amino group at position 5 forms additional hydrogen bond contacts with active site residues inaccessible to native nicotinamide. By blocking NNMT, nicotinamide is redirected toward NAMPT-mediated NAD+ biosynthesis, increasing cellular NAD+ availability for sirtuins and PARP enzymes.

SAM preservation following NNMT inhibition has been studied in the context of histone methylation changes — specifically H3K4 methylation — and downstream epigenetic gene regulation in adipocyte models. Published research by Neelakantan et al. (Biochemical Pharmacology, 2018, 2019) characterised selectivity, cell permeability, and metabolic effects in adipose research models.

Supplied as a lyophilised powder. Prepare initial stock in DMSO; maintain DMSO below 0.1% in assays. Store at -20°C. For laboratory and analytical research purposes only. Not for human or veterinary use.