5-Amino-1MQ

5-Amino-1MQ is a small-molecule research compound that blocks an enzyme called NNMT (nicotinamide N-methyltransferase). It is best known in metabolic and fat-cell research, and what sets it apart is that it can slip across cell membranes to reach its target inside the cell.

It also has a solid research base, with studies looking at how blocking NNMT shifts the way cells handle nicotinamide and related methyl-group chemistry (Neelakantan et al., 2018, Biochemical Pharmacology). That is why it often turns up as a go-to reference compound in this area.

Research Applications

• NNMT enzyme-inhibition research
• Metabolic-pathway studies
• Adipose and fat-cell biology
• Methyl-donor metabolism research

Supplied as a lyophilized powder for stability.

See also: SLU-PP-332, NAD⁺, and MOTS-c.

Scientific Background

Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is a cytosolic enzyme that transfers a methyl group from S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM) to nicotinamide, generating 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MNA) and S-adenosyl-homocysteine (SAH). Through this single reaction, NNMT sits at the intersection of NAD⁺ salvage, methyl-donor balance, and one-carbon metabolism.

Elevated NNMT expression has been reported in adipose tissue under energy-imbalance conditions and in several neoplastic-pathway research models, where it contributes to metabolic reprogramming and altered methylation landscapes. Targeting NNMT has therefore emerged as a focused research strategy for probing the metabolic consequences of nicotinamide depletion in cellular and animal model systems.

5-Amino-1MQ was developed as a selective, membrane-permeable NNMT inhibitor, enabling researchers to dissect NNMT-driven contributions to lipogenesis, adipocyte biology, and methyl-donor cycling in controlled in vitro and in vivo research settings.

5-Amino-1MQ Structure

Compound Class: Methylquinolinium small-molecule NNMT inhibitor
IUPAC Name: 5-amino-1-methylquinolin-1-ium
Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₁N₂⁺
Molecular Weight: 159.21 g/mol
CAS Number: 685079-15-6
PubChem CID: 950107
Synonyms: 5-Amino-1MQ, 5A1MQ, NNMTi

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