5-Amino-1MQ

5-Amino-1MQ is a small-molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme that methylates nicotinamide (vitamin B3) to produce 1-methylnicotinamide (MNA). While not technically a peptide, it is widely discussed in the peptide research community due to its metabolic applications and is commonly sold by peptide suppliers. It has a molecular formula of C10H11N2+ (cation) and is typically supplied as an iodide salt.

NNMT is highly expressed in adipose tissue, liver, and muscle, where it plays a regulatory role in cellular energy metabolism. By inhibiting NNMT with an IC50 of 1.2 micromolar, 5-Amino-1MQ increases intracellular NAD+ levels and reduces MNA accumulation. Elevated NAD+ activates sirtuins and other NAD+-dependent enzymes critical for mitochondrial function and metabolic regulation. In adipocytes, NNMT inhibition suppresses lipogenesis (new fat formation) and promotes a more metabolically active phenotype.

In vivo research demonstrated that 5-Amino-1MQ reversed high-fat-diet-induced obesity in mice without affecting food intake, suggesting it works through increased energy expenditure rather than appetite suppression. Treated animals showed reduced body weight, decreased adipocyte size, and improved cholesterol profiles. The compound is orally bioavailable, distinguishing it from injectable peptides. Research continues into its applications for obesity, metabolic syndrome, and age-related NAD+ decline. Its selectivity for NNMT over related methyltransferases and NAD+ salvage enzymes provides a favorable specificity profile.