Kali Research LLCResearch Access Portal

All compounds are designated Research Use Only (RUO). Not for human consumption, veterinary use, or clinical application.

Research Compound CatalogMetabolic Research5-Amino-1MQ Research Profile
Metabolic Research
Research Use Only

Small-Molecule Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase (NNMT) Inhibitor

5-Amino-1MQ

Small-Molecule Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase (NNMT) Inhibitor

Research StatusLiterature Reviewed Through: July 2026
Research Use Only
Updated Periodically

Research Profiles are reviewed periodically as new peer-reviewed literature becomes available.

Available Strength
50 mg / capsule
CAS Number
1369481-01-5
Metabolic Research laboratory research
Metabolic Research
Research at a Glance

Major published findings — summarized in under 30 seconds.

1
Reduced fat cell development (adipogenesis) has been observed in cell-based studies following NNMT inhibition.
2
Increased energy expenditure has been reported in animal models treated with NNMT inhibitors.
3
Reductions in body fat and improvements in metabolic markers have been observed in high-fat diet mouse models.
4
The compound has demonstrated oral bioavailability, making it suitable for in vivo research protocols.
5
Selectivity for NNMT over other related enzymes has been characterized in published studies.

What Is This Compound?

5-Amino-1MQ is a small synthetic molecule studied for its effects on fat cell development and energy metabolism. It works by blocking an enzyme called NNMT, which is found primarily in fat tissue and the liver. When NNMT is active, it consumes resources that the body would otherwise use for energy regulation and fat storage control. Researchers are studying whether blocking this enzyme can shift the body's metabolic balance in ways that reduce fat accumulation. Unlike many compounds in this category, 5-Amino-1MQ can be taken orally, which makes it practical for use in animal research models.

Continue below to see what published research has observed so far.

What Has Research Found?

1
Reduced fat cell development (adipogenesis) has been observed in cell-based studies following NNMT inhibition.
2
Increased energy expenditure has been reported in animal models treated with NNMT inhibitors.
3
Reductions in body fat and improvements in metabolic markers have been observed in high-fat diet mouse models.
4
The compound has demonstrated oral bioavailability, making it suitable for in vivo research protocols.
5
Selectivity for NNMT over other related enzymes has been characterized in published studies.

Want to understand why these findings occur? Continue to the scientific overview below.

The Science Behind It

5-Amino-1MQ (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a small-molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme expressed predominantly in adipose tissue and liver. NNMT catalyzes the methylation of nicotinamide using S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as a methyl donor, and its activity has been linked to adipogenesis, energy metabolism, and the regulation of the methionine cycle. 5-Amino-1MQ is studied as a tool compound for investigating NNMT biology in metabolic research.

Mechanism of Action

By inhibiting NNMT, 5-Amino-1MQ is proposed to increase intracellular NAD+ and SAM availability, shifting the methyl donor balance in favor of epigenetic and metabolic processes that oppose adipogenesis. Research in cell and animal models suggests NNMT inhibition may reduce adipocyte differentiation, increase energy expenditure, and alter lipid storage. The compound's small-molecule nature and oral bioavailability make it a practical tool for in vivo metabolic studies.

Key Research Characteristics
Selective small-molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT)
Oral bioavailability enables practical use in in vivo metabolic research models
Studied for effects on NAD+ and SAM availability through NNMT pathway inhibition
Research suggests potential to reduce adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation
Tool compound for investigating the methionine cycle and one-carbon metabolism
Well-characterized selectivity profile; minimal off-target activity reported in published studies

Research Applications

NNMT enzyme inhibition and NAD+ metabolism research
Adipogenesis and adipocyte differentiation studies
Methionine cycle and one-carbon metabolism research
Epigenetic regulation of metabolic gene expression
Obesity and metabolic disease model investigations

Compound Specifications

Available Strength
50 mg / capsule
Appearance
Off-white to pale yellow crystalline powder
Purity
≥98% (HPLC)
Storage Conditions
Room temperature; protect from light and humidity
Storage After Reconstitution
Use promptly; store stock solutions at −20 °C
Molecular Formula
C₁₀H₁₀N₂
Molecular Weight
158.2 g/mol
CAS Number
1369481-01-5
Research Status
Research Use Only (RUO)

Scientific References

1.Neelakantan H, et al. Selective and membrane-permeable small molecule inhibitors of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase reverse high fat diet-induced obesity in mice. Biochem Pharmacol. 2018;147:141–152.
2.Kraus D, et al. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase knockdown protects against diet-induced obesity. Nature. 2014;508(7495):258–262.
3.Kannt A, et al. Association of Nicotinamide-N-Methyltransferase mRNA Expression in Human Adipose Tissue and the Plasma Concentration of Nicotinamide-N-Methyltransferase with Obesity-Related Parameters. PLoS One. 2015;10(5):e0125223.
4.[Placeholder] Peer-reviewed publication on NNMT inhibitor selectivity and off-target profiling.
5.[Placeholder] Technical reference: in vivo pharmacokinetics and bioavailability data for 5-Amino-1MQ.

Placeholder entries are reserved for peer-reviewed publications. All references are provided for scientific context only.

Current State of Research

Research Use Only

All information presented on this Research Profile is intended exclusively for laboratory research purposes. This compound is designated Research Use Only (RUO) and is not intended for human consumption, veterinary use, or any clinical application. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.

This material is sold solely for in vitro research and laboratory investigation by qualified scientific personnel. Kali Research LLC makes no representations regarding the safety or efficacy of this compound for any use outside of controlled laboratory research settings. Researchers are solely responsible for compliance with all applicable laws and institutional regulations governing the use of research compounds.

Not for human consumptionNot for veterinary useNot for clinical applicationQualified researchers onlyIn vitro / laboratory use
Research Inquiry

Request Information

Need additional technical documentation on 5-Amino-1MQ? Submit an inquiry and a member of our team will respond.

Research Profile
Specifications
Available Strength50 mg / capsule
AppearanceOff-white to pale yellow crystalline powder
Purity≥98% (HPLC)
Storage ConditionsRoom temperature; protect from light and humidity
Storage After ReconstitutionUse promptly; store stock solutions at −20 °C
Molecular FormulaC₁₀H₁₀N₂
Molecular Weight158.2 g/mol
CAS Number1369481-01-5

Need additional technical documentation? Submit an inquiry and our team will respond.

Research Use Only (RUO). Not for human consumption, veterinary use, or clinical application.