5-Amino-1MQ

5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium (5-Amino-1MQ, sometimes written 5A1MQ) is a small-molecule selective inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) — an enzyme that consumes S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM) and nicotinamide (a NAD⁺ precursor) to produce 1-methyl-nicotinamide. NNMT activity is elevated in adipose tissue, hepatocytes and tumour cells, and its inhibition has been investigated as a strategy for improving cellular NAD⁺ status and methyl-donor availability.

Molecular formula C₁₀H₁₂N₂, molecular weight 174.21 g/mol. ChEMBL ID CHEMBL1191168. The compound is unusual in this catalogue as a small molecule rather than a peptide.

NNMT (nicotinamide N-methyltransferase) catalyses the methylation of nicotinamide using SAM as the methyl donor, producing 1-methyl-nicotinamide. Elevated NNMT activity depletes both the NAD⁺-precursor pool (nicotinamide) and the cellular methyl-donor pool (SAM). 5-Amino-1MQ is a selective competitive inhibitor of NNMT, and inhibition is reported to restore nicotinamide and SAM availability in cells where NNMT is upregulated.

Investigated in preclinical models of adipose-tissue metabolism, obesity, hepatic steatosis, cancer biology, and NAD⁺ depletion in ageing tissue. The compound represents a distinct mechanistic approach to NAD⁺ support compared to direct precursor supplementation (e.g. nicotinamide riboside, NMN, or direct NAD⁺ administration).

Supplied as a research-grade reference standard for laboratory use only. Not a licensed medicinal product in the United Kingdom and not approved by the MHRA for human or veterinary administration. Sale is restricted to researchers, institutions and laboratory professionals; the compound must be retained within research premises. End-user compliance with the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (where applicable) and local institutional biosafety policy is the responsibility of the buyer.