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Molecular Weight
Purity
Storage
Appearance
Solubility
01
5-Amino-1MQ (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a small organic molecule, not a peptide. It is a cell-permeable inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), the enzyme that transfers a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to nicotinamide to form 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MNA).
Published work describes it as a selective inhibitor that targets the enzyme’s substrate site, with an IC₅₀ of about 1.2 µM under defined assay conditions. Because NNMT sits at the crossroads of nicotinamide metabolism and cellular methylation, 5-Amino-1MQ is used to study the NAD⁺ salvage pathway and methyl-donor balance in metabolic cell models. It is supplied as a solid reference compound, typically the iodide salt, for in vitro enzymology and analytical work.
02
As a small molecule, 5-Amino-1MQ has no amino acid sequence; its behaviour comes from a compact, charged aromatic structure.
Quinolinium core
A fused benzene–pyridine (quinoline) ring system. Methylation of the ring nitrogen makes it a quaternary ammonium ion, so the molecule carries a permanent positive charge at any pH.
N-1 methyl group
The methylated nitrogen mimics the product of the NNMT reaction, 1-methylnicotinamide, which explains how the molecule fits the enzyme’s substrate pocket.
5-amino group
A primary amine on the benzene ring. In structure–activity studies of methylquinolinium analogues, this substitution gave a good balance of NNMT inhibition and cell permeability.
Counter-ion
Because the active part is a cation, the solid always contains a counter-ion, most commonly iodide. CAS 42464-96-0 refers to the iodide salt, and weights must be corrected for it.
03
In vitro research on 5-Amino-1MQ centres on NNMT inhibition and its effects on cell metabolism.
Enzyme inhibition
Assays with purified recombinant NNMT measure potency and inhibition mode by varying nicotinamide and SAM. The reported IC₅₀ of about 1.2 µM was obtained at 50 µM SAM and 100 µM nicotinamide; values shift with substrate concentrations.
Selectivity
Published data describe little effect on related methyltransferases or on enzymes of the NAD⁺ salvage pathway at concentrations that inhibit NNMT.
Cell-based effects
In adipocyte models, it lowers intracellular 1-MNA and has been reported to reduce lipogenesis. Studies also measure NAD⁺ levels and the SAM-to-SAH ratio as indicators of cofactor and methylation balance.
All research context described here refers to purified enzymes, cultured cells and published preclinical models.
04
NNMT assay control
A reference inhibitor in NNMT activity assays, giving a benchmark for comparing new inhibitors. Common formats measure 1-MNA formation by fluorescence or LC-MS, or SAM consumption by HPLC.
Metabolic cell studies
Used at defined concentrations in adipocyte, hepatocyte and muscle cell models to examine NAD⁺, 1-MNA and SAM/SAH levels.
Small-molecule method development
As a permanently charged, aromatic small molecule, it is a useful test analyte for ion-pairing reversed-phase and HILIC methods.
Salt-form characterisation
Counter-ion identity and content are confirmed by ion chromatography or elemental analysis, which is needed for accurate concentration calculations.
05
Storage
Store the solid at −20 °C, sealed, desiccated and protected from light. Return it to sealed storage promptly after weighing.
Light sensitivity
The aromatic chromophore and the iodide counter-ion are both light-sensitive. Use amber vials or foil wrapping.
Stock solutions
DMSO is the usual solvent for concentrated stocks. Divide into single-use aliquots and store at −20 °C. Prepare aqueous working dilutions fresh.
Weighing correction
Because the material is a salt, about 1.89 mg of the iodide salt contains 1 mg of the 5-Amino-1MQ cation. Use the salt molecular weight (286.11 g/mol) when preparing molar solutions from the iodide form.
Handling
Handle as a laboratory chemical in a ventilated workspace with standard personal protective equipment. Use antistatic precautions when weighing small amounts.
06
5-Amino-1MQ is analysed with small-molecule methods rather than the peptide methods used elsewhere in this catalogue.
HPLC
The permanent positive charge gives weak retention and possible tailing on standard C18 columns. Ion-pairing reagents such as alkyl sulfonates improve retention and peak shape, and HILIC is an effective alternative. Detect by UV, either at 254 nm or at the compound’s own absorption maximum.
Mass spectrometry
Because it is already charged, the cation appears directly as [M]⁺ at m/z 159.1 in positive-mode ESI, giving strong signals and low detection limits.
Identity
Identity is confirmed by exact mass, UV spectrum and ¹H NMR, which shows a characteristic singlet for the N-methyl group.
Impurity profile
Typical checks include the non-methylated precursor 5-aminoquinoline, positional isomers, residual solvents (by headspace GC) and counter-ion content (by ion chromatography).
07
It is not a peptide; it is a small molecule. It is included because it is a widely used tool compound in the same metabolic research area as several peptides in this category, specifically for studying NNMT and NAD⁺ metabolism.
It inhibits nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), with a reported IC₅₀ of about 1.2 µM measured at 50 µM SAM and 100 µM nicotinamide. The measured value depends on substrate concentrations and assay conditions.
It reduces retention and can cause tailing on standard reversed-phase columns, so ion-pairing reversed-phase or HILIC methods are usually used. On the other hand, it ionises very efficiently in positive-mode mass spectrometry, appearing directly at m/z 159.1.
The compound is supplied as a salt, most commonly the iodide (286.11 g/mol), which is the form registered under CAS 42464-96-0. About 1.89 mg of the iodide salt contains 1 mg of the active cation, so weights must be corrected before calculating concentrations.
There is no single best choice for every method. Bare silica and amide-bonded HILIC phases are both commonly used for quaternary ammonium compounds, and buffer type, ionic strength and pH usually matter as much as the column. The final choice is made during method development.
No. It is supplied strictly as a reference compound for laboratory and analytical research and is not for human or animal use.
5-Amino-1MQ Research Reference. (2026). Pure Peptides Labs Research Catalogue. Retrieved from https://purepeptideslabs.net/research-catalogue/metabolic-research-peptides/5-amino-1mq/
Materials listed on this platform are supported by independent testing and published documentation for laboratory research contexts.
