Explore BioBoost Labs5-Amino-1MQ
A small synthetic organic molecule studied in research as an inhibitor of the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT).
What the name means
5-Amino-1MQ is shorthand for 5-amino-1-methylquinolinium — a straightforward chemical name. It tells you the scaffold (a quinolinium ring) and the substituents: an amino group at the 5-position and a methyl group on the ring nitrogen (the “1” position).
The name is purely descriptive of the molecule’s structure, with no brand or code involved.
What it actually is
Unlike most entries in this log, 5-Amino-1MQ is not a peptide. It is a small synthetic organic molecule built on a methylated quinolinium ring — a single small heterocyclic compound rather than a chain of amino acids.
Type Small-molecule organic compound
Scaffold 1-methylquinolinium with 5-amino group
Bonds Aromatic heterocycle (not a peptide)
Origin Synthetic organic chemistry
It is studied as an enzyme inhibitor, specifically against nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT).
Where it came from
5-Amino-1MQ arose from medicinal-chemistry work on NNMT inhibitors. NNMT is an enzyme that methylates nicotinamide, a reaction tied to cellular NAD-related metabolism, which made it a target of research interest.
The compound was developed as a small-molecule tool to probe what happens when NNMT activity is reduced — a chemistry-driven origin rather than a natural-product or hormone lineage.
Why it was created — the thought process
The design logic was target-based: build a small, cell-permeable molecule that inhibits NNMT so researchers can study the enzyme’s role in metabolic pathways.
A small heterocyclic scaffold is attractive because it is synthetically accessible and can be tuned for potency and cell entry. This log describes that research rationale only and makes no efficacy or outcome claim.
How it is made
5-Amino-1MQ is produced by small-molecule organic synthesis — standard heterocyclic chemistry to build and functionalize the quinolinium ring, including N-methylation and installation of the amino group.
Because it is not a peptide, it is not made by peptide synthesis or recombinant expression. Products are purified by conventional chromatography and characterized by NMR and mass spectrometry.
What the research actually shows — honestly
What has been studied for 5-Amino-1MQ is inhibition of the NNMT enzyme and the downstream metabolic pathways that connect to it, largely in cell and animal models — presented here strictly as mechanism.
This is research-use-only reference material. It makes no health or benefit claims and gives no dosing, timing, or protocol. Enzyme inhibition observed in a model system is not a demonstrated clinical effect. For specifics, consult a physician and the primary literature.
Selected research & sources
The items below are drawn from the peer-reviewed literature (PubMed) and describe results observed in research models or reported in the clinical literature. They are listed so the evidence can be examined at its source — not to suggest any use.
- Neelakantan H, et al. Biochem Pharmacol. 2017. “Selective and membrane-permeable small molecule inhibitors of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase reverse high fat diet-induced obesity in mice.” doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2017.11.007
- Ehebauer F, Ghavampour S, Kraus D. Life Sci. 2020. “Glucose availability regulates nicotinamide N-methyltransferase expression in adipocytes.” doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117474
- Riederer M, et al. Atherosclerosis. 2008. “Adipose tissue as a source of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase and homocysteine.” doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2008.09.015
Regulatory status: Not an approved drug; not a dietary ingredient with recognized human use. Research material, RUO.
◆ A reference, not a recommendation
This page explains what 5-Amino-1MQ is and where it came from — the science and the story — not who should use anything, or how. These are research materials for laboratory research only; nothing here is medical, dosing, or treatment advice.
Research-use-only educational content. Factual overview; claims of clinical benefit are not implied.