5-Amino-1MQ vs MOTS-c
Cellular
5-Amino-1MQ
Small-molecule NNMT inhibitor studied for effects on cellular methylation capacity and NAD+ salvage.
Cellular
MOTS-c
16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for AMPK activation and metabolic homeostasis.
Side by side
| Dimension | 5-Amino-1MQ | MOTS-c |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular weight A 13.7× difference in mass — these are not comparable on a milligram-for-milligram basis. | 159.21 g/mol | 2174.61 g/mol |
| Size class | small molecule / short peptide | mid-length peptide |
| CAS number | 42464-96-0 | 1627580-64-7 |
| Research area | longevity | longevity |
| Sequence | Not published as a linear sequence | Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg |
| Available sizes | 10mg | 10mg |
| Entry price | $49 | $49 |
| Cost per mg | $4.90 | $4.90 |
Mechanism
5-Amino-1MQ
5-Amino-1MQ is a small-molecule quinolinium compound, not a peptide — worth stating plainly, since it is routinely sold alongside peptides. It is a cell-permeable inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), the enzyme that methylates nicotinamide and thereby diverts it away from the NAD+ salvage pathway. Research interest follows from NNMT overexpression in adipose tissue and the hypothesis that inhibition preserves both methyl donor pools and NAD+ precursor availability.
MOTS-c
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene — one of a small class of mitochondrial-derived peptides that upended the assumption that the mitochondrial genome encodes only respiratory chain components. Research has focused on its translocation to the nucleus under metabolic stress and its role in AMPK-dependent signaling.
Evidence quality
Mechanism is not the same as evidence. Where we have assessed the literature, the verdict is stated plainly.
5-Amino-1MQ
Evidence base: minimal. Three indexed results for the compound, none of which characterise it directly. The NNMT target is well studied; the inhibitor is not. Treat every claim about this compound as an inference from enzyme biology until direct work exists.
Full research reference →MOTS-c
Evidence base: growing, mechanistically specific, and independently replicated across multiple groups and model systems. The nuclear translocation finding is the most consequential claim and the one most worth tracing to primary source.
Full research reference →Research applications
5-Amino-1MQ
- NNMT enzyme inhibition and selectivity assays
- NAD+ salvage pathway flux studies
- S-adenosylmethionine and methyl donor pool measurement
- Adipocyte metabolic studies
MOTS-c
- AMPK pathway activation studies
- Mitochondrial-nuclear retrograde signaling research
- Folate-methionine cycle interaction assays
- Exercise physiology and metabolic stress models
Common questions
What is the difference between 5-Amino-1MQ and MOTS-c?
5-Amino-1MQ is small-molecule NNMT inhibitor studied for effects on cellular methylation capacity and NAD+ salvage. MOTS-c is 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for AMPK activation and metabolic homeostasis. They differ in molecular weight (159.21 vs 2174.61 g/mol) and in the pathways they are studied against.
Which is more cost-effective per milligram, 5-Amino-1MQ or MOTS-c?
5-Amino-1MQ is lower at approximately $4.90 per milligram at its best tier, against $4.90 for the other. Cost per milligram is only meaningful relative to the concentrations a given protocol requires, since these compounds are not used at comparable masses.
Can 5-Amino-1MQ and MOTS-c be studied together?
Combination designs appear in the published literature for a number of these compounds. Whether it is appropriate for a given protocol depends entirely on the model and endpoint. We supply research compounds and do not provide protocol guidance — consult the primary literature for your specific model.
How should 5-Amino-1MQ and MOTS-c be stored?
Store at -20°C protected from light and moisture. For MOTS-c: Store lyophilized powder at -20°C protected from light. Reconstituted solution stable at 2-8°C for up to 30 days.
Which has the stronger evidence base?
5-Amino-1MQ — Evidence base: minimal. Three indexed results for the compound, none of which characterise it directly. The NNMT target is well studied; the inhibitor is not. Treat every claim about this compound as an inference from enzyme biology until direct work exists. MOTS-c — Evidence base: growing, mechanistically specific, and independently replicated across multiple groups and model systems. The nuclear translocation finding is the most consequential claim and the one most worth tracing to primary source.
All products sold on this website are intended for research and identification purposes only. These products are not intended for human dosing, injection, or ingestion.
Comparison generated from Lyra Vital catalog data. Every specification is reconciled against the certificate of analysis for the shipped batch.