AICAR 50MG

AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide)

AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide) is a research-use-only compound derived from the activation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and is widely utilized in biochemical and cellular studies to investigate energy metabolism, cellular signaling pathways, and mitochondrial function. This compound serves as a potent activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an important regulatory enzyme that modulates cellular energy homeostasis. Researchers utilize AICAR to study its effects on cellular proliferation, apoptosis, metabolic reprogramming, and various stress responses under controlled experimental conditions.

Research Context

AICAR is primarily employed in laboratory settings for its ability to induce phosphorylation of AMPK, a key enzyme that functions as a cellular energy sensor. By mimicking the physiological effects of energy stress, AICAR allows researchers to explore mechanisms underlying metabolic regulation, including glucose uptake, lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress responses. Its use in cellular and molecular biology enables the investigation of AMPK-dependent and -independent pathways, providing insights into disease mechanisms such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Due to its versatility, AICAR remains a valuable tool in academic and industrial research environments.

Research Overview

AICAR is synthesized from the chemical structure of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide, which is structurally similar to adenosine monophosphate (AMP). When introduced into cells, it is converted into a phosphorylated derivative that selectively activates AMPK, leading to downstream signaling cascades. This activation triggers a cascade of metabolic and cellular responses, including enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis, inhibition of mTOR signaling, and upregulation of autophagy. Researchers often employ AICAR in a variety of experimental models, including cultured mammalian cells, yeast, and plant systems, to study energy metabolism, stress responses, and metabolic diseases.

Key Research Focus Areas

• AMPK Activation Studies: Examination of AMPK-mediated cellular responses, including metabolic adaptation, glucose homeostasis, and lipid metabolism.
• Energy Stress and Cellular Survival: Investigation of how AICAR modulates cellular energy balance under stress conditions, such as nutrient deprivation or hypoxia.
• Mitochondrial Function and Biogenesis: Analysis of mitochondrial dynamics, oxidative phosphorylation, and the role of AMPK in maintaining mitochondrial integrity.
• Cellular Proliferation and Apoptosis: Study of AICAR’s effects on cell cycle regulation, apoptosis pathways, and its potential implications in cancer research.
• Metabolic Disease Modeling: Investigation of AMPK’s role in the development and progression of metabolic disorders, including diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver disease.
• Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanisms: Exploration of AMPK-dependent pathways in neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and ischemic stroke.
• Plant and Yeast Metabolic Studies: Examination of AICAR’s effects on energy metabolism in non-mammalian model systems, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) and Arabidopsis thaliana (model plant).

For research use only. Not for human or animal consumption.