AICAR

AICAR

AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside, also known as Acadesine) is a nucleotide analogue and potent activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a master regulator of cellular energy homeostasis. It is not a peptide but a small-molecule ribonucleoside that is phosphorylated intracellularly to its active monophosphate form (ZMP), which mimics AMP and activates AMPK. AICAR has been extensively studied in preclinical research for its roles in metabolic regulation, endurance performance, and cellular energy sensing.

Mechanism of Action

Upon cellular uptake, AICAR is phosphorylated by adenosine kinase to form ZMP (AICA ribonucleotide monophosphate), which accumulates intracellularly and allosterically activates AMPK by mimicking a high AMP:ATP ratio. AMPK activation triggers a cascade of metabolic adaptations including increased fatty acid oxidation, enhanced glucose uptake, mitochondrial biogenesis, and inhibition of anabolic pathways. This makes AICAR a valuable tool for studying metabolic disease, exercise physiology, and energy sensing pathways in vitro.

Research Applications

• AMPK activation and energy sensing studies
• Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance research
• Mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid oxidation modelling
• Exercise physiology and endurance research
• Cardiac protection and ischaemia studies

Specifications

• Molecular Formula: C₉H₁₅N₄O₈P
• Molecular Weight: 338.21 g/mol
• CAS Number: 2627-69-2
• Purity: ≥98%
• Form: Lyophilised powder
• Storage: -20°C
• Shelf Life: 24 months

This product is intended for legitimate laboratory and analytical research use only. Not for diagnostic, therapeutic, or consumer use.