What is AICAR??
AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide, also known as Acadesine or AICA Ribonucleotide, CAS 2627-69-2) is a cell-permeable nucleoside analogue that is phosphorylated intracellularly to ZMP — a structural AMP mimic. Molecular formula C₉H₁₄N₄O₈P, MW 338.21 g/mol (free acid). ZMP directly activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) by allosterically mimicking a rise in cellular AMP:ATP ratio, without requiring actual energy depletion. As an exercise-mimetic compound, AICAR recapitulates key molecular adaptations of endurance exercise — upregulating GLUT4, stimulating fatty acid oxidation, inducing mitochondrial biogenesis via PGC-1α, and activating SIRT1. It is the gold-standard research tool for dissecting AMPK-dependent from AMPK-independent exercise signalling.
Research Applications
AMPK Activation
Direct ZMP-mediated AMPK allosteric activation, Thr172 phosphorylation, α1/α2 subunit isoform specificity
Exercise-Mimetic Biology
GLUT4 translocation, skeletal muscle glucose uptake independent of insulin — endurance training model
Mitochondrial Biogenesis
PGC-1α/SIRT1/NRF1 axis, mtDNA copy number, cytochrome c oxidase and citrate synthase induction
Fatty Acid Oxidation
ACC phosphorylation → malonyl-CoA reduction → CPT-1 disinhibition → β-oxidation upregulation
Cardioprotection & Longevity
Ischaemic preconditioning, mTORC1 inhibition, autophagy induction, AMPK-mediated anti-ageing pathways
Quick Specs
| Form |
C₉H₁₄N₄O₈P |
| Purity |
≥99% by HPLC — every batch |
| CAS Number |
2627-69-2 |
| Molecular Weight |
MS molecular weight confirmed — every batch |
| Specification |
≥99% by HPLC — every batch |
| Shelf Life |
24 months unopened |
| Storage |
-20°C sealed | 2–8°C reconstituted (2–4 weeks) |
| Manufacture |
In-house Fmoc SPPS — Qingdao, China |
| Brand |
Anti-Aging & Longevity |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reconstitute this peptide?
AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) is a cell-permeable nucleoside analog phosphorylated intracellularly to AICAR monophosphate (ZMP). ZMP mimics AMP and allosterically activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) — the master cellular energy sensor. AMPK activation triggers mitochondrial biogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, GLUT4-mediated glucose uptake, and suppression of anabolic pathways including mTOR and ACC. AICAR is the gold-standard pharmacological tool for isolated AMPK activation in metabolic research.
How should this peptide be stored?
AICAR is used in exercise-mimetic research, metabolic syndrome models, mitochondrial biogenesis studies, and insulin sensitivity investigations. Published applications include: skeletal muscle glucose uptake assays (insulin-independent), fatty acid oxidation in hepatocyte and myocyte cultures, AMPK pathway dissection, cardiac ischaemic preconditioning models, and inflammatory pathway modulation via NF-kB suppression. AICAR also serves as a reference compound when testing selective AMPK modulators.
What purity is this QSC compound and how is it verified?
AICAR is water-soluble and reconstitutes readily in sterile water or PBS without organic solvents. Add sterile water to the lyophilized vial and swirl gently until fully dissolved. Working stock concentrations of 10-100 mM are typical for in vitro use. Reconstituted solution should be clear and colourless. Do not heat. Discard if particulate matter is visible.
🧪 Peptide Research Tools: Use QSC's free
peptide calculators — reconstitution, BAC water, dosing, half-life, and mixing charts.
🌍 Domestic shipping: 🇺🇸 USA 5–7 days
🌏 International shipping: 7–14 days
⚠️ RESEARCH USE ONLY — NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
QSC products are strictly for in vitro and in vivo laboratory research.
Safety & Handling
🚫
Not for Human Use
These compounds are for research only.
🥽
PPE Required
Always use appropriate protective equipment.
❄️
Storage Compliance
Follow product-specific storage conditions.
Product-Specific Storage
-20°C sealed | 2–8°C reconstituted (2–4 weeks)
