AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) is a cell-permeable nucleoside analog extensively used in metabolic research for its role as a direct activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)—a master regulator of cellular energy balance and stress adaptation.

As an intermediate in the de novo purine biosynthesis pathway, AICAR is phosphorylated intracellularly to form ZMP, an AMP mimetic that binds to the γ-subunit of AMPK. This interaction triggers AMPK activation, promoting catabolic processes that generate ATP while suppressing anabolic processes that consume it. The result is a cascade of metabolic effects, including enhanced glucose uptake, increased fatty acid oxidation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and improved cellular resilience to energetic stress. Because of these mechanisms, AICAR has become a cornerstone in preclinical models exploring exercise mimetics, insulin signaling, and endurance-related physiology.

Its relatively small molecular weight (258.2 g/mol) and high aqueous solubility make it compatible with a range of experimental models, including cultured cell lines, isolated tissues, and perfusion-based systems. AICAR is also widely employed to dissect AMPK-dependent versus AMPK-independent effects in metabolic signaling networks, making it a versatile and reproducible research tool.

Format: Lyophilized powder
Purity: ≥98% (HPLC Verified)
Molecular Formula: C9H15N4O8P
Storage Recommendations: Store at -20°C in a dry, light-protected environment; reconstituted material should be aliquoted and stored frozen
Intended Research Use: AMPK signaling, mitochondrial regulation, exercise physiology modeling, glucose and lipid metabolism studies
For Research Use Only. Not for human consumption.