AICAR Peptide

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Unlocking the Master Regulator of Metabolism: An Introduction to AICAR 🔬

For researchers focused on the fundamental mechanisms of cellular energy homeostasis, AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) stands as one of the most powerful and extensively studied pharmacological tools available. This synthetic nucleoside is a well-characterized, cell-permeable activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) , an enzyme often described as the master regulator of cellular energy balance . Upon entering cells, AICAR is metabolized to ZMP, an AMP analog that directly activates AMPK, triggering a cascade of downstream effects that influence metabolism, autophagy, mitochondrial function, and gene expression .

AICAR’s significance in research spans multiple disciplines, from metabolic disorders and exercise physiology to neurodegeneration and cancer biology. Its ability to mimic the cellular effects of energy stress makes it an indispensable tool for investigating how cells adapt to metabolic challenges .

This 50mg vial formulation is designed for research applications requiring precise, reproducible dosing, with GMP manufacturing and third-party testing to ensure the highest quality standards.

What is AICAR?

AICAR (also known as acadesine) is a synthetic nucleoside analog of adenosine. Its molecular formula is C₉H₁₄N₄O₅ with a molecular weight of 258.23 g/mol . It is typically supplied as a lyophilized powder or in solution for research use .

Its primary mechanism of action involves:

1. Cellular Uptake and Phosphorylation: AICAR crosses the cell membrane via adenosine transporters. Once inside, it is phosphorylated by adenosine kinase to form ZMP (AICAR monophosphate) .
2. AMPK Activation: ZMP accumulates intracellularly and acts as an AMP analog, binding to the γ-subunit of AMPK. This binding causes a conformational change that allosterically activates the kinase and makes it a poorer substrate for deactivating phosphatases .
3. Downstream Signaling: Activated AMPK (P-AMPK) then phosphorylates a wide array of downstream targets to restore energy balance. This includes switching on catabolic pathways (like glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation) and switching off anabolic pathways (like lipogenesis, protein synthesis, and cholesterol synthesis) .

🔬 Primary Research Focuses and Applications

The AICAR Peptide is primarily utilized in scientific research to investigate a broad spectrum of physiological and pharmacological questions:

• Energy Metabolism and Exercise-Mimetic Research: AICAR is the premier tool for studying AMPK’s role in metabolic adaptation. It has been shown to increase mitochondrial biogenesis, enhance glucose uptake, and stimulate fatty acid oxidation in various cell types . Chronic treatment with AICAR in old mice was found to reverse age-related declines in treadmill running performance, increase muscle mass and force production, and elevate mitochondrial markers like cytochrome C and citrate synthase, demonstrating its potential as an “exercise mimetic” in research models .
• Neuroprotection and Neurodegenerative Disease Research: AICAR is of significant interest in neurodegeneration research due to its ability to induce autophagy through AMPK-mediated phosphorylation of ULK1, bypassing mTORC1 inhibition . This mechanism is critical for clearing misfolded proteins and damaged organelles—processes impaired in disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease. AICAR’s neuroprotective potential is further supported by its capacity to enhance neuronal survival under metabolic stress .
• Adipose Tissue Biology and Lipolysis: Foundational research established AICAR’s role in regulating lipid metabolism. In isolated rat adipocytes, AICAR was shown to profoundly inhibit lipogenesis through increased phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and to reduce the response of cells to lipolytic agents like isoprenaline . This indicates that AMPK plays an important antilipolytic role, regulating hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in adipocytes .
• Inflammation and Immune Modulation: Emerging research highlights AICAR’s anti-inflammatory properties. In studies on eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), AICAR pretreatment of nasal polyp epithelial cells was associated with a 60% decrease in secreted TSLP protein and an 80% decrease in secreted eotaxin-3 protein—key inflammatory mediators in this condition . This suggests AICAR’s potential as a novel immunomodulating agent for research into refractory inflammatory disorders .
• Renal Protection and Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: Recent studies have elucidated AICAR’s protective role in acute kidney injury (AKI). By activating AMPK, AICAR significantly downregulates TXNIP and NLRP3, blocks Caspase-1-dependent release of IL-1β and IL-18, and ultimately suppresses pyroptosis (inflammatory cell death), thereby alleviating renal inflammatory injury . It also restores mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP levels, and reduces reactive oxygen species production, simultaneously regulating “pyroptosis inhibition” and “energy metabolism remodeling” .
• Cancer Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis: In cancer research, AICAR has been shown to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in certain cell types. In human leukemia cells, AICAR increases levels of p53, the cdk inhibitor p27, and p38-MAPK, leading to cell cycle arrest in G1-phase and apoptosis . It also activates TSC2, reducing levels of mTOR, a key regulator of the PI3K/Akt pathway necessary for cell proliferation .
• Sarcopenia and Age-Related Muscle Decline: Chronic AICAR treatment in aged mice (23 months old) prevented the decline in treadmill running performance observed in control animals, increased quadricep weight by ~8%, and increased tetanic force production by the EDL muscle by 26.4% . These phenotypic improvements were accompanied by gene expression changes consistent with the “rejuvenation” of gene ontologies associated with connective tissue, neurodegenerative disease, Akt signaling, and mitochondrial function .
• Cardiovascular and Atherosclerosis Research: Studies in dyslipidemic mice have shown that AICAR treatment in macrophages (as an exercise mimetic) increases expression of Abca1 and Cd36, key genes involved in cholesterol flux and reverse cholesterol transport, suggesting a potential role in preventing atherogenesis .

🧪 Product Specifications & Technical Data

At Buy Peptides Online USA, we ensure your research is built on a foundation of quality and consistency. This compound is manufactured to rigorous laboratory standards and verified through advanced analytical methods.

Key Research Findings Summary

AICAR’s effects across diverse research models highlight its utility as a multi-faceted research tool:

✅ Why Choose Buy Peptides Online USA for Your Research?

Sourcing reliable research compounds is critical for reproducible, high-impact science. Here is why researchers across the USA trust us:

• Verified Purity & Potency: We provide access to Certificates of Analysis (COA) and rely on advanced analytical methods like High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) to confirm the identity and purity (≥98%) of every batch . This commitment ensures the integrity of your experimental data.
• GMP Manufactured: Our peptides are manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, ensuring consistent quality and reliability for your research .
• Research-Focused Integrity: We strictly adhere to research-use-only (RUO) guidelines. Our product descriptions are factual, focusing on chemical properties and cited research applications, never unverified human-use claims. This product is not for diagnostic use .
• Fast & Discreet USA Shipping: We offer fast, reliable shipping across the United States with discreet packaging to ensure your order arrives safely, professionally, and on time for your critical research timelines. Enjoy free shipping on orders over $300.
• Expert Support & Authenticity Guarantee: Our team provides technical consultation to support your work. We stand behind the authenticity and quality of all our products, offering a product replacement service and clear complaint handling.

📝 Handling, Storage, & Important Safety Information

• Critical Storage Information: Upon receipt, store the lyophilized powder in the refrigerator at 2-8°C (36-46°F) . Keep in a cool, dry place, protected from light. Proper storage is essential to maintain stability throughout the 12-month shelf life .
• Handling for Research Use: This product is for laboratory use only by qualified professionals. Use proper aseptic technique when reconstituting for research models. Follow your institutional animal care and use protocols for all in vivo studies. Avoid inhalation of dusts from the powder .
• Safety Considerations: AICAR may cause skin and eye irritation, as well as respiratory irritation . Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including lab coats, safety glasses, and nitrile gloves. In case of eye contact, rinse cautiously with water for several minutes .
• Warning: This product is not for human or veterinary use. It is not a drug, food, or cosmetic. Not for human consumption or diagnostic use. For laboratory research only .

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the primary mechanism of action for AICAR in research?

A: AICAR is a cell-permeable nucleoside that, once inside cells, is phosphorylated to form ZMP, an AMP analog. ZMP then binds to and activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) , the master regulator of cellular energy homeostasis . This activation triggers downstream effects on metabolism, autophagy, gene expression, and cell survival.

Q: How does AICAR function as an “exercise mimetic” in research?

A: AICAR activates AMPK, which is also activated by exercise. In old mice, chronic AICAR treatment prevented age-related declines in running performance, increased muscle mass and force production, and elevated mitochondrial markers (cytochrome C, citrate synthase) . It also altered gene expression in ways consistent with improved metabolic signaling and mitochondrial function, mimicking some effects of exercise training .

Q: What are the key applications of AICAR in neurodegeneration research?

A: AICAR is valuable in neurodegeneration research due to its ability to induce autophagy through AMPK-mediated phosphorylation of ULK1, which helps clear misfolded proteins and damaged organelles implicated in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases . It also enhances neuronal survival under metabolic stress .

Q: What have studies shown about AICAR’s anti-inflammatory effects?

A: In nasal polyp epithelial cells, AICAR pretreatment significantly reduced secretion of the inflammatory mediators TSLP (by 60%) and eotaxin-3 (by 80%) . In renal injury models, AICAR suppressed pyroptosis by downregulating the TXNIP-NLRP3 pathway, reducing inflammatory cell death .

Q: How do you verify the purity and identity of AICAR?

A: We ensure every batch is rigorously analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) . HPLC confirms a purity level of ≥98% , while Mass Spectrometry verifies the precise molecular weight (258.23 g/mol), ensuring the correct chemical structure and identity .

Q: What are the critical storage conditions for AICAR?

A: Store the lyophilized powder in the refrigerator at 2-8°C (36-46°F) , protected from light and moisture. It has a shelf life of 12 months when stored properly . Once reconstituted, aliquot and store frozen, and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles .

Q: What are the known safety considerations for handling AICAR in the lab?

A: AICAR may cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation . Always wear appropriate PPE, including lab coats, safety glasses, and nitrile gloves. Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid generating aerosols.

Q: Is AICAR prohibited in sports research?

A: Yes, researchers should be aware that AICAR is classified as a metabolic modulator and AMPK activator, and is included on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List. It is intended for legitimate scientific research only and not for any applications involving human subjects.

Ready to Advance Your Research? 🚀

Equip your laboratory with a powerful tool for studying energy metabolism, cellular stress responses, and exercise-mimetic pathways. Order the high-purity AICAR Peptide (50mg vial) today from Buy Peptides Online USA. Benefit from our fast USA shipping, secure payments (including crypto), and the confidence that comes from rigorously tested, GMP-manufactured research compounds. For any questions about this product or your order, our support team is here to provide technical consultation.