AICAR 50mg

AICAR 50mg (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside)

AICAR is a nucleoside analog that functions as an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator in preclinical models. It mimics AMP signaling, enabling investigation of metabolic stress responses and energy homeostasis in cultured cell systems without genetic manipulation. Every batch from Peptides Source is third-party tested to over 98% purity by HPLC, ships with a Certificate of Analysis, and is made in the USA. For laboratory research use only.

Mechanism of Action

AICAR is phosphorylated to ZMP (5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside monophosphate) by adenosine kinase. ZMP structurally resembles AMP and activates AMPK through allosteric binding, promoting cellular energy-sensing responses. Preclinical studies in hepatocytes, myocytes, and adipocytes have documented increased glucose uptake, enhanced oxidative metabolism, and altered lipid handling independent of AMP-dependent mechanisms.

Preclinical Research

American Journal of Physiology (2003) first characterized AICAR’s AMPK-activating properties in isolated muscle and liver cells, documenting dose-dependent phosphorylation of AMPK substrates (ACC, GSK-3β). Subsequent Diabetes publications (2007, 2009) examined cellular metabolic effects, reporting increased fatty-acid oxidation and reduced triglyceride accumulation in treated adipocyte cultures. Cell Metabolism (2012) confirmed AMPK activation across multiple tissue types. All references describe preclinical (in vitro / animal-model) research.

Research Applications

AICAR is widely employed in mitochondrial-function assays, metabolic-flexibility studies, and cellular stress-response protocols. Researchers use it to investigate AMPK-dependent signaling pathways, NAD+ metabolism, and sirtuin activation in laboratory cell cultures, typically at 0.5–2 mM concentrations in acute experiments with measurable dose-response relationships.

Protocol & Handling

AICAR 50mg is supplied as a lyophilized powder. It is water-soluble and reconstitutes readily in sterile bacteriostatic water or PBS, yielding clear stock solutions at concentrations up to approximately 50 mM. Store the lyophilized powder at -20°C, desiccated and sealed (minimum ~18 months stability). Hold reconstituted solution at 4°C for short-term use, or aliquot and freeze at -20°C to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Specifications

• Form: 50mg lyophilized powder
• Purity: greater than 98% by HPLC, Certificate of Analysis included
• Solubility: water-soluble in sterile water or PBS
• Origin: made in the USA

AICAR Frequently Asked Questions

What is AICAR?

AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside) is a nucleoside analog studied as a direct AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator in preclinical and cell-culture research.

How does AICAR work in research models?

In cultured cells, AICAR is converted to ZMP, which mimics AMP and activates AMPK through allosteric binding, allowing researchers to study cellular energy-sensing and metabolic pathways.

What purity is Peptides Source AICAR?

Every batch is third-party tested to greater than 98% purity by HPLC and ships with a Certificate of Analysis. It is made in the USA.

How is AICAR reconstituted and stored?

Reconstitute the lyophilized powder in sterile bacteriostatic water or PBS. Store the powder at -20°C desiccated; keep reconstituted solution at 4°C short-term or frozen in aliquots.

What concentrations are used in AICAR studies?

Published in-vitro literature commonly applies AICAR at 0.5–2 mM in acute treatment experiments, with dose-response relationships reported across hepatocyte, myocyte, and adipocyte models.

Is AICAR for human use?

No. AICAR is sold strictly as a research chemical for laboratory and in-vitro use by qualified professionals. It is not for human or animal consumption and is not a drug, food, or cosmetic.

Research Use Only

This product is intended exclusively for in-vitro preclinical research. It is not approved for human consumption, clinical use, or in-vivo animal studies without institutional authorization. Researchers must comply with institutional chemical safety and biosafety protocols.