AICAR: A Laboratory Research Reference

AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) is a synthetic nucleoside analogue commonly used as a research tool to activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). It is studied in laboratory research for its influence on cellular energy metabolism.

This page is a non-promotional scientific reference for researchers. It summarises the chemical identity, molecular characteristics, mechanism as described in the literature, research areas, and analytical testing of AICAR. It does not provide dosing, therapeutic, or human-use guidance of any kind. AICAR supplied by Bulk Aussie Peptides is for laboratory research purposes only.

What Is AICAR?

AICAR is a nucleoside analogue that, when taken up by cells, is phosphorylated to the monophosphate derivative ZMP (5-aminoimidazole-4- carboxamide ribotide). ZMP mimics the activating effects of AMP on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), both promoting its phosphorylation and providing allosteric activation, without perturbing cellular ATP, ADP, or AMP levels. This property has made AICAR a standard reference activator for studying AMPK-dependent metabolism.

For background on how research compounds are produced and characterised, see the synthetic peptides research guide.

Molecular Characteristics

Several molecular properties are used to identify AICAR in analytical documentation:

• Classification: a synthetic nucleoside analogue (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide/riboside), used as an AMPK activator.
• Active metabolite: ZMP (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribotide), formed intracellularly by phosphorylation.
• Molecular weight: reported in Daltons (Da) on product documentation; the measured value on a Certificate of Analysis should be compared against the theoretical mass derived from the structure.
• Physical form: supplied as a lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder, the standard presentation for research-grade small molecules.

How AICAR Works

AICAR is taken up by cells and phosphorylated to ZMP, which mimics AMP in activating AMPK through a dual mechanism: it promotes phosphorylation of AMPK by an upstream kinase and provides allosteric activation. AMPK activation in turn influences a broad network of metabolic pathways, including glucose transport in skeletal muscle. An important caveat in interpreting results is that a growing number of AICAR effects have been found to be independent of AMPK.

These observations describe a research tool’s pharmacology in model systems; they do not constitute a therapeutic use.

Areas of Scientific Research

The research literature describes several lines of investigation involving AICAR:

• AMPK signalling: studies of AMPK activation and downstream metabolic effects.
• Glucose metabolism: investigation of glucose transport and insulin-related signalling in skeletal muscle.
• Metabolic disease models: work on hepatic steatosis, tumour metabolism, and energy homeostasis.

These investigations are conducted in vitro or in approved animal research models under institutional oversight. They do not translate to approved human use.

Analytical Testing

As with other research compounds, AICAR is characterised using:

• HPLC for purity assessment, reported as a percentage of total peak area.
• Mass spectrometry for identity confirmation, by comparing measured molecular mass to the theoretical value.

Guidance on interpreting the resulting documents is available in the article on how to read a Certificate of Analysis.

Storage and Handling

In a laboratory context, lyophilised AICAR is typically stored in a freezer, protected from light and moisture, and handled according to the product-specific documentation. Once reconstituted, the resulting solution is refrigerated and used within the timeframe stated in the documentation. General guidance is covered in the peptide storage and stability reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is AICAR? AICAR is a synthetic nucleoside analogue used as an AMPK activator in research.
• What does AICAR stand for? It stands for 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (or riboside).
• How does AICAR activate AMPK? It is phosphorylated to ZMP, which mimics AMP in activating AMPK.
• What is AICAR studied for? It is investigated in laboratory models for AMPK signalling and energy-metabolism regulation.
• How is AICAR purity tested? Purity is commonly estimated by HPLC, while identity is confirmed by mass spectrometry.

References

• Corton, J. M., Gillespie, J. G., Hawley, S. A., & Hardie, D. G. (1995). 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside: a specific method for activating AMP-activated protein kinase in intact cells? European Journal of Biochemistry, 229(2), 558–565. PubMed 7744080
• Visnjic, D., Lalic, H., Dembitz, V., et al. (2021). AICAr, a widely used AMPK activator with important AMPK-independent effects: a systematic review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. PubMed 34064363

Related Research Resources

• MOTS-c: A Laboratory Research Reference — a mitochondrial peptide studied in metabolic signalling.
• Synthetic Peptides: Research Guide — how research compounds are produced and verified.
• SS-31: A Laboratory Research Reference — a peptide targeting cellular energy function.