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 |
Lyophilized powder |
| Purity |
≥99% by HPLC — every batch |
| CAS Number |
2627-69-2 |
| Also Known As |
Acadesine, AICA Ribonucleotide, ZMP precursor |
| Molecular Formula |
C₉H₁₄N₄O₈P |
| Molecular Weight |
338.21 g/mol (free acid) |
| Mechanism |
Intracellular phosphorylation → ZMP → AMPK Thr172 allosteric activation |
| Peptide Type |
Nucleoside analogue / AMPK activator — exercise-mimetic |
| Identity |
MS molecular weight confirmed — every batch |
| COA |
Janoshik-independent, publicly verifiable |
| Manufacture |
In-house Fmoc SPPS — Qingdao, China |
| Storage |
-20°C sealed | 2–8°C reconstituted (2–4 weeks) |
| Shelf Life |
24 months unopened |
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AICAR and how does it activate AMPK?
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.
What research applications is AICAR used for?
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.
How is AICAR reconstituted?
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.
How should AICAR be stored?
Store lyophilized AICAR at -20 degrees C away from moisture and light. Once reconstituted, store at 4 degrees C and use within 7 days; for extended storage, aliquot and freeze at -20 degrees C, avoiding repeated freeze-thaw cycles. AICAR is stable in neutral aqueous solution but degrades under strongly acidic or alkaline conditions.
What purity is Vesta AICAR and how is it verified?
Vesta AICAR is tested to 99% or greater purity by HPLC peak area analysis on every production batch. Molecular identity is confirmed by mass spectrometry (MW 338.21 Da). A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available on the product page and independently verifiable at verify.janoshik.com using the batch reference number.
What is the difference between the AICAR 50mg and 100mg vials?
Vial dose determines working stock concentration and experimental aliquot count per vial. 50mg vials suit lower-throughput or pilot experiments; 100mg vials offer better economy for sustained programs. Both formats are identical in purity (99% HPLC minimum) and manufacturing origin. The 10-vial kit provides 500mg or 1000mg total; the 20-vial kit provides 1000mg or 2000mg total respectively.
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