AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside), also known as Acadesine, is a widely studied compound used in molecular biology to activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key regulator of cellular energy balance.
Researchers rely on AICAR to investigate metabolic signaling, inflammation pathways, and cellular adaptation to energy stress.
What Is AICAR?
Buy AICAR is a pharmacological activator of AMPK, an enzyme that functions as a central metabolic sensor responding to changes in cellular energy levels.
Once inside the cell, it is converted into a nucleotide analog that binds to AMPK and stimulates its activity, enabling scientists to study how cells regulate energy use and stress responses.
Chemical and Technical Characteristics
Research-grade AICAR is typically supplied as a high-purity powder (≥98%) with a molecular formula of C₉H₁₄N₄O₅ and is soluble in water or DMSO, making it suitable for in-vitro and biochemical applications.
It is commonly stored at −20 °C to maintain stability over extended research use.
These standardized properties allow reproducible results across metabolic, pharmacological, and signaling experiments.
Role of AMPK in Cellular Metabolism
AMPK acts as a master regulator that shifts cells from energy-consuming anabolic pathways to energy-producing catabolic processes when ATP levels drop.
Activation of AMPK has been shown to:
-
Increase fatty-acid oxidation and glucose uptake
-
Reduce lipid and cholesterol synthesis
-
Promote metabolic adaptation during energy stress
Because of these effects, AMPK is widely studied in metabolic disease, exercise physiology, and cellular bioenergetics research.
Applications of AICAR in Scientific Studies
1. Metabolic Research
AICAR has been used for decades to explore metabolic pathways linked to AMPK activation in liver, muscle, and other tissues.
2. Inflammation and Immune Signaling
Studies show AICAR can suppress inflammatory gene expression in immune cells, highlighting its importance in investigating inflammation-related pathways.
3. Muscle and Energy-Balance Studies
Experimental models demonstrate that AMPK activators, including AICAR, may help prevent inflammation-associated muscle wasting, making them useful in cachexia and metabolic disorder research.
4. Cellular Structure and Signaling
Research also shows AICAR can induce AMPK-dependent phosphorylation and structural changes in cells, confirming its utility as a biochemical probe.
Beyond AMPK: Additional Biological Effects
While AICAR is widely used as an AMPK activator, researchers note it can exert additional AMPK-independent effects, meaning experimental design must account for broader signaling activity.
This dual action makes it valuable for exploratory studies investigating complex metabolic regulation.
Why Researchers Choose AICAR for Laboratory Work
AICAR remains a trusted compound in early-stage pathway analysis and screening experiments due to its long history of use and well-characterized biological effects.
Its ability to mimic cellular energy stress makes it especially useful for studying mitochondrial function, metabolic diseases, and adaptive signaling responses.
Conclusion
AICAR continues to play a significant role in advancing our understanding of cellular metabolism and AMPK-mediated signaling. With well-documented biochemical activity and decades of experimental validation, it serves as a powerful research tool for laboratories investigating energy regulation, inflammation, and metabolic adaptation.