AICAR

Description

AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide, also known as Acadesine) is a cell-permeable nucleoside analog that acts as a potent activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a central regulator of cellular energy homeostasis. Upon cellular uptake, AICAR is phosphorylated to ZMP (AICA ribotide), which mimics AMP and activates AMPK allosterically. AMPK activation triggers a cascade of metabolic effects including enhanced glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis, while suppressing energy-consuming processes such as lipogenesis and protein synthesis. AICAR has gained significant attention as an ‘exercise mimetic’ due to its ability to activate many of the same metabolic pathways engaged during physical exercise. It is widely used in metabolic research as a pharmacological tool for studying AMPK-dependent signaling. Supplied as a lyophilized powder. For research use only.