AICAR

AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside) is a cell-permeable nucleoside analog that is phosphorylated intracellularly by adenosine kinase to AICA-ribotide (ZMP). ZMP is a structural analog of AMP that directly activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) by mimicking the signal of low cellular energy status.

AMPK activation by AICAR/ZMP triggers a coordinated metabolic reprogramming: upregulating fatty acid beta-oxidation, glucose transporter GLUT4 expression, and mitochondrial biogenesis while simultaneously suppressing fatty acid synthesis, gluconeogenesis, and protein synthesis. Because of these effects, AICAR has been extensively studied as an exercise mimetic, particularly in sedentary animal models where it replicates some molecular adaptations of endurance training.

• AMPK activation via ZMP and AMP-mimicking signaling studies
• Fatty acid beta-oxidation and energy substrate utilization research
• Exercise mimicry and endurance physiology models
• GLUT4 upregulation and skeletal muscle glucose uptake studies
• Mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1α) stimulation research
• Gluconeogenesis suppression and hepatic glucose metabolism

Dose levels referenced by the MVLabs peptide calculator, shown for research reference only:

AMPK activator studied as an exercise mimetic. Research doses vary widely; values shown are illustrative only.

Research reference only — not dosing guidance for human use. Use the calculator for other vials or volumes.

Supplied as a lyophilized powder. Store at 2–8 °C on receipt; protect from heat, light and moisture, and avoid excessive agitation. If reconstitution is required for laboratory work, use sterile technique — bacteriostatic water, or 0.6% acetic acid for low-solubility peptides. Protocols vary by research application.